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Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

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.

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Artist: Alexander Calder
Derrière Le Miroir No. 156 (front cover) /// Modern Abstract Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Title: "Untitled (front cover)" Portfolio: Derrière le Miroir (No. 156) *Issued unsigned, though signed by Calder in the plate (printed signature) lower right Year: 1966 Medium: Original Lithograph on smooth wove paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: Arte Adrien Maeght, Paris, France Publisher: Galerie Maeght, Paris, France Sheet size: 14.75" x 11" Condition: In excellent condition Notes: Lithograph produced for the 1966 No. 156 "Derrière le Miroir" portfolio in conjunction with a special exhibition of Calder's work at Galerie Maeght, Paris, France in February of 1966 which featured 13 totems and 27 gouaches. The complete folio included a poem by Jacques Prévert and texts by Professor Meyer Schapiro, Alexander Calder, and Nicholas Guppy. Small spiral lithograph and text on verso as issued. 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 magazine Derriere Le Miroir was created in October 1946 and published without interruption until 1982. Maeght's ambition in establishing his print shop and his publication magazine Derriere Le Miroir was to make available to a broader audience less expensive printed imagery by the artists of his time, many whom were represented by his Paris gallery...
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1960s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled ‘Liz Nelson’
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Alexander Calder Untitled ‘Liz Nelson’, 1968 is a unique original pen and ink drawing on folio with a red banner that reads 'NOBILIS' is init...
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1940s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Ink, Pen

The Puppet Man, 1960. E. A
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"The Puppet Man, 1960. By Alexander Calder. Handwriting by artist "EA" down left. Image size: 42.25 x 19 in. Frame size: 50.25 x 27 in. Silver Frame Ha...
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1660s Abstract Geometric Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Archival Paper, 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 ...
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1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Lithograph - Behind the Mirror 1 lithograph created in 1976 Unsigned. Unnumbered from an edition of presumably large size. Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm Source: Lithogra...
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1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror 1 Original lithograph created in 1976 Framed Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm Source: Derrière le m...
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1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror Original lithographs produced in 1976 Dimensions: 38 x 56 cm Source: Derrière le miroir (...
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1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror 1 Original lithograph created in 1976 Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm Source: Derrière le miroir (DLM), n°221, 1976 Alexander Cald...
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1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Santa Claus : Three Figures - Original Handsigned Etching
By Alexander Calder
Located in Paris, FR
Alexandre Calder (1898 - 1976) Santa Claus : Three Figures, 1974 Original Etching Handsigned in pencil On vellum Arches 50.5 cm x 66 cm (c. 19,7 x 25,9 inch) Excellent condition
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1970s American Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Etching

Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror 1 Original lithograph created in 1976 Framed Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm Source: Derrière le miroir (DLM), n°221, 1976 Alexand...
Category

1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror 2 Original lithographs on the same paper (recto/verso, on both paper sides) produced in 1976 Conditions: Good Conditions D...
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1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror 1 Original lithograph created in 1976 Framed Dimensions: 38 x 56 cm Source: Derrière le m...
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1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Cover, from Derriere le Miroir #156
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Cover (Derriere le Miroir #156) Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #156 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1966 Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" I...
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1960s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror 1 Original lithograph created in 1976 Framed Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm Source: Derrière le miroir (DLM), n°221, 1976 Alexand...
Category

1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - Behind the Mirror 1 Original lithograph created in 1976 Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm Source: Derrière le miroir (...
Category

1970s Modern Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

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1960s Abstract Geometric Alexander Calder Portrait Prints

Alexander Calder portrait prints for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Alexander Calder portrait prints available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of portrait prints to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of purple, red, yellow and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Alexander Calder in lithograph, archival paper, etching and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Alexander Calder portrait prints, so small editions measuring 9 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Jim Dine, Jacques Villon, and Jean Jansem. Alexander Calder portrait prints prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $38,000, while the average work can sell for $1,331.
Questions About Alexander Calder Portrait Prints
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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