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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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
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
Rouge Mouille (A00963)
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
"Rouge Mouille (A00963)" is an abstract Post War gouache and ink on paper work by Alexander Calder in 1965. The artwork is 42 1/4 x 29 5/8 inches and is 49 1/4 x 35 1/2 x 1 7/8 inche...
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
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
$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
The Oval Spiral
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Alexander Calder. "The Oval Spiral" is a Post-War, geometric abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds and blacks by artist Alexander Calder. T...
Ink, Gouache
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 oran...
Ink, Gouache
$175,000
Directions
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Alexander Calder. "Directions" is a Post-War abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds, blacks, yellows, and oranges by artist Alexander Calder...
Ink, Gouache
$150,000
Cercles
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An artwork by Alexander Calder. "Cercles" is an abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds, blues, and blacks by Post-War, American artist Alexander Calder. T...
Ink, Gouache
$175,000
The Forest
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Alexander Calder. "The Forest" is a Post-War abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds, blacks, yellows, and blues by artist Alexander Calder. The artwork is signed lower right, "Calder 72...
Ink, Gouache
$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
Red Petals, Blue Moon
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Alexander Calder. "Red and Black Spiral" 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
$160,000
Tracks
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Alexander Calder. "Tracks" is a Post-War abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds, blacks, and yellows by artist Alexander Calder. The artwork...
Ink, Gouache
$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
Price Upon Request
Dice, Gouache Painting by Alexander Calder 1974
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Dice Year: 1974 Medium: Gouache on Canson Lavis Paper, signed and dated lower right (titled, verso) Paper Size: 29 x 42 inches Frame: 37 x 51 inches ...
Gouache
$888Sale Price|25% Off
H 21 in W 22 in D 1 in
R.E.M. - Murmur (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock and Roll, Pop, Legendary)
By Kerry Smith
Located in Kansas City, MO
Kerry Smith R.E.M. - Murmur Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 21x20in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1633 *Black frame with a mirror-gloss finish avail...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board
$6,000
H 24 in W 20 in D 2 in
Abstract Work on Paper Mid-Century Modernism Greek American Gouache Drawing
By Jean Xceron
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Work on Paper Mid-Century Modernism Greek American Gouache Drawing. A modernist artist who emigrated to America from Greece in 1904, when he was fourteen years old, Jean Xceron is described as having a reputation as an artist that has mysteriously fallen into obscurity---especially since he was reportedly quite prominent during his lifetime. However, a partial explanation of that omission is the fact that many of his papers and early records have been lost. He was a painter of biomorphic abstractions and did collages, which were influenced by Dadaism. Xceron was active in New York City when modernism was gaining influence. Of him during this period, it was written that his artistic role was "a vital link between what is commonly termed as the first-generation (the Stieglitz group, the Synchromists, etc.) and second-generation, the American Abstract Artists, the Transcendental Painting...
Paper, Gouache
$457
H 19.75 in W 25.5 in
Mid Century French Abstract Expressionist Black Ink Minimalist Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Abstract Expressionist Black Ink Minimalist Painting Medium: Black ink/ gouache painting on paper, unframed French, circa 1950's Size: 19.75 inches x 25.75 ...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 40 in D 0.25 in
Abstract Expressionist Original Gouache on paper Collage style of de Kooning
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Expressionist Original Gouache on paper and Collage Abstract Gouache and Paper Collage by Harold Winer (American, 1913-2006). Image 30"H x 40"W Slat with white paint .25" ...
Gouache, Illustration Board, Laid Paper
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.5 in W 31.5 in D 1 in
Howard Schleeter 1949 Original Gouache & Wax Painting – Abstract Southwest Art
By Howard Schleeter
Located in Denver, CO
This striking original 1949 gouache and wax painting, titled "Fetishes", is a powerful work by acclaimed New Mexico modernist Howard Schleeter (1903–1976). Rich with symbolic abstrac...
Wax, Gouache
$796Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 45 in D 2 in
Antique American Modernist Nature Study Lake Landscape Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist landscape oil painting. Oil on canvas, circa 1940. Signed illegibly lower left. Image size, 36L x 24H. Housed in a period modern frame.
Canvas, Oil, Gouache
$1,966Sale Price|31% Off
H 28.25 in W 29.5 in D 1.5 in
1947 Abstract Gouache Family Portrait by Lewis Lee Tilley, American Modernist
Located in Denver, CO
Ortez (Modernist Family Portrait) is a vibrant 1947 abstract gouache on paper by American modernist artist Lewis Lee Tilley (1921–2005). This dynamic mid-century composition depicts ...
Paper, Gouache
'Bird Abstraction' — Mid-Century Modernism
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Stephen Harty, Untitled (Bird Abstraction), gouache, 1953. Signed and dated lower left. A fine, meticulously rendered, mid-century, modernist gouache painting, with fresh colors on 1...
Gouache
$495
H 20 in W 17 in D 1 in
Vintage European Modernist Signed 1969 Landscape Coastal Signed Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist coastal seascape painting. Mixed media on board. Framed. Measuring: 17 by 20 inches overall. Excellent condition, ready to hang and enjoy.
Watercolor, Gouache, Board
$385
H 26 in W 20 in D 0.13 in
A Stylish, Colorful, Mid-Century Modern 1950s Abstract Geometric Textile Design
By Andre Delfau
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, colorful 1950s Mid-century Modern abstract geometric textile design (depicting a polychrome patterned design of horizontal bands and spheres in red, blue and green tones) ...
Paper, Gouache, Graphite
"Orange Face"
By Rolph Scarlett
Located in Southampton, NY
Circa 1945 Signed lower left Sight size 12 x 10.5 in Overall size in newly matted one inch wide black frame 25.5 x 21.5 in
Gouache, Paper
$279Sale Price|70% Off
H 17 in W 13.75 in
1950s "Red Sun" Mid Century Abstract Art Students League NYC
By Donald Stacy
Located in Arp, TX
Donald Stacy "Red Sun" c.1950s Gouache and oil pastel on paper 13.75" x 17" unframed Unsigned Came from artist's estate *Custom framing available for additional charge. Please expect framing time between 3-5 weeks. Donald Stacy (1925-2008) New Jersey Studied: Newark School of Fine Art The Art Students League...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Gouache
Rouille sur journe by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in New Orleans, LA
Alexander Calder 1898 – 1976 American Rouille sur journe (Rust on day) Gouache and ink on paper Signed and dated “Calder 64” (lower right) This vibrant gouache and ink on paper is the work of modernist master, Alexander Calder. Calder was widely innovative across a multitude of artistic mediums, not only in his revolutionary sculptural mobiles...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
Serpent vert by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in New Orleans, LA
Alexander Calder 1898 – 1976 American Serpent vert (Green Serpent) Gouache and ink on paper Signed and dated “Calder 72” (lower right) A masterwork in a ...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
Le Grand Rouge
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Alexander Calder. "Le Grand Rouge" is a Post-War abstract painting, gouache and ink on paper in bold colors of reds, blacks, and blues by artist Alexander Calder. The a...
Ink, Gouache
Untitled, 1964
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Renowned for his mobiles, Alexander Calder applies the same principles of movement found in his sculptural works in this gouache work titled Untitled, 1964. Vertical yellow stripes cover the background, over which crisscrossed lines of red are punctuated with dripping blue dots. The layers of color bleed into each other, drawing attention to the water-based medium of the pigments. Gouache paint consists of opaque pigments ground in water and a thickener, which yields an especially rich color for a water-based paint. Thin abstracted lines and dots in black fill the lower half of the composition with the same swaying movement of grass blades in the wind. The swirl in the lower right corner of the composition is a signature formal motif in both Calder’s three-dimensional and two-dimensional works. Through a masterful handling of gouache, Alexander Calder Untitled...
Ink, Gouache
Sold
H 19.75 in W 17 in
"Composition" an Original Color Lithograph signed by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Composition" is an original lithograph by Alexander Calder, created in 1965. This print holds several shapes. A large red circle is centered near the top of the piece. Bellow it and...
Lithograph
Blue Dots in Red Loops
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Alexander Calder. "Blue Dots in Red Loops" is an abstract, gouache on paper painting depicting iconic Alexander Calder whimsical and kinetic, loops and lines in black a...
Paper, Gouache
Untitled (For Braniff Airlines)
By Alexander Calder
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is a unique original gouache and ink painting on paper by Alexander Calder, created circa 1973. In 1973, Braniff International Airways commissioned Calder to use three flying aircrafts as his canvases. He painted a full-size Douglas DC-8-62 four engine airliner in bright and vivid colors, which became known as "Flying Colors of South America." Calder went on to create "Flying Colors of the United States" on a Boeing 727...
Ink, Gouache
Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
gouache on paper Signed lower right, "To Tebe Sandy Calder". Signed upper right, "Calder 45". Provenance: Gift from the artist; Inherited by descent t...
Gouache
Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
gouache on paper Signed lower left, "Calder 57" and "To Christopher amicalement". Provenance: Gift from the artist to the present owner in 1963. Exhibition: October 1997 at 52 M...
Gouache