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Alexander Calder Signed Lithographs

Alexander Calder Signed & Stamped Vintage Framed Lithograph "Sky Swirl" 1975
Alexander Calder Signed & Stamped Vintage Framed Lithograph "Sky Swirl" 1975

Alexander Calder Signed & Stamped Vintage Framed Lithograph "Sky Swirl" 1975

By Alexander Calder

Located in North Miami, FL

This original vintage SIGNED and STAMPED Alexander Calder lithograph in original frame from 1974

Category

Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Alexander Calder -- Rain
Alexander Calder -- Rain

Alexander Calder -- Rain

By Alexander Calder

Located in BRUCE, ACT

Alexander Calder Rain, 1972 Lithograph Hand signed lower right Numbered HC VIII / XX Printed by

Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

Recent Sales

Couleurs au Choix (Snakes)

Alexander CalderCouleurs au Choix (Snakes), 1973

Unavailable

H 22.05 in W 29.93 in

Couleurs au Choix (Snakes)

By Alexander Calder

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Original Alexander Calder signed lithograph in colors on Arches paper. From the pencil signed and

Category

1960s Modern Animal Prints

Materials

Color, Lithograph, Paper

Alexander Calder "Mountain Peaks" Lithograph Signed and Numbered in Pencil
Alexander Calder "Mountain Peaks" Lithograph Signed and Numbered in Pencil

Alexander Calder "Mountain Peaks" Lithograph Signed and Numbered in Pencil

By Alexander Calder

Located in Long Beach, CA

Alexander Calder "Mountain Peaks" Lithograph signed and numbered in pencil. A wonderful calder

Category

20th Century American Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Flight from Tyranny: for Amnesty International, 1975 Alexander Calder
Flight from Tyranny: for Amnesty International, 1975 Alexander Calder

Flight from Tyranny: for Amnesty International, 1975 Alexander Calder

Located in Pewsey, GB

Flight from Tyranny: For Amnesty International, 1975 by Alexander Calder Hand-signed, limited

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder Signed Framed Abstract Lithograph
Alexander Calder Signed Framed Abstract Lithograph

Alexander Calder Signed Framed Abstract Lithograph

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H 17.75 in W 25.75 in D 0.75 in

Alexander Calder Signed Framed Abstract Lithograph

By Alexander Calder

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This is a signed and authenticated Alexander Calder lithograph dated 1969 and seems to be a an

Category

Vintage 1960s American American Classical Prints

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder signed and numbered lithograph
Alexander Calder signed and numbered lithograph

Alexander Calder signed and numbered lithograph

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H 16.15 in W 13 in D 1.19 in

Alexander Calder signed and numbered lithograph

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in London, GB

A signed with initials AC and numbered 18/30 Alexander Calder. Rocks & Sun lithograph. This work is

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Pine, Paper

Alexander Calder 1969 Lithograph Signed and Dated
Alexander Calder 1969 Lithograph Signed and Dated

Alexander Calder 1969 Lithograph Signed and Dated

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H 39.25 in W 28.25 in L 39.25 in

Alexander Calder 1969 Lithograph Signed and Dated

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Locust Valley, NY

Alexander Calder lithograph, signed and dated 1969, lower right corner. Framed composition under

Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Art

Materials

Paint

Alexander Calder Signed & Stamped Vintage Lithograph "Sky Swirl" 1974
Alexander Calder Signed & Stamped Vintage Lithograph "Sky Swirl" 1974

Alexander Calder Signed & Stamped Vintage Lithograph "Sky Swirl" 1974

By Alexander Calder

Located in North Miami, FL

This original vintage SIGNED and STAMPED Alexander Calder lithograph in original frame from 1974

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder "Squash Blossoms" Signed Lithograph Artist Proof 1970s
Alexander Calder "Squash Blossoms" Signed Lithograph Artist Proof 1970s

Alexander Calder "Squash Blossoms" Signed Lithograph Artist Proof 1970s

By Alexander Calder

Located in Oxnard, CA

Alexander Calder (1898-1976) "Squash Blossoms" lithograph, circa 1973 Artist proof Newly framed: 22

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Mid-20th Century American Lithograph Signed by Alexander Calder
Mid-20th Century American Lithograph Signed by Alexander Calder

