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.
original lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1971 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 190) and published in Paris by Maeght. Size: 15 x 22 inches (380 x 560 mm). This litho...
Lithograph
original lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1971 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 190) and published in Paris by Maeght. Size: 15 x 11 inches (380 x 278 mm). There is p...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder - Our Unfinished Revolution poster Limited Edition of 250, '76
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph poster Printed signature and date on offset paper This poster was published in a limited edition of 250 - unnumbered - separate from the lithographic portfolio of...
Lithograph, Offset
Alexander Calder lithograph derrière le miroir (Calder prints)
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Lithograph c. 1967: Lithograph in colors; 15 x 22 inches. Very good overall vintage condition; contains center fold-line as originally issued; well-preseved. Unsig...
Lithograph
Spiral with pumpkin
By Alexander Calder
Located in OPOLE, PL
Alexander Calder (1898-1976) - Spiral with pumpkin Lithograph from 1972. Edition of 75 on Arches paper, numbered 31/75; total edition includes 20 hors-commerce and 7 artist’s proof...
Lithograph
"La Petite Balloons" by Alexander Calder; Framed 11" x 13" Four-Color Lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This four-color lithograph by well-known sculptor and prolific printmaker Alexander Calder features eight orange abstracted balloons. The balloons are reminiscent of his 'mobile' scu...
Lithograph
Composition with Circles, Triangles and other Shapes, 1968
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Alexander Calder Composition with Circles, Triangles and other Shapes utilizes strong color contrasts and bold, black lines to create a playful piece that relays the impression of en...
Lithograph
$495
Alexander Calder Abstract Geometric Lithograph, 1968, from Derriere Le Miroir
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 1 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Medium: Lithograph Year: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image...
Lithograph
Environment and Evolution Print, American Modern, 1970s, Excellent
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Calder’s use of curvilinear forms and asymmetrical balance mimics the natural, evolving movement of a snail, underscoring his fascination with motion and transformation. ‘Escargot’ e...
Color, Lithograph
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Sky Bird, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Title: Sky Bird, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection Year: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Size: 20 x 26 inche...
Lithograph
Grey Ellipse, 1976
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Alexander Calder, Grey Ellipse, 1976, captures the artist’s mastery of balance, movement, and bold color. Known globally for pioneering kinetic sculpture, Calder translated his sculp...
Lithograph
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
Cinq Boules et Deux Serpents, Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Title: Cinq Boules et Deux Serpents Year: 1965 Medium: Lithograph in colors on wove paper Edition: 90, plus proofs Size: 20.5 x 28.75 inches Cond...
Lithograph
1970s Alexander Calder poster (Calder Braniff Airlines 1976)
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Braniff Airlines poster 1976: Medium: Offset lithograph. Dimensions: 23 x 33 inches. Signed in plate An original 1st printing in very good overall vintage conditio...
Offset
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Friendship, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Title: Friendship, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection Year: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Size: 20 x 26 inc...
Lithograph
La Galerie Maeght presente Maeght Editeur, Lithograph Poster by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Alexander Calder, American (1898 - 1976) - La Galerie Maeght presente Maeght Editeur. Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph Poster, Size: 31 in. x 19 in. (78.74 cm x 48.26 cm)
Lithograph
$1,500
Convection, Flying Colors for Braniff Airlines, Lithograph by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
An original lithograph by Alexander Calder that he designed for the Braniff Airlines Flying Colors project. Braniff Airlines Flying Colors Blindstamp, lower right. Convection Alex...
Lithograph
original lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1971 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 190) and published in Paris by Maeght. Size: 15 x 11 inches (380 x 278 mm). There is p...
Lithograph
$5,000
Alexander Calder - The ORIGINAL limited edition 1965 LACMA Museum poster print
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder The original Los Angeles County Museum of Art poster, 1965 Limited Edition vintage Offset Lithograph 32 × 24 3/4 inches 81.3 × 62.9 cm Edition of 300 This is the OR...
Lithograph, Offset
The Flying Colors
By Alexander Calder
Located in London, GB
Alexander Calder The Flying Colors, 1974 Signed with artist's monogram and dated, from the edition of 250, published by State Street, New York for Braniff International Airline, with...
Paper, Lithograph
Alexander Calder: From Mobiles to Critters - Lithograph by Alexander Calder-1976
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph realized in occasion of Calder's Exhibition at Galleria Rondanini, Rome, 1976. Not signed and not numbered, as issued. Edition of 500. Excellent condition
Lithograph
$495
Alexander Calder Lithograph, Framed, 1963, Derriere le Miroir #141 Stabiles V
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Alexander Calder Derriere le Miroir #141 (Stabiles V) Artist: Alexander Calder Medium: Original lithograph Title: Stabiles V, Derriere le Miroir #141 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #1...
Lithograph
1970's Alexander Calder lithographic cover (Derrière le miroir)
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Lithographic cover from Derrière le miroir: Lithographic cover; 1976. 11 x 15 inches (folding open to 15x22 inches). Scattered surface and age related wear; in otherwise good overall vintage condition. Unsigned from an edition of unknown. Published by: Galerie Maeght, Paris, c. 1976. Unsigned from an edition of unknown. Looks fantastic framed. Derrière le miroir: In October 1945 the French art dealer Aimé Maeght opens his art gallery at 13 Rue de Téhéran in Paris. His beginning coincides with the end of Second World War and the return of a number of exiled artists back to France. The publication was created in October 1946 (n°1) and published without interruption until 1982 (n°253). Its original articles and illustrations (mainly original color lithographs by the gallery artists) who were famous at the time. The lithographic publication covered only the artists exhibited by Maeght gallery either through personal or group exhibitions. Among them were, Pierre Alechinsky, Francis Bacon, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Eduardo Chillida, Alberto Giacometti, Vassily Kandinsky, Ellsworth Kelly, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Saul Steinberg and Antoni Tapies. Related Categories: Mid century modern. Alexander Calder prints. Calder orange. Calder red...
Lithograph
rare Maeght sculpted holiday card 1968 - collectors item mid century modern art
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder rare Maeght sculpted holiday card, 1968 Hand made sculpted paper collage on paper with embossing Embossed artist's monogram 10 × 7 × 6 1/2 inches This rare, fold-ou...
Paper, Mixed Media, Laid Paper, Lithograph, Offset
original lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. This is one of the Alexander Calder lithographs from his "Stabiles" series, printed in 1963 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 141) and p...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder: From Mobiles to Critters - Lithograph by Alexander Calder-1976
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph realized in occasion of Calder's Exhibition at Galleria Rondanini, Rome, 1976. Not signed and not numbered, as issued. Edition of 500. Excellent condition
Lithograph
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Convection, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Title: Convection, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection Year: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Size: 20 x 26 inc...
Lithograph
original lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. This is one of the Alexander Calder lithographs from his "Stabiles" series, printed in 1963 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 141) and p...
Lithograph
Abstract Composition - Lithograph by Alexander Calder - 1963
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on paper realized for Derrière le Miroir no.141, and realized in 1963. Not signed. Very good condition. Derrière le Miroir (“Behind the Mirror”) was the legendary art m...
Lithograph
Lucioles by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in New Orleans, LA
Alexander Calder 1898–1976 American Lucioles (Fireflies) Signed and dated “Calder 72” (lower right) Gouache and ink on paper Few artists defined the visual language of modern abs...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
Blue, Red, and Black
By Alexander Calder
Located in London, GB
An original, large-scale painting by Alexander Calder, this unique work showcases Calder's iconic bold colour palette and dynamic abstract forms. The piece, painted in 1968, is hand-...
Paper, Gouache
Oignons Croises Original Gouache Painting by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Gouache and ink on paper; Signed "Calder 65" Calder Foundation Registration #A11309 Provenance: Galerie Maeght, Paris 1965; J.L. Hudson Co., Detroit, 1969; Private collection, IL 19...
Gouache
Boomerang
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Boomerang, 1974 Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Published by Transworld Art, New York, printed by Mourlot, Paris 29.5 x 43.3 inches Signed in the plate ***ITEM WILL SHIP UNFRAM...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder Galerie Maeght 1968 (announcement)
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder sculpted holiday card 1968: Rare foldout holiday card designed and illustrated by Calder in 1968. This beautifully illustrated piece depicts one of the artist's sta...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder Lithograph Print, Abstract Style, 1968, Derriere le Miroir #173
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Medium: Lithograph Title: Untitled Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Year: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Signed: Unsigned Sheet Size: 15" x 22" Image Size: 15" x...
Lithograph
$225Sale Price|50% Off
Derriere Le Miroir No. 201, Cover
By Alexander Calder
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere Le Miroir No. 201, Cover One page Lithograph from the Derriere le Miroir No. 201 publication. Unsigned and unnumbered from an edition of pre...
Lithograph
Flying Colors : Plane under Red Sun - Original lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander CALDER Flying Colors : Plane under Red Sun, 1976 Original lithograph Printed signature in the plate On light vellum 58 x 83 cm (c. 23 x 33 in) INFORMATION : Calder create...
Lithograph
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Boomerang, 1974
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Boomerang, 1974 Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Published by Transworld Art, New York, printed by Mourlot, Paris 29.5 x 43.3 inches Signed in pencil, "A.P." apart from the edit...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder - Our Unfinished Revolution (Sun), 1976, Limited Edition poster
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph poster Printed signature and date on offset paper This poster was published in a limited edition of 250, separate from the lithographic portfolio of the same title ...
Lithograph, Offset
$17,150Sale Price|30% Off
Papoose
By Alexander Calder
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Papoose Medium: Color Lithograph Year: 1969 Framed Dimensions: 36"h x50"w 1.5"d Print Dimensions: 28 x 43 in Framed in bespoke black frame. Signed "Calder" lower right. Numbered 9/75 Published by Maeght, Paris Condition: Excellent. Very small tear to middle right side of paper, does not affect the image Edition of 75 Alexander Calder, Papoose, 1969, is a vibrant color lithograph that captures the playful lyricism and rhythmic balance central to Calder’s visual language. Floating organic forms...
Lithograph
original lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. This is one of the Alexander Calder lithographs from his "Stabiles" series, printed in 1963 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 141) and p...
Lithograph
$2,500
Elephant, Lions Bold 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 ...
Lithograph
$210Sale Price|40% Off
Derriere Le Miroir No. 201, Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere Le Miroir No. 201, Untitled Single Lithograph from the Derriere le Miroir No. 201 publication. Unsigned and unnumbered from an edition of p...
Lithograph
Spirals and Forms
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Signed and numbered in pencil Color lithograph on wove paper Condition: In Excellent condition
Lithograph
$445
Alexander Calder Print, Abstract Style, 1968, Plate 4, Derriere le Miroir #173
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 4 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image Size: 15" x 11" Signature: Un...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Published to aid the National Emergency Civil Liberties Committee, Untitled, 1976 is the frontispiece from the artist’s, Our Unfinished Revolution portfolio, created by Alexander Ca...
Lithograph
"Les Vagues" Alexander Calder, Modernist, Red and Blue, Swirling Waves
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder Les Vagues, 1975 Signed and Numbered 29 (on a label affixed to the reverse) Handwoven Aubusson wool tapestry 40 1/2 x 59 inches Edition 29/200 Provenance Truist Ban...
Tapestry, Wool
The Red Sun (Soleil Rouge)
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) The Red Sun (Soleil Rouge), 1965 Lithograph in Colors Sheet Size: 22” x 32” Printed by Maeght Editeur, Paris Edition: 10/90 Alexander Calder w...
Lithograph
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Fiesta, c. 1973, red, yellow & blue figurative abstract lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Beachwood, OH
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Fiesta, c. 1973 Lithograph in colors Signed lower right Edition: E. A. 20 x 28 inches 35.5 x 37.75 inches, framed One of America's best known ...
Lithograph
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Lithograph
Untitled - Lithograph by Alexander Calder - 1963
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an original Lithograph realized in 1963 by Alexander Calder from "Derrière Le Miroir" No signature. Very good condition including a white cardboard Passepartout. Alexa...
Lithograph
Rocks and Sun - Original lithograph - Mourlot, 1952
By Alexander Calder
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander Calder Rocks and Sun, 1952 Original Lithograph (3 color stones) Printed in Mourlot workshop On vellum 31 x 24 cm (c. 12,2 x 9,5 in) Edited by San Lazzaro in 1952 Very goo...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder Roses lithograph (1960s Calder)
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Lithograph c. 1966: Lithograph in colors; 11 x 15 inches. Very good overall vintage condition. Unsigned from an edition of unknown. From: Derrière le miroir Publish...
Lithograph
$289
Color Balloons and Waves (Les Travestis du Reel) - Lithograph poster - 1979
By Alexander Calder
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander CALDER Les Travestis du Reel, 1979 Original vintage lithograph poster Printed in Atelier Arts-Litho Printed signature in the plate 82 x 57 cm (c. 32.2 x 22.4 in) Excelle...
Lithograph
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Calder Lithographic cover Derrière le miroir 1973
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Lithographic cover: Derrière le miroir 1973: Lithographic cover sheet; 15 x 11 inches. Very good overall vintage condition. Unsigned from an edition of unknown. Por...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder Lithograph, Modern Style, 1968, Plate 6, Derriere le Miroir 173
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 6 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image...
Lithograph
Le Chevalier (Knight)
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Le Chevalier (Knight), 1968 Lithograph on Chiffon de Mandeure paper Maeght Editeur, Paris 31.25 x 23.62 inches Signed and numbered in pencil, edition of 90 copies Framed (not ...
Lithograph
The Flying Colors
By Alexander Calder
Located in London, GB
Alexander Calder The Flying Colors, 1974 Signed with artist's monogram and dated, from the edition of 250, published by State Street, New York for Braniff International Airline, with...
Paper, Lithograph
$1,000
Alexander Calder - Transworld Art International Art Fair, Tel Aviv, 1977 poster
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph poster published by the Transworld Art Fair in Tel Aviv The work depicted in the image is Calder's "Boomerang", 1973 Plate (printed) signature Unframed ALEXANDER CA...
Lithograph, Offset
Friendship - Alexander Calder from the Flying Colors Collection Signed in Plate
By Alexander Calder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Alexander Clader Friendship 1974 Signed in the plate lower right
Lithograph
Calder's Stabiles - Photolithograph - 1963
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Photolithograph on paper, realized in 1963 for the french Art Review Derrière le Miroir. Not signed. Very good condition.
Lithograph