Original lithographed Alexander Calder poster - Fleches 'Galerie Maeght' 1970.

Alexander Calder (1898-1976) was a groundbreaking American sculptor famous for inventing the mobile, kinetic sculptures that move with air currents, and stabiles, large stationary abstract works, bringing movement and chance into sculpture with engineering precision. Born into an artistic family, he studied engineering before turning to art, creating playful, balanced artworks that ranged from wire figures to monumental public installations, defining modern sculpture.
Key Contributions & Style:
Mobiles: His most famous creations, these are suspended abstract forms connected by wires that gently rotate and shift, powered by air.
Stabiles: Large, static, abstract sculptures, often in bold colors, offering a contrast to his kinetic works.
Wire Sculpture: Early works featured bent wire figures, showcasing his skill in creating volume with line, like his famous miniature circus.
Engineering & Art: His background in mechanical engineering allowed him to understand balance and mechanics, integrating them into his artistic vision.
Early Life & Influences:
Artistic Family: His father and grandfather were sculptors, and his mother was a painter, encouraging his creativity from childhood.
Engineering Degree: He initially earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology before enrolling at the Art Students League in New York.
Parisian Avant-Garde: Moving to Paris in the late 1920s, he befriended artists like Piet Mondrian and developed his abstract, kinetic style.
Legacy:
Calder revolutionized sculpture by introducing movement and the element of chance, making art feel alive and dynamic, according to MoMA.
He created art across many mediums, including painting, jewelry, and large-scale public art, leaving a lasting mark on modern art.
Alexander Calