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.
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Invitation to Sandy's Air Party, Modern Lithograph by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Alexander Calder, American (1898 - 1976) - Invitation to Sandy's Air Party. Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph, Size: 6.25 in. x 8.5 in. (15.88 cm x 21.59 cm)
Lithograph
Alexander Calder Abstract Lithograph, 1975, "Derriere le Miroir #221"
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #221 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #221 Medium: Lithograph in colors Date: 1975 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image Siz...
Lithograph
Acrobat in Heels, Framed Modern Lithograph by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Acrobat in Heels from Derriere Le Miroir by Alexander Calder, American (1898–1976) Date: 1975 Lithograph Size: 15 x 11 in. (38.1 x 27.94 cm) Printer: Maeght, Paris Publisher: Maeght ...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder Lithograph, Abstract, 1975, Derriere le Miroir #221
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Cover, from Derriere le Miroir # 221 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #221 Medium: Lithograph in colors Date: 1975 Edit...
Lithograph
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Colored Wedge Structure Lithograph, Modernism, 1963, Unframed, DLM
By Alexander Calder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This double-page lithograph, featuring a colored wedge structure, is printed on pages 17 and 18 of Derrière le Miroir (DLM) No. 141. The lithograph includes a fold line down the cent...
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
Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Color lithograph, 1959 Unsigned (as issued) From: Derriere Le Miroir, No. 113, 1959 Publisher: Editions Pierre a Feu Editor: A. Maeght Small edition as it appeared in the ma...
Lithograph
$150,000
L' Envolee
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Alexander Calder. "L'Envolee" is a Post-War abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds and blacks by artist Alexander Calder. The artwork is sig...
Ink, Gouache
Alexander Calder Lithograph, Abstract, 1975, Derriere le Miroir #221
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #221 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #221 Medium: Lithograph in colors Date: 1975 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 22" Image Siz...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Signed in pencil and numbered 35 from an edition of 150. Marked in pencil on back “Affiches AC Zurich 1975” with the number 8863 or 8868. 27 1/2” x 19 5/8”. Unframed. Originally pu...
Lithograph
Derriere Le Miroir-Page 9
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Derriere Le Miroir-Page 9 Color lithograph, 1973 From: Derriere Le Miroir, No. 201, January 1973 Unsigned (as issued) Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris Printer: L’Imprimerie Arte, Adr...
Lithograph
Cover for DLM No. 173
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Cover for DLM No. 173 Color lithograph, 1968 Unsigned as issued in DLM Published in Derriere le Miroir (Behind the Mirror), called DLM From: DLM No. 173, published October 1968, whic...
Lithograph
$190,000
"Rire jaune" 1976 signed gouache and ink on paper artwork by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gouache and ink on paper artwork of horses by Alexander Calder framed under glass in gold leaf frame. Signed and dated "Calder 76" in lower right corner....
Paper, Ink, Gouache
Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Color lithograph, 1963 Unsigned (as issued) From:Derriere le Miroir, Volume 141 Large unsigned edition Printed by Mourlot, Paris Published by Aime Maeght, Paris Condition: C...
Lithograph
"Les Pyramides Grandes" framed signed lithograph by Alexander Calder. Edition EA
By Alexander Calder
Located in Boca Raton, FL
"Les Pyramides Grandes" framed geometric abstract lithograph of pyramids by Alexander Calder. Hand-lettered EA on lower left front. Hand-signed C...
Lithograph
Untitled Double Page Illustration for DLM
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Double Page Illustration for DLM Color lithograph, 1968 Unsigned as issued in DLM Published in Derriere le Miroir (Behind the Mirror), calle...
Lithograph
$495
Alexander Calder Abstract Lithograph, 1966, Framed, Derriere Le Miroir #156
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Alexander Calder Derriere le Miroir #156 (Plate 1) Artist: Alexander Calder Title: (Plate 1) Derriere le Miroir #156 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #156 Medium: Original lithograph Ye...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder - Spirale Millepiedi - Hand-Signed Lithography, 1972
By Alexander Calder
Located in Varese, IT
Alexander Calder ( 1898 - 1976 ) - Spirale millepiedi - hand-signed lithography, 1972 Additional information: Material: color lithography on paper Edited in 1972 Limited edition in ...
Paper, Lithograph
$400Sale Price|50% Off
Derriere Le Miroir No. 141 Stabile 2
By Alexander Calder
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere Le Miroir No. 141, Stabile 2 A double page lithograph from the Derriere le Miroir No. 141 publication. With vertical fold in the middle, as ...
Lithograph
$11,999Sale Price|20% Off
Spider's Nest
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Spider's Nest, 1975 Signed: Calder (Lower, Right) Lithograph in Colors on Wove Paper Sheet Size: 29 1/2" × 43" Numbered: XIX/L in Roman Numeral...
Lithograph
Untitled (Plate 2) DLM
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Plate 2) DLM Color lithograph, 1963 Unsigned and unnumbered (as issued) From: Derriere le Miroir, No. 141 Published by A. Maeght, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Note...
Lithograph
Untitled (Plate 1) DLM
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Plate 1) DLM Color lithograph, 1963 Unsigned and unnumbered (as usual) From: Derriere le Miroir, No. 141 Published by A. Maeght, Paris Image/sheet size: 14 7/8 x 11 inches...
Lithograph
$175,000
Vive
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Alexander Calder. "Vive" is a Post-War abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds, blacks, and blues by artist Alexander Calder. The artwork is signed lower right, "Calder 72...
Ink, Gouache
Galerie Bellint, Modern Abstract Poster by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Alexander Calder, American (1898 - 1976) - Galerie Bellint. Year: 1979, Medium: Poster, Size: 32 in. x 20.5 in. (81.28 cm x 52.07 cm)
Lithograph
Couleurs au Choix
By Alexander Calder
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Couleurs au Choix Size: 24 x 30 Inches Medium: Lithograph Edition: of 75 Year: 1970 Notes: Hand signed and numbered by the Artist in pencil. Artw...
Lithograph
$7,500
Alexander Calder - 1950's, Handwritten, signed letter, sent from Sache, France
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder Handwritten, signed letter, 1956 Ink on paper: 2 page handwritten and hand signed letter Hand signed by Calder at the end of the letter on the second page. Unique 11...
Paper, Ink
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
Circus 4, Les Gueules Dégoulinantes (from Derrière le Miroir No. 156)
By Alexander Calder
Located in London, GB
Alexander Calder Circus 4, Les Gueules Dégoulinantes (from Derrière le Miroir No. 156), 1966 Signed front of sheet Lithograph in colors on paper 47 x 65 cm 18.5 x 25.6 inches 61/90 ...
Paper, Lithograph
Untitled Pyramids
By Alexander Calder
Located in Naples, Florida
Signed and numbered 10/125 This composition presents a field of sharply angled, pyramidal forms that appear to float across a light ground. Bold planes of red, yellow, blue, and bla...
Paper, Lithograph
"Flying Colors" framed, signed lithograph by Alexander Calder. Edition 11 of 100
By Alexander Calder
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Framed "Flying Colors" lithograph by Alexander Calder. Signed Calder in lower right corner. Edition 11 of 100.
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
$495
Alexander Calder Abstract Lithograph, Unsigned, 1966, Derriere Le Miroir #156
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 6 (Derriere le Miroir #156) Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #156 Medium: Lithograph Year: 1966 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" I...
Lithograph
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. The artwork is signed lower right, "Calder 72...
Ink, Gouache
Wigwam rouge et jaune
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
"Wigwam rouge et jaune" is a gouache on paper by Alexander Calder. The unique work is signed in the lower right, “Calder 65”. Although renowned for his innovative and groundbreaking...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
Three Pyramids + Blue Ball
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
"Three Pyramids + Blue Ball" is a gouache on paper by Alexander Calder. The work is signed in the lower right, "Calder 73”. Although renowned for his innovative and groundbreaking sculptures, Alexander Calder started his artistic career as an abstract painter, preferring to use gouache. What is gouache? Gouache is a water-soluble paint – a type of opaque watercolor. As Calder returned to gouache painting towards the end of his life, he was now armed with a lifetime of experience as a sculptor. He explored the three-dimensional vocabulary of sculptural forms he had developed onto the two-dimensional surface of the paper. Certain shapes and colors recur throughout his gouaches and sculptures. Circles, ovals, and other geometric forms dominate the space. There is the same sense of energy and fluidity. The shapes do not sit on the surface but vibrate giving a feeling of movement in contrast to the static nature of painting. Like his sculpture, Calder’s gouache...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
Worms and Sun, American Modern Gouache and Watercolor on Paper, 1963
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder (1898-1976) American, Lawnton, PA - New York, NY “Worms and Sun” 1963 Gouache and watercolor and paper 29 ½ x 21 ½ in. unframed 36 ⅞ x 27 ⅞ in. framed Signed and da...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
Les Oignons
By Alexander Calder
Located in London, GB
Alexander Calder Les Oignons, 1965 Signed and numbered 39/100 in pencil, lower margin. Color lithograph on Arches 52 x 71.8 cm 20.5 x 28.3 inches Edition of 100 Alexander Calder was...
Paper, Lithograph
Alexander Calder Original Abstract Lithograph, Framed, 1974, Skyswirl
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Alexander Calder Skyswirl Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Skyswirl Portfolio: Flying Colors Medium: Original lithograph Year: 1974 Edition: Unnumbered Signed: In the stone Frame Size...
Lithograph
UNTITLED (GIRAFFE)
By Alexander Calder
Located in Aventura, FL
Original crayon and pencil drawing on cut-out paper mounted on board. Hand signed with artist's initials CA. Executed in 1966, this work is registered in the archives of the Calder...
Paper, Crayon, Pencil
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
$545
Alexander Calder Modern Lithograph, Unsigned, 1975, Framed, Derriere Le Miroir
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 4 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #212 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1975 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image...
Lithograph
$950
Two Acrobats from Derriere le Miroir, Modern Lithograph by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Alexander Calder, American (1898 - 1976) Title: Two Acrobats from Derriere le Miroir Year: 1975 Medium: Lithograph Size: 15 in. x 11 in. (38.1 cm x 27.94 cm) Frame Size: 23 x...
Lithograph
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Calder, Untitled, from Calder autobiographie, 1972
By Alexander Calder
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Alexander Calder (1898–1976), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1972 album Calder autobiographie. Published by Maeght Editeur, Paris, and...
Lithograph
Untitled (Plate 4) DLM
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Plate 7) DLM Color lithograph, 1963 Unsigned (as issued) From: Derriere le Miroir, No. 141 Edition: 1500? Published by A. Maeght, Paris Condition: Mint Sheet/Image size: 1...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder - Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Lithograph - Behind the Mirror 1 lithograph created in 1976 Source: Derrière le miroir (DLM), n°221, 1976 Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm ...
Lithograph
Untitled (Red Tree)
By Alexander Calder
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Untitled (Red Tree), 1970 Medium: Lithograph in Colors on Wove Paper Edition: 80/100 Artwork Size: 30.5 x 23 in Framed Size: 38.75 x 31.25 in This...
Lithograph
BLACK CHAIR (ORIGINAL GOUACHE)
By Alexander Calder
Located in Aventura, FL
Original gouache and ink painting on paper. Hand signed and dated by Alexander Calder. Executed in 1969, this work is registered in the archives of the Calder Foundation, New York,...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
$11,999Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Lithograph
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Star, from Our Unfinished Revolution
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Star, 1975 - from Our Unfinished Revolution portfolio Lithograph in colors ***Professionally framed*** One of 250 copies, with the printed signature and date on offset paper. Prin...
Lithograph
$545
Alexander Calder Modern Lithograph, 1968, Cover from Derriere le Miroir #173
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Cover, from Derriere le Miroir #173 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1968 Edition: Un...
Lithograph
$180,000
Bobine
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
"Bobine" is a gouache and ink on paper by Alexander Calder. The work is signed in the lower right "Calder 72". A12922 Although renowned for his innovative and groundbreaking sculptures, Alexander Calder started his artistic career as an abstract painter, preferring to use gouache. What is gouache? Gouache is a water-soluble paint – a type of opaque watercolor. As Calder returned to gouache painting towards the end of his life, he was now armed with a lifetime of experience as a sculptor. He explored the three-dimensional vocabulary of sculptural forms he had developed onto the two-dimensional surface of the paper. Certain shapes and colors recur throughout his gouaches and sculptures. Circles, ovals, and other geometric forms dominate the space. There is the same sense of energy and fluidity. The shapes do not sit on the surface but vibrate giving a feeling of movement in contrast to the static nature of painting. Like his sculpture, Calder’s gouache...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
Porfolio Calder retrospektive (Maeght Zurich).
By Alexander Calder
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Calder retrospektive (Maeght Zurich) Portfolio non paginé 26 pages c.giedion welcker (auteur) Maeght (éditeur) 1973 Contient 4 lithographies couleur don...
Paper
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
Alexander Calder lithograph 1970s (Calder prints)
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Lithograph c. 1973 from Derrière le miroir: Lithograph in colors; 15 x 11 inches. Very good overall vintage condition; well-preseved. Unsigned from an edition of un...
Lithograph
$22,000
Fêtes
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Complete set of 7 color aquatints on Arches. The deluxe edition of 25 signed by Calder and numbered, aside from the unsigned edition of 150. Each but one of the aquatints signed and ...
Color, Aquatint
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
Fond Rouge
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Lithograph in colors Published by Maeght Éditeur, Paris Printed by Arte Adrien Maeght, Paris 22 x 29.5 inches Edition of 75 on Rives, signed and numbered - This one being a proof...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder "Boomerang" Lithograph, 1974
By Alexander Calder
Located in Astoria, NY
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) "Boomerang", Lithograph in Colors on Arches Paper, 1974, signed in the plate, from the edition of 750 published by Transworld Art, New York, pr...
Paper, Lithograph
Alexander Calder lithograph (derrière le miroir)
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Lithograph c. 1967 from Derrière le miroir: Lithograph in colors; 15 x 11 inches. Very good overall vintage condition; well-preseved. Unsigned from an edition of u...
Lithograph, Offset
Red Lunar Crescent & Black Circle - Lithograph, 1965
By Alexander Calder
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander Calder Red Lunar Crescent & Black Circle, 1965 Lithograph in colors Unsigned as usual On light vellum 32 x 23 cm (c. 12,5 x 9 in) Published in 1965 by National Museum of M...
Lithograph
Black Spirals & Circles - Lithograph, 1965
By Alexander Calder
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander Calder Black spirals & circles, 1965 Lithograph in colors Unsigned as usual On light vellum 32 x 23 cm (c. 12,5 x 9 in) Published in 1965 by National Museum of Modern Art,...
Lithograph