Mid-20th Century American Lithograph Signed by Alexander Calder

By Alexander Calder

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Mid-20th century "Untitled and Abstract" lithograph signed by Alexander Calder. American, 1898-1976

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Prints

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder Lithograph on Arches Paper, Untitled, 1962, Signed/Numbered
Alexander Calder Lithograph on Arches Paper, Untitled, 1962, Signed/Numbered

Alexander Calder Lithograph on Arches Paper, Untitled, 1962, Signed/Numbered

By Alexander Calder

Located in Pawtucket, RI

Attractive Alexander Calder Lithograph on Arches Paper, Untitled, 1962. Signed and numbered 89/100

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Mid Century Modern Alexander Calder Signed Asymetrie 1972 Lithograph Framed
Mid Century Modern Alexander Calder Signed Asymetrie 1972 Lithograph Framed

Mid Century Modern Alexander Calder Signed Asymetrie 1972 Lithograph Framed

By Alexander Calder

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is an outstanding, framed lithograph, titled "Asymetrie" from 1972, signed

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Modern Framed Lithograph Signed & Numbered, Alexander Calder, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Framed Lithograph Signed & Numbered, Alexander Calder, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Framed Lithograph Signed & Numbered, Alexander Calder, 1970s

By Alexander Calder

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a fun, prime color, lithograph on cream woven paper, pencil signed and

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder Lithograph, Petite Triangles Artist Edition
Alexander Calder Lithograph, Petite Triangles Artist Edition

Alexander Calder Lithograph, Petite Triangles Artist Edition

By Alexander Calder

Located in Westport, CT

Alexander Calder lithograph signed in pencil petite triangles artist edition.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Art

Chevrons Noir sur Rouge et Jaune - Pencil Signed Alexander Calder Lithograph
Chevrons Noir sur Rouge et Jaune - Pencil Signed Alexander Calder Lithograph

Chevrons Noir sur Rouge et Jaune - Pencil Signed Alexander Calder Lithograph

By Alexander Calder

Located in North Miami, FL

Chevrons Noir sur Rouge et Jaune, 1960, lithograph in colors by Alexander Calder (1898-1976) pencil

Category

Vintage 1960s American Prints

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Alexander Calder Signed & Numbered 37/100 Vertical flags Lithograph 1970's
Alexander Calder Signed & Numbered 37/100 Vertical flags Lithograph 1970's

Alexander Calder Signed & Numbered 37/100 Vertical flags Lithograph 1970's

By Alexander Calder

Located in San Diego, CA

Vibrant colors 1970's pencil signed & numbered 37/100 rare and collectible Litho in plexiglass box

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Plexiglass, Paper

Mid-Century Modern Framed McGovern Lithograph Signed Alexander Calder 5/75 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Framed McGovern Lithograph Signed Alexander Calder 5/75 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Framed McGovern Lithograph Signed Alexander Calder 5/75 1970s

By Alexander Calder

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a magnificent, framed lithograph, depicting the name "McGovern," signed

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Modern Framed Signed Alexander Calder A.P. Lithograph Red Blue
Mid-Century Modern Framed Signed Alexander Calder A.P. Lithograph Red Blue

Mid-Century Modern Framed Signed Alexander Calder A.P. Lithograph Red Blue

By Alexander Calder

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a wonderful, framed, E.C. lithograph, pencil signed by Alexander Calder

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Modern Framed Signed Alexander Calder A.P. Lithograph Sun Orange
Mid-Century Modern Framed Signed Alexander Calder A.P. Lithograph Sun Orange

Mid-Century Modern Framed Signed Alexander Calder A.P. Lithograph Sun Orange

By Alexander Calder

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is an entrancing, framed, E.C. lithograph, pencil signed by Alexander Calder

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Modern Framed Signed Calder Pyramid Lithograph Orange Red Shapes
Mid-Century Modern Framed Signed Calder Pyramid Lithograph Orange Red Shapes

Mid-Century Modern Framed Signed Calder Pyramid Lithograph Orange Red Shapes

By Alexander Calder

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

memory edition) pencil signed by Alexander Calder and numbered 30/50. In excellent condition. The

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Lithograph by Alexander Calder. Signed
Lithograph by Alexander Calder. Signed

Lithograph by Alexander Calder. Signed

Located in North Miami, FL

A signed Lithograph entitled "Three Onions" by Alexander CalderThis is a lithograph with color.

Category

20th Century American Prints

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder Lithograph
Alexander Calder Lithograph

Alexander Calder Lithograph

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H 31 in W 22 in

Alexander Calder Lithograph

Located in Ferndale, MI

Alexander Calder Lithograph Signed Calder EA in Pencil

Category

20th Century American Prints

Alexander Calder, Color lithograph, Signed and Numbered 1/115
Alexander Calder, Color lithograph, Signed and Numbered 1/115

Alexander Calder, Color lithograph, Signed and Numbered 1/115

Located in New York, NY

Alexander Calder (American 1898-1976) Untitled Color lithograph 30.5 x 22 inches (77.5 x 55.9 cm

Category

20th Century American Prints

1970s Abstract Italian Midcentury Unframed Lithograph Signed & Numbered
1970s Abstract Italian Midcentury Unframed Lithograph Signed & Numbered

1970s Abstract Italian Midcentury Unframed Lithograph Signed & Numbered

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful abstract modern signed and numbered litho, i can't figure the signature we purchased this

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Large, Signed, Alexander Calder Lithograph
Large, Signed, Alexander Calder Lithograph

Large, Signed, Alexander Calder Lithograph

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H 36.25 in W 49.75 in D 1.5 in

Large, Signed, Alexander Calder Lithograph

By Alexander Calder

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Signed, dated and numbered (140 /150), 1973 lithograph by iconic, American artist, Alexander Calder

Category

Vintage 1970s American Prints

Alexander Calder “Stabiles” Signed Lithograph
Alexander Calder “Stabiles” Signed Lithograph

Alexander Calder “Stabiles” Signed Lithograph

By Alexander Calder

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

wide by 27 inches high. Hand signed and numbered 96 of an edition of 100 signed Calder. The frame does

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder circa 1971 Signed Artist Proof Lithograph Balloons
Alexander Calder circa 1971 Signed Artist Proof Lithograph Balloons

Alexander Calder circa 1971 Signed Artist Proof Lithograph Balloons

By Alexander Calder

Located in Tustin, CA

Alexander Calder circa 1971 signed artist proof lithograph balloons. An artist's proof is a

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder Limited Edition Signed Lithograph Pyramids at Night, circa 1970
Alexander Calder Limited Edition Signed Lithograph Pyramids at Night, circa 1970

Alexander Calder Limited Edition Signed Lithograph Pyramids at Night, circa 1970

By Alexander Calder

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful and highly sought after image by famed American artist Alexander Calder often referred

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder - Fete de L’Humanite - HAND SIGNED
Alexander Calder - Fete de L’Humanite - HAND SIGNED

Alexander Calder - Fete de L’Humanite - HAND SIGNED

By Alexander Calder

Located in Brooklyn, NY

created by the renowned artist Alexander Calder for the United Nations portfolio. The print is part of an

Category

1960s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder, Hand-Signed Lithograph n.57/100 from "La Mémoire Elémentaire"
Alexander Calder, Hand-Signed Lithograph n.57/100 from "La Mémoire Elémentaire"

Alexander Calder, Hand-Signed Lithograph n.57/100 from "La Mémoire Elémentaire"

By Alexander Calder

Located in Renens, CH

like a handmade gouache than a lithograph. Signed and numbered in pencil 57/100 on wove paper. The

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Calder Pencil Signed and Numbered Color Lithograph, 1976, Elephants
Calder Pencil Signed and Numbered Color Lithograph, 1976, Elephants

Calder Pencil Signed and Numbered Color Lithograph, 1976, Elephants

By Alexander Calder

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Artist: Alexander Calder Medium: Lithograph Title: (Untitled - Elephants) Portfolio: Our

Category

Vintage 1970s Prints

Materials

Paper

Calder Pencil Signed and Numbered Color Lithograph, 1976, Sea Creatures
Calder Pencil Signed and Numbered Color Lithograph, 1976, Sea Creatures

Calder Pencil Signed and Numbered Color Lithograph, 1976, Sea Creatures

By Alexander Calder

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Artist: Alexander Calder Medium: Lithograph Title: (Untitled - Sea Creatures) Portfolio: Our

