(after) Alexander Calder Prints

American, b. 1898

Combining abstract surrealism and biomorphic imagery into a distinctive style, Calder has become one of the 20th Century’s most iconic and important artists. Besides sculptures, Calder was also prolific in other art forms. He produced jewelry, tapestry and stage designs, as well as drawings, oil paintings, water colors, etchings, lithographs and serigraphs. Born in Philadelphia in 1898 Alexander Calder (1898 – 1976) was a monumental artist. He invented the mobile, and airy, hanging structure connected by wires that are set in motion by the wind. These mobiles tremendously influenced the art world. Calder’s versions celebrated form and color, with simplicity and profundity. As a trained engineer, began to practice as a freelance artist after attending New York’s Art Students League. Calder was strongly inspired circus spectacle, and thus constructed entertaining mobiles often accompanied by music. Producing dynamic yet playful mobile sculptures, Calder dismissed the formal structures of art and redefined its infinite possibilities.

Creator: (after) Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder Exhibition Museum Billboard "Calder's Universe", 1977

$1,200Sale Price|20% Off

Alexander Calder Exhibition Museum Billboard "Calder's Universe", 1977

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Alexander Calder Exhibition Billboard "Calder's Universe" 1977 Lithograph signed in the plate lower right "Calder" A rare period piece made...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder Lithograph 27"H x 38"W Mid Century Modern Abstract Art

$850

Alexander Calder Lithograph 27"H x 38"W Mid Century Modern Abstract Art

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Vibrant color lithograph by Alexander Calder, American, circa 1960s. It has been recently professionally framed in a black lacquered wood frame under UV resistant plexiglass.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood, Paper

Alexander Calder and Joan Miró Color Lithographs 25.5" x 22" Mid Century Modern

$750 / item

Alexander Calder and Joan Miró Color Lithographs 25.5" x 22" Mid Century Modern

By (after) Alexander Calder, (after) Joan Miró

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Mid Century Modern abstract color lithographs, France, circa 1950s. 1) Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Color lithograph, produced for an exhibition of Calder's w...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

$650 / item

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, French, circa 1960s. They are from the limited edition folio “Derriere le Miroir”, published by the legendary Galerie Maeght, circa 1960s. Please see our other 1stdibs listings for more Alexander Calder works...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Alexander Calder Lithograph Three Spirals Recently Framed Abstract Art 37" x 26"

$1,450

Alexander Calder Lithograph Three Spirals Recently Framed Abstract Art 37" x 26"

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Large Scale Colorful Lithograph, entitled "Trois Spirales or Three Spirals", by Alexander Calder, circa 1960s. It has been recently professionally framed in a clean lined black lacqu...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Pierre Tal-Coat and Alexander Calder Color Lithographs 16.5"H x 12.5"W

$450 / item

Pierre Tal-Coat and Alexander Calder Color Lithographs 16.5"H x 12.5"W

By (after) Alexander Calder, Pierre Tal-Coat

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Pierre Tal-Coat and Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. They are priced at $450 each. They measure 16.5"H x 12.5"W framed. We purchased a group of t...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

$550

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a couple that lived in France from 1951-1983. These are most likely from the limited edition folio “Derriere Le Miroir”, published by the legendary Galerie Maeght. Please see our other 1stdibs listings for more Alexander Calder and Joan Miro lithographs from...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Selection of Modernist Art Lithographs or Serigraphs

$850 / item

Selection of Modernist Art Lithographs or Serigraphs

By (after) Alexander Calder, Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne, (after) Henri Matisse, Victor Vasarely

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of modernist art serigraphs or lithographs, circa 1950s-1970s. They are: 1) Victor Vasarely color lithograph, circa 1960s. It has been recently reframed in a clean lined bl...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

$550 / item

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a couple that lived in France from 1951-1983. These are most likely from the limited edition folio “Derriere le Miroir”, published by the legendary Galerie Maeght. Please see our other 1stdibs listings for more Alexander Calder and Joan Miro lithographs from...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Alexander Calder Lithographs

$750 / item

Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a coup...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Alexander Calder Lithographs

$750 / item

Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a couple that lived in France from 1951-1983....

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Mid Century Modern Abstract Art Lithograph Signed Aki Kimoto

$360Sale Price|20% Off

H 19.1 in W 27.76 in D 0.1 in

Mid Century Modern Abstract Art Lithograph Signed Aki Kimoto

Located in Miami, FL

Original modern art lithograph by Japanese artist Aki Kimoto. This colorful piece bears an original signature and is number 12/150 of the limited edition. Combining cubic images as w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Lithograph of Napoleon

$1,000

H 18.75 in W 15.25 in D 1.25 in

Lithograph of Napoleon

Located in East Hampton, NY

Colored lithograph of Napoleon in custom gilt frame and needlepoint matte.

Category

Early 20th Century (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Joan Miro Lithograph Titled "Miro Sculptor Japan, " Signed and Numbered

$3,500

H 13.75 in W 21.75 in D 1 in

Joan Miro Lithograph Titled "Miro Sculptor Japan, " Signed and Numbered

By Joan Miró

Located in New York, NY

This is a Joan Miro lithograph. Titled: Miro Sculptor Japan. It was a print exclusively for Collector's Guild members. Signed in the stone. Numbered 2/1000 in pencil. Framed measures...

Category

1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

$850 / item

H 32.5 in W 24.25 in D 0.5 in

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

By Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, circa 1960s. They have been recently framed in clean lined black lacquered wood gallery frames...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

$550

H 18.5 in W 14.25 in D 0.5 in

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Vintage Alexander Calder lithograph (1970s Calder prints)

$200Sale Price|20% Off

H 14.5 in W 11.5 in D 0.01 in

Vintage Alexander Calder lithograph (1970s Calder prints)

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage early 1970s Alexander Calder off-set lithograph: Published by Art in America, circa early 1970s. Good to very good overall vintage condition. Printed signature from an editi...

Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder "Merging Curves" Unsigned Abstract Color Lithograph

$1,160Sale Price|20% Off

H 21.25 in W 28 in D 1 in

Alexander Calder "Merging Curves" Unsigned Abstract Color Lithograph

By Alexander Calder

Located in Skokie, IL

Alexander Calder "Merging Curves" Unsigned Abstract Color Lithograph "Merging Curves" is an abstract color lithograph by American artist and sculptor Alexander Calder (1898-1976). ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Metal

Calder Flying Colors Lithograph

$372Sale Price|20% Off

H 20 in W 26 in D 0.07 in

Calder Flying Colors Lithograph

By Alexander Calder

Located in Cincinnati, OH

Calder Flying Colors Lithograph Original lithograph from the 70s, does not have stamp Never framed, one owner from the 70s.

Category

1970s American Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

$550 / item

H 17.75 in W 14.25 in D 0.5 in

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a couple that lived in France from 1951-1983. These are most likely from the limited edition folio “Derriere le Miroir”, published by the legendary Galerie Maeght. Please see our other 1stdibs listings for more Alexander Calder and Joan Miro lithographs from...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

1973 International Museum Of Erotic Art Exhibition Print

$239Sale Price|20% Off

H 22 in W 16 in D 0.1 in

1973 International Museum Of Erotic Art Exhibition Print

Located in San Carlos, CA

Very cool vintage advertisement print after Alfred Beloch's "Cock Rocket". This print was created to announce a 1973 exhibition at "The In...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Other

Original Vintage Abstract Color Lithograph, Komposition by Anders Fogelin

$330Sale Price|20% Off

H 24.02 in W 27.17 in D 0.79 in

Original Vintage Abstract Color Lithograph, Komposition by Anders Fogelin

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

Anders Fogelin, Komposition, 1974 Color lithograph Number 97/200 Work with the artist's signature, title and individual number (in pencil) Working dimensions 61/69 The work is framed...

Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Heritage Blossoms: A Victorian Botanical Selection, 1896

$355 / set

H 6.07 in W 9.53 in D 0 in

Heritage Blossoms: A Victorian Botanical Selection, 1896

Located in Langweer, NL

"Heritage Blossoms: A Victorian Botanical Selection" Description: Unveiling "Heritage Blossoms: A Victorian Botanical Selection" a trio of original antique prints from the esteemed ...

Category

1890s Antique (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Previously Available Items

Selection of Modernist Art

Sold

H 14 in W 11 in D 0.5 in

Selection of Modernist Art

By (after) Alexander Calder, Max Bill

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Modernist Art or Gallery Wall, circa 1930s-1960s. From left to right, they are: 1) Abstract mixed-media collag...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

Sold

H 18.5 in W 14.5 in D 0.5 in

Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a couple that lived in France from 1951-1983....

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Alexander Calder Lithographs

Sold

H 18.5 in W 14.5 in D 0.5 in

Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a coup...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Alexander Calder 1969 Lithograph Signed and Dated

Sold

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 glass.

Category

Mid-20th Century American (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paint

Alexander Calder ‘Derrière Le Miroir’ Portfolio of 5 Lithographs by Maeght 1976

Sold

H 14.97 in W 11.03 in D 0.4 in

Alexander Calder ‘Derrière Le Miroir’ Portfolio of 5 Lithographs by Maeght 1976

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Paris, FR

Derrière le Miroir is a French art magazine created in 1946 and published by the Maeght Gallery until 1982. Derrière le Miroir N° 221 edited in December 1976 (complete portfolio 3...

Category

1970s Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder "Derrière le Miroir" Portfolio of 4 Lithographs by Maeght, 1973

Sold

H 14.97 in W 11.03 in D 0.4 in

Alexander Calder "Derrière le Miroir" Portfolio of 4 Lithographs by Maeght, 1973

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Paris, FR

Derrière le Miroir is a French art magazine created in 1946 and published by the Maeght Gallery until 1982. Derrière le Miroir N° 201 edited in January 1973 (complete 30 pages) ...

Category

1970s Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder Lithographs

Sold

H 18.5 in W 14.5 in D 0.5 in

Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Alexander Calder Lithographs

Sold

H 18.5 in W 14.5 in D 0.5 in

Alexander Calder Lithographs

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Alexander Calder Color Lithograph "Boomerang"

Sold

H 44.5 in W 30.5 in D 1.5 in

Alexander Calder Color Lithograph "Boomerang"

By (after) Alexander Calder

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Alexander Calder lithograph in colors "Boomerang". Signed in plate lower right. Measures: 44" x 30" sheet size. Very good vintage condition, some foxing on the upper right and left o...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage (after) Alexander Calder Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper

(after) Alexander Calder prints for sale on 1stDibs.

(after) Alexander Calder prints are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of paper and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of (after) Alexander Calder prints, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original prints by (after) Alexander Calder were created in the mid-century modern style in france during the 20th century. Prices for (after) Alexander Calder prints can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $550 and can go as high as $1,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $750.

Questions About (after) Alexander Calder Prints

What was Alexander Calder famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
Alexander Calder was famous for his work as an artist. The American sculptor is known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. He also created large-scale sculptures that frequently involved kinetic elements. Some of his best-known works include Mobile (Arc of Petals), Cirque Calder, Josephine Baker (III), Fish and A Universe. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Alexander Calder art.
Where is Alexander Calder’s art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Alexander Calder’s artwork has found its home in many museums and art galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Shop a selection of Alexander Calder’s pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
What did Alexander Calder invent?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The American sculptor Alexander Calder invented the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. His 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. Shop a selection of Alexander Calder pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
Was Alexander Calder a Surrealist?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
Most artists consider Alexander Calder to be a Kinetic artist rather than a Surrealist. The American sculptor is known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms usually suspended from the ceiling. Calder also pioneered a new art form with wire sculptures, which he described as “drawings in space.” Like his famous mobiles, the wire sculptures were suspended so that they turned with any air movement, presenting different forms when viewed from different angles. Explore a diverse assortment of Alexander Calder art on 1stDibs.
What is a mobile Alexander Calder?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
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. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage Alexander Calder drawings and other sculptures.
What is so revolutionary about Alexander Calder's mobiles?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Alexander Calder's mobiles were revolutionary because he largely pioneered the art form of creating hanging sculptures that were able to move freely in response to airflow. Calder was a prolific artist believed to have produced more than 22,000 works during his life. Shop a variety of Alexander Calder art on 1stDibs.
What is Alexander Calder best known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
American artist Alexander Calder is best known for his work in sculpture, particularly his monumental sculptures and innovative ‘mobiles’ in the tradition of kinetic art. Shop a collection of authentic Alexander Calder pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
What art did Alexander Calder make?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
Alexander Calder mostly made sculptures, although he also worked in printmaking, painting, performance and other media. He is known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. Some of his most famous works include Cirque Calder, A Universe, Josephine Baker (III), Mobile (Arc of Petals), Devil Fish, Romulus and Remus and Fish. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Alexander Calder art.
What was Alexander Calder best known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Alexander Calder is best known for his sculptures. He produced large, playful freestanding and hanging works in vibrant colors. Examples include Mobile-Stabile, Lobster Trap and Fish Tail and Flying Dragon. On 1stDibs, you can shop a selection of Alexander Calder art.
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.
What elements of art did Alexander Calder use?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
Alexander Calder used many of the elements of art when producing his works. The American sculptor is known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. These kinetic pieces use color, shape and space to convey a sense of unity, and the form of the art allows it to interact with its environment. Find a variety of Alexander Calder art on 1stDibs.
What art movement was Alexander Calder connected to?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
The art movement that Alexander Calder was connected to was kinetic art. The term refers to art that moves or has the appearance of movement. With their ability to sway and turn once suspended, Calder's mobiles are often referenced as examples of kinetic art. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Alexander Calder art.
How much is an Alexander Calder mobile worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
How much an Alexander Calder mobile is worth depends on its historical significance, size, condition and other factors. In 2012, his 1945 piece Lily of Force sold for $18.5 million at auction in New York City. The American sculptor is known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. 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. If you're in possession of a Calder mobile, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer can help you determine how much it may be worth. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Alexander Calder art.
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 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.
How many works of art did Alexander Calder make?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
Alexander Calder produced more than 22,000 works of art during his lifetime. The prolific artist made paintings, drawings, prints, tapestries, stage sets, jewelry and other types of art. Some of his most famous pieces include Cirque Calder, Josephine Baker (III), A Universe, Mobile (Arc of Petals) and Devil Fish. Shop a diverse assortment of Alexander Calder art on 1stDibs.
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.
What is a Calder mobile?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
A “Calder mobile” refers to a moving artwork created by American sculptor Alexander Calder composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. Calder 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. Find a collection of original Alexander Calder art on 1stDibs.
How did Calder become an artist?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
The story of how Calder became an artist begins with his parents. Both artists themselves, they did not want him to suffer the hardships of trying to make a living in art, so they encouraged the young Alexander Calder to study mechanical engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. He subsequently 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 applied his engineering background to his artwork, such as his understanding of gears and moving parts for kinetic sculptures like Cirque Calder (1931) and free-standing abstract sculptures he called “stabiles.” Explore a selection of Alexander Calder art on 1stDibs.
What is Alexander McQueen?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Alexander McQueen is a luxury fashion brand founded by a designer by the same name. The fashion house designs haute couture and prêt-à-porter clothing for men and women, as well as shoes, handbags, accessories and jewelry. Shop a large selection of Alexander McQueen on 1stDibs.

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