What type of sculpture did Alexander Calder invent?

Alexander Calder invented the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. The revered American sculptor's mobiles were an innovative feat and initially used motors for movement, which he later abandoned for air currents alone. Calder was also a pioneer of wire sculptures . (He was a celebrated modernist printmaker , too, and while jewelry was a secondary métier for him , interest in his wearable art has accelerated in recent years.)For Calder, the fascinating moment of artistic alchemy comes sometime between his representational canvases of the late 1920s and 1931, the year of his first show of abstract sculpture. Moving to Paris helped spur his creativity, as it did for so many artists and writers. The moment Calder arrived, he began working on one of his most seminal pieces, Cirque Calder (1931), his delightful distillation of the circus into what are essentially three-dimensional line drawings made with wire. Shop authentic Alexander Calder prints, sculptures and other art from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Which characteristics describe Alexander Calder’s sculptures?

There are several interpretations of how to describe the characteristics of Alexander Calder’s sculptures. Some say they are abstract, with life-like elements, others say they are flat, simplified shapes that intersect at opposing angles. See the magic for yourself — shop a selection of Alexander Calder pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Why are Alexander Calder’s sculptures called mobiles?

The term ‘mobile’, which was coined by Marcel Duchamp, was used to describe Alexander Calder’s work, as Calder’s sculptures often moved with the help of motors or wind. ‘Mobiles’ was a French pun which meant ‘motion’. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from Alexander Calder.

Which mood best describes Alexander Calder’s sculptures?

Like all meaningful works of art, the mood that best describes American artist Alexander Calder’s sculptures is subject to interpretation. Common descriptors for his abstract work include “playful” or “whimsical.” Calder is best known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. Shop a selection of Alexander Calder pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Calder Table Sculpture

African Drum Side Table

George Rouault Woodcut

15th Century Woodcut

African Water Pot

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Calder Table Sculpture", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Calder Table Sculpture For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of calder table sculpture you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. You can easily find an example made in the abstract style, while we also have 3 abstract versions to choose from as well. Finding the perfect item from our selection of calder table sculpture may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Adding a choice in our collection of calder table sculpture to a room that is mostly decorated in warm neutral tones can yield a welcome change — find a piece on 1stDibs that incorporates elements of gray, blue, white, black and more. Finding an appealing object in our assortment of calder table sculpture — no matter the origin — is easy, but (after) Henri Matisse, Henri Matisse, Roger Phillips, Laurent Davidson and Michele Oka Doner each produced popular versions that are worth a look. Frequently made by artists working in lithograph, linocut and metal, these artworks are unique and have attracted attention over the years.

How Much is a Calder Table Sculpture?

The average selling price for a piece of calder table sculpture we offer is $1,675, while they’re typically $115 on the low end and $143,209 for the highest priced.

Questions About Calder Table Sculpture

What type of sculpture did Alexander Calder invent?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 3, 2024
Alexander Calder invented the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. The revered American sculptor's mobiles were an innovative feat and initially used motors for movement, which he later abandoned for air currents alone. Calder was also a pioneer of wire sculptures. (He was a celebrated modernist printmaker, too, and while jewelry was a secondary métier for him, interest in his wearable art has accelerated in recent years.)

For Calder, the fascinating moment of artistic alchemy comes sometime between his representational canvases of the late 1920s and 1931, the year of his first show of abstract sculpture. Moving to Paris helped spur his creativity, as it did for so many artists and writers. The moment Calder arrived, he began working on one of his most seminal pieces, Cirque Calder (1931), his delightful distillation of the circus into what are essentially three-dimensional line drawings made with wire.

Shop authentic Alexander Calder prints, sculptures and other art from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
Which characteristics describe Alexander Calder’s sculptures?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are several interpretations of how to describe the characteristics of Alexander Calder’s sculptures. Some say they are abstract, with life-like elements, others say they are flat, simplified shapes that intersect at opposing angles. See the magic for yourself — shop a selection of Alexander Calder pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
Why are Alexander Calder’s sculptures called mobiles?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The term ‘mobile’, which was coined by Marcel Duchamp, was used to describe Alexander Calder’s work, as Calder’s sculptures often moved with the help of motors or wind. ‘Mobiles’ was a French pun which meant ‘motion’. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from Alexander Calder.
Which mood best describes Alexander Calder’s sculptures?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Like all meaningful works of art, the mood that best describes American artist Alexander Calder’s sculptures is subject to interpretation. Common descriptors for his abstract work include “playful” or “whimsical.” Calder is best known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. Shop a selection of Alexander Calder pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Calder Table Sculpture

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

1970s Fish Mobile Kinetic Table Sculpture Metal and Silver

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Mobile Table Sculpture

Vintage 1980s Sculptures

Geometric Constructivist Table Sculpture Composed of Thick Steel Triangles, 1984

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

John Paul Philippe Steel Panel Table Sculpture Abstract Alexander Calder Style

20th Century Argentine Sculptures

Table Top Stabile in the Manner of Calder

Late 20th Century Argentine Modern Sculptures

Extremely Beautiful Table Mobile in Manner of Calder

20th Century Argentine Sculptures

Painted Metal Bull Table Sculpture - style of Calder

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Large Vintage Table-Top Mobile

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Decorative Objects

Giraffe Table Sculpture in the Manner of Calder

Calder Table Sculpture For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Calder Table Sculpture?