Alexander Calder Posters

American, 1898-1976

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.

Creator: Alexander Calder

Original Alexander Calder ANTEATER Anniversary Museum Exhibition Litho Poster

$950

Original Alexander Calder ANTEATER Anniversary Museum Exhibition Litho Poster

By Alexander Calder

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Original Alexander Calder ANTEATER Anniversary Museum Exhibition Litho Poster Original 1996 Alexander Calder Exhibition Lithograph Print entitled, "Anteater", honoring the 60th Anni...

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1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Alexander Calder Posters

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Paper

Calder Lithograph Exhibition Poster Aubusson Tapestry New York

$692Sale Price|20% Off

Calder Lithograph Exhibition Poster Aubusson Tapestry New York

By Alexander Calder

Located in Cincinnati, OH

Calder Lithograph Exhibition Poster Aubusson Tapestry New York Never mounted One owner

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1970s American Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage Rare XL Original Alexander Calder Museum Exhibition Lithograph Poster A+

$1,950 / item

Vintage Rare XL Original Alexander Calder Museum Exhibition Lithograph Poster A+

By Alexander Calder

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

80s ULTRA RARE, Vintage, Original Alexander Calder, Large Format, Modern Exhibition Lithograph Poster published by the Whitney Museum of Art, New York, 1980-1981. NEVER REMOVED FRO...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Italian Art Exhibition Poster - Ferruccio Garopesani

$440Sale Price|20% Off

H 22.25 in W 16.63 in D 0.07 in

Original Italian Art Exhibition Poster - Ferruccio Garopesani

Located in Miami, FL

Original Italian art exhibition poster by painter and designer Ferruccio Garopesani. Presented in 1975 at the Galleria International d'Arte - Diorena - Ascona, Italy. A native of ...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alexander Calder Posters

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Paper

Framed Calder Galerie Maeght Lithograph Poster Maeght Editeur - Arte Paris 70s

$1,200

H 36.25 in W 24.25 in D 0.75 in

Framed Calder Galerie Maeght Lithograph Poster Maeght Editeur - Arte Paris 70s

By Calder, Galerie Maeght

Located in New York, NY

Bold, colorful and graphic Galerie Maeghgt Calder Poster by Maeght Editeur - Arte Paris. The poster is in it's original vintage frame with a blue mat border, aluminum frame and gla...

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1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

1960 TWA, New York Original Vintage Poster

$1,668

H 40 in W 25 in D 0.1 in

1960 TWA, New York Original Vintage Poster

By David Klein

Located in Winchester, GB

This poster was created in 1960 for Howard Hughes’ Trans World Airlines promoting their routes to New York. Illustrated by influential American artist Da...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

1960 TWA - New York Original Vintage Poster

$23,634

H 40 in W 25 in D 0.1 in

1960 TWA - New York Original Vintage Poster

By David Klein

Located in Winchester, GB

This poster was created in 1960 for Howard Hughes’ Trans World Airlines promoting their routes to New York. Illustrated by influential American artist David Klein, this design featur...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper

Original Vintage David Hockney Exhibition Poster 'New York Film Festival', 1981

$1,120Sale Price|20% Off

H 39.38 in W 33.86 in D 0 in

Original Vintage David Hockney Exhibition Poster 'New York Film Festival', 1981

By David Hockney

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

Original vintage David Hockney exhibition poster 'New York Film Festival', 1981 Step into the vibrant world of David Hockney, where every stroke of his brush tells a story of boundl...

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1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Ernest Trova Pace Gallery New York 1967 Modern Lithographic Exhibition Poster

$400 / item

H 29 in W 29 in D 1.5 in

Ernest Trova Pace Gallery New York 1967 Modern Lithographic Exhibition Poster

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A modern lithographic poster featuring Ernest Trova at Pace Gallery New York in 1967. Published by Pace Editions. Ernest Tino Trova was a self-trained Am...

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1960s American Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

1980's John Moore "Thursday" Metropolitan Museum Of Art Exhibition Framed Poster

$580

H 30 in W 42 in D 1 in

1980's John Moore "Thursday" Metropolitan Museum Of Art Exhibition Framed Poster

Located in Miami, FL

1980's John Moore "Thursday" Metropolitan Museum of Art Exhibition Framed Poster. 20th Century Art Exhibition Framed in a brushed aluminum frame, under glass. In excellent original...

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1980s American Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Aluminum

David Hockney Exhibition Poster

$625

H 40 in W 28.25 in D 1 in

David Hockney Exhibition Poster

By David Hockney

Located in Philadelphia, PA

David Hockney exhibition poster from 1981 paintings and drawings for the Metropolitan operas parade a French Triple Bill. Poster was ...

