Alexander CalderThe Large Pyramids1975
1975
About the Item
- Creator:Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976, American)
- Creation Year:1975
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 43 in (109.22 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:San Francisco, CA
- Reference Number:
Alexander Calder
The American sculptor Alexander Calder is known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling.
Because Calder's parents, both artists themselves, did not want him to suffer the hardships of trying to make a living in art, they encouraged the young Calder to study mechanical engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology, in Hoboken, New Jersey. He worked a number of jobs, including as a hydraulic engineer and draftsman for the New York Edison Company, before deciding to pursue an artistic career. He never abandoned his engineering background, however, applying his understanding of gears and moving parts in all his artworks, from mechanical toys like the Cirque Calder (1931) and his revered prints to his free-standing abstract sculptures, called stabiles.
In 1926, Calder moved to Paris and established a studio in the Montparnasse quarter. He began creating the many parts of his famous miniature circus from found materials, such as wire, string, cloth, rubber and cork. Designed to be transportable, Cirque grew to fill five suitcases over the years. Always interested in putting forms in motion, Calder also pioneered a new art form called wire sculptures, which he described as “drawings in space.” Like his famous mobiles, the wire sculptures were suspended so that they turned with any movement of the air, presenting different forms when viewed from different angles.
In the 1950s, Calder returned to his roots in mechanical engineering, creating monumental abstract sculptures that verged on the architectural. He worked from loose gestural drawings like this preparatory sketch for his Man Stabile, from 1966. Throughout his career, he also worked as a set designer for the theater, as well as an illustrator and printmaker, producing vibrant, whimsical drawings for books and journals.
Find original Alexander Calder art today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: San Francisco, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Untitled (from Club/Spade Group ’81-82)By Richard DiebenkornLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal lithograph printed in 6 colors on Arches Cover wove paper Hand-signed with the artist’s monogram and dated in pencil at the lower right sheet tip RD82. A superb impression of the definitive state, from the edition of 250, numbered in pencil at the lower left sheet tip. One of 8 plates by various artists from the portfolio Eight by Eight to Celebrate the Temporary Contemporary, published by The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; printed by Krystine Graziano, Kenneth Farley, Alan Holoubek, James Reid...Category
1980s Post-War Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Untitled (SF-343)By Sam FrancisLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal lithograph printed in 6 colors (light yellow, golden yellow, yellow-green, light ultramarine blue, purple, red on PTI #120 Waterleaf wove paper Hand-signed in pencil lower ...Category
1990s Post-War Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- The Birth of the UnexpectedBy Alexander CalderLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal lithograph printed in five colors (black, blue, red, yellow, grey) on Arches wove paper Hand-signed in pencil lower right Calder. A superb impression of the definitive st...Category
1970s Pop Art Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Untitled (SF-344)By Sam FrancisLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal lithograph printed in five colors (yellow, red, green, ultramarine blue, thalo blue) on PTI #120 Waterleaf wove paper. Hand-signed in pencil lower left Sam Francis. A su...Category
1990s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Concert Hall Set IIIBy Sam FrancisLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal lithograph printed in 6 colors (yellow, yellow-green, light blue, magenta, turquoise, dark blue) from 6 aluminum plates on BFK Rive wove paper Hand-signed in pencil lower r...Category
1970s Post-War Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Concert Hall Set IIIBy Sam FrancisLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal lithograph printed in 6 colors (yellow, yellow-green, light blue, magenta, turquoise, dark blue) from 6 aluminum plates on BFK Rive wove paper Hand-signed in pencil lower r...Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- SeascapeBy Alexander CalderLocated in ZEIST, UTAlexander Calder- Seascape Color lithograph on creme Arches paper, 1974 Edition of 150 Signed in pencil, lower right Numbered (105/ 150) in pencil, lower left With blindstamp, lower ...Category
1970s American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Le Reve de ParisBy Marc ChagallLocated in New York, NYMarc Chagall Le Rêve de Paris (Paris Dream), 1969-70 Color lithograph on Arches wove paper 35 3/8 in x 25 1/4 in (90 cm x 64 cm) 40 1/8 in x 28 1/8 in (101.8 cm x 71.5 cm) Numbered f...Category
1960s Modern Figurative Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Le Corsage RayeBy Pablo PicassoLocated in New York, NYPablo Picasso (1881-1873) Le Corsage Raye, 1978 Initialed FM in pencil by Fernand Mourlot Lithograph on Arches paper 36 × 30 in 91.4 × 76.2 cm 42/300Category
1970s Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Alvar Sunol Munoz-Ramos "Untitled", limited edition signed lithograph on paperBy Alvar Sunol Munoz-RamosLocated in Glenview, IL"Untitled" by well known Spanish artist Alvar Sunol Munoz-Ramos is a limited edition lithograph representing a female portrait with a bird behind a table with fruits, leafs and a mug...Category
1980s Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Lullaby Sketches: black white drawing based on Auden poetry and Yorkshire landsBy Henry MooreLocated in New York, NYOne of a series of 18 lithographs drawn by the artist for the Auden Poems/Moore Lithographs 1974 book and portfolio. This work is from an edition of 25 printed on vellum aside from t...Category
Late 20th Century Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- The Cavern: abstract black drawing based on Auden poetry and Yorkshire landscapeBy Henry MooreLocated in New York, NYOne of a series of 18 lithographs drawn by the artist for the Auden Poems/Moore Lithographs 1974 book and portfolio. This work is from an edition of 25 printed on vellum aside from t...Category
Late 20th Century Modern Landscape Prints
MaterialsLithograph
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Renowned for His Mobiles, Alexander Calder Was Also Adept at Crafting Modernist Jewelry
There are no sparkling gemstones on this necklace, but its value far exceeds the cost of its materials.
10 Must-Visit American Public Sculptures
Get your dose of Vitamin D while surveying works by the likes of Alexander Calder, Keith Haring and Pablo Picasso.