Category

Late 20th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Circles and triangle - Original signed lithograph
Circles and triangle - Original signed lithograph

Circles and triangle - Original signed lithograph

By Alexander Calder

Located in Paris, IDF

Alexander Calder Circles and triangle Original lithograph Printed signature in the plate On vellum

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Shining Sun, 1974 - Original lithograph, Signed
Shining Sun, 1974 - Original lithograph, Signed

Shining Sun, 1974 - Original lithograph, Signed

By Alexander Calder

Located in Paris, IDF

Alexander CALDER Shining Sun (Theatre du Soleil, Galerie Delpire), 1974 Original Lithograph

Category

1970s American Modern Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

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Fondation Maeght (Red, Yellow, Blue) /// Abstract Geometric Ellsworth Kelly
Fondation Maeght (Red, Yellow, Blue) /// Abstract Geometric Ellsworth Kelly

Fondation Maeght (Red, Yellow, Blue) /// Abstract Geometric Ellsworth Kelly

By Ellsworth Kelly

Located in Saint Augustine, FL

Artist: (after) Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923-2015) Title: "Fondation Maeght (Red, Yellow, Blue)" *Issued unsigned Year: 2005 Medium: Original Lithograph on Stonehenge paper Limite...

Category

Early 2000s Minimalist Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Fleur d'Helice
Fleur d'Helice

Alexander CalderFleur d'Helice, 1969

$25,000

H 29.5 in W 43.3 in

Fleur d'Helice

By Alexander Calder

Located in Miami, FL

Fleur d'Helice, 1969 Lithograph in colors on Chiffon de Mandeure paper Maeght Editeur, Paris 29.5 x 43.3 inches Signed and numbered in pencil, edition 62 of 75 Professionally framed...

Category

1960s Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Zigzag Sun and Crags
Zigzag Sun and Crags

Zigzag Sun and Crags

By Alexander Calder

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A painting by Alexander Calder. "Zigzag Sun and Crags" is a Post-War abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds, blacks, and blues by artist Alexander Calder....

Category

Mid-20th Century Post-War Abstract Paintings

Materials

Ink, Gouache

Bold Abstract Circles Color Lithograph Alexander Calder Unfinished Revolution
Bold Abstract Circles Color Lithograph Alexander Calder Unfinished Revolution

Bold Abstract Circles Color Lithograph Alexander Calder Unfinished Revolution

By Alexander Calder

Located in Surfside, FL

1975 Color Lithograph by Alexander Calder from Our Unfinished Revolution portfolio One of 250 copies, with the printed signature and date on offset paper. This is not pencil signed ...

Category

1970s American Modern Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Cradle - Contemporary, Nude, Women, Polaroid
Cradle - Contemporary, Nude, Women, Polaroid

Cradle - Contemporary, Nude, Women, Polaroid

By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde

Located in Morongo Valley, CA

'Cradle' part of the series 'Hands down' - 2019 50x50cm, Edition 5/7. archival C-Print based on the Polaroid. Signature label and certificate. Artist inventory PL2019-505. Not...

Category

2010s Contemporary Nude Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid

Discs and Spirals
Discs and Spirals

Discs and Spirals

By Alexander Calder

Located in Miami, FL

Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Signed: Calder (Lower, Right) Discs and Spirals, 1970 Lithograph in Colors on Wove Paper Sheet Size: 26” x 38” Numbered: Numbered from an editi...

Category

1970s Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder - Girandola - Hand-Signed Lithography, 1972
Alexander Calder - Girandola - Hand-Signed Lithography, 1972

Alexander Calder - Girandola - Hand-Signed Lithography, 1972

By Alexander Calder

Located in Varese, IT

Alexander Calder ( 1898 - 1976 ) - Girandola - hand-signed lithography, 1972 Additional information: Material: Color lithography on paper Edited in 1972 Limited edition in 100 copie...