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1980s American Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Henri Matisse Paper Cut-Outs St. Louis Art Museum Original Exhibition Poster

$595

H 44 in W 21.75 in D 0.15 in

Henri Matisse Paper Cut-Outs St. Louis Art Museum Original Exhibition Poster

By (after) Henri Matisse

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautifully composed and brightly colored original vintage Henri Matisse poster from his 1978 St. Louis Art Museum Paper Cut-Outs exhibition (which was also was featured at The Nat...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Enzo Mari Danese Exhibition Stedelijk Museum Original Poster, 1966

$1,779

H 37.8 in W 25.2 in D 0.04 in

Enzo Mari Danese Exhibition Stedelijk Museum Original Poster, 1966

By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari

Located in Milan, IT

Rare poster designed by Enzo Mari "Ontwerp en Produktie. Voorwerpen van Angelo Mangiarotti, Enzo Mari, Bruno Munari. Produktie B. Danese" exhibition held in 1966/67 at Stedelijk muse...

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1960s Italian Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

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

$1,200Sale Price|20% Off

H 28 in W 33 in D 1 in

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...

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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Original David Hockney Exhibition Lithograph Poster 8 Sun Chairs by a Pool 1976

$1,650

H 27.5 in W 27.5 in D 0.5 in

Original David Hockney Exhibition Lithograph Poster 8 Sun Chairs by a Pool 1976

By David Hockney

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Original David Hockney Exhibition Lithograph Poster, entitled "8 Sun chairs by a Pool", was created in 1996 for Hockney's Drawing Exhibition held at the Los Angeles County Museum. T...

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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Previously Available Items

Alexander Calder Original Exhibition Poster for Rolly-Michaux Gallery 1976

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H 29 in W 22 in D 1 in

Alexander Calder Original Exhibition Poster for Rolly-Michaux Gallery 1976

By Alexander Calder

Located in Skokie, IL

Alexander Calder Exhibition Poster for Rolly-Michaux Gallery 1976 This piece is an original vintage poster advertising an exhibition of Calder's "Gouaches and Important Lithographs"...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Metal

Alexander Calder Original poster for Calder's exhibition at the Théâtre Français

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H 46.86 in W 31.11 in D 0.4 in

Alexander Calder Original poster for Calder's exhibition at the Théâtre Français

By Alexander Calder

Located in PAU, FR

Alexander Calder Original poster for Calder's exhibition at the Théâtre Français de la Danse by Joseph Lazzini in 1969 Printed by St Martin Paris printer

Category

1960s French Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder Lithography Poster in Original Frame, 1971 -Aubusson Tapestries

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H 36.75 in W 23 in D 1.5 in

Alexander Calder Lithography Poster in Original Frame, 1971 -Aubusson Tapestries

By Alexander Calder

Located in North Miami, FL

Exhibited at Bewster Gallery in NY 1971, this lovely lithograph in its original framing is unique with the simple blue, black and white. Pomoting the Aubusson Tapestries by Calder.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

1977 Alexander Calder Exhibition Poster "Calder's Universe"

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H 1.5 in W 36 in D 32 in

1977 Alexander Calder Exhibition Poster "Calder's Universe"

By Alexander Calder

Located in San Gabriel, CA

Artwork: 28" high x 33" wide. Framed: 32" high x 36" wide Framed Alexander Calder Exhibition Poster "Calder's Universe" 1977 Lithograph s...

Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Metal

Calder 1970s Exhibition Poster

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H 34.5 in W 24.5 in L 34.5 in

Calder 1970s Exhibition Poster

By Alexander Calder

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Original Calder Exhibition poster from 1976. Very good condition, original frame.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Calder Albi Original Vintage Poster

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H 35.44 in W 23.63 in D 0.04 in

Calder Albi Original Vintage Poster

By Alexander Calder

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

Created for the exhibition ‘Calder’ at the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in Albi. Iconic design by Calder bringing playful and welcoming vide. A classic design by Calder. This poster was p...

Category

Late 20th Century Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Framed Alexander Calder Israel Museum Jerusalem Exhibition Poster

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H 26.5 in W 36.5 in D 1 in

Framed Alexander Calder Israel Museum Jerusalem Exhibition Poster

By Alexander Calder

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Framed vintage exhibition poster by Alexander Calder. The exhibit was entitled: Homage to Calder, and held at the Jerusalem Museum in Israel. The image features the Classic primary color composition with spiral image...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Metal

Framed Alexander Calder Exhibition Poster

Sold

H 25 in W 31 in D 1 in

Framed Alexander Calder Exhibition Poster

By Alexander Calder

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Framed Alexander Calder exhibition poster. In very good condition. Ready to hang.

Category

20th Century Modern Alexander Calder Posters

"Big Prints From Rome" Poster by Calder

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H 42.5 in W 34 in D 3 in

"Big Prints From Rome" Poster by Calder

By Alexander Calder

Located in North Miami, FL

"Big Prints from Rome" exhibition poster with Calder print. Exhibition dates 4-22 February 1980. Framed with white thick frame, under glass.

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Alexander Calder Posters

Materials

Paper

Alexander Calder posters for sale on 1stDibs.

Alexander Calder posters 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 Alexander Calder posters, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original posters by Alexander Calder were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider posters by Bernard Villemot, Raymond Savignac, and Roman Cieslewicz. Prices for Alexander Calder posters can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $325 and can go as high as $4,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,163.

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Questions About Alexander Calder Posters

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.
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.
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.

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