Category

20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Seahorse

Alexander CalderSeahorse, 1975

$18,000

H 29.5 in W 21.25 in

Seahorse

By Alexander Calder

Located in New York, NY

Seahorse, 1975 Signed and numbered in pencil Color lithograph 29.5 x 21.25 inches Edition 100 of 125

Category

1970s Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Galactic Systems
Galactic Systems

Alexander CalderGalactic Systems, 1974

$16,000

H 20.4 in W 28.3 in

Galactic Systems

By Alexander Calder

Located in Miami, FL

Lithograph in colors on Arches paper, full sheet Published by Éditions de la Différence, Paris 20.4 x 28.3 inches Signed and numbered in pencil, from an edition of 100 copies Conditi...

Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

Calder, Soleil sur la Vagues (Red Sun Above the Waves), Alexander Calder
Calder, Soleil sur la Vagues (Red Sun Above the Waves), Alexander Calder

Calder, Soleil sur la Vagues (Red Sun Above the Waves), Alexander Calder

By Alexander Calder

Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Title: Soleil sur la Vagues (Red Sun Above the Waves) Year: 1976 Medium: Lithograph on Arches paper Size: 22.75 x 30.75 inches Condition: Good No...

Category

1970s Modern Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Spirale Nebula
Spirale Nebula

Alexander CalderSpirale Nebula, 1970

$9,600Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.5 in W 43.3 in

Spirale Nebula

By Alexander Calder

Located in Miami, FL

Spirale Nebula, 1970 Lithograph in colors on wove paper Printed by Mourlot, Paris 29.5 x 43.3 inches Signed and numbered in pencil, edition of 100 copies Professionally framed Alex...

Category

1970s Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Mickey Mouse

Alexander CalderMickey Mouse, 1974

$175,000

H 30 in W 43.375 in

Mickey Mouse

By Alexander Calder

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A painting by Alexander Calder. "Mickey Mouse" is a Post-War abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds, blacks, yellows, and oranges by artist Alexander Cald...

Category

Mid-20th Century Post-War Abstract Paintings

Materials

Ink, Gouache

Seascape
Seascape

Alexander CalderSeascape, 1974

$11,999

H 39.6 in W 28 in

Seascape

By Alexander Calder

Located in Miami, FL

Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) “Seascape”, 1974 Lithograph in Colors on Wove Paper Signed: Calder (Lower, Right) Sheet Size: 39 3/5 × 28 in Marked “EA”, apart from an editio...

Category

1970s Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder (1898–1976) – Taches de rousseurs from la mémoire élémentaire
Alexander Calder (1898–1976) – Taches de rousseurs from la mémoire élémentaire

Alexander Calder (1898–1976) – Taches de rousseurs from la mémoire élémentaire

By Alexander Calder

Located in Varese, IT

color lithograph , Edited in 1976 Limited edition , numbered as 20/100 in lower left corner.
 Hand-signed by artist in pencil in the lower right Paper size: 52 x 72 cm Excellent cond...

Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Theatre Du Soleil
Theatre Du Soleil

Alexander CalderTheatre Du Soleil, 1970

$7,000Sale Price|30% Off

H 24 in W 22 in D 1 in

Theatre Du Soleil

By Alexander Calder

Located in Miami, FL

Title: Theatre du Soleil Lithograph in colors on cream wove paper Edition: 17/125 Signed and numbered in pencil near the lower edge: Calder; titled in pencil verso Image: 19.25" H x ...

Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

Elephant and Rhinoceros - Original handsigned lithograph - 1966
Elephant and Rhinoceros - Original handsigned lithograph - 1966

Elephant and Rhinoceros - Original handsigned lithograph - 1966

By Alexander Calder

Located in Paris, IDF

Alexander CALDER Elephant and Rhinoceros, 1966 Lithograph Handsigned in pencil On Arches Vellum 38 x 28 cm (c. 15 x 11 in) Excellent condition, light text report on the lithograph ...

Category

1960s Pop Art Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph

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Alexander Calder Signed Lithographs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of alexander calder signed lithographs is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique alexander calder signed lithographs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using paper and paint. There are all kinds of alexander calder signed lithographs available, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of alexander calder signed lithographs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern and Modern alexander calder signed lithographs are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made alexander calder signed lithographs over the years, but those made by Alexander Calder and (after) Alexander Calder are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Alexander Calder Signed Lithographs?

Prices for alexander calder signed lithographs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, alexander calder signed lithographs begin at $350 and can go as high as $16,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,240.

Alexander Calder for sale on 1stDibs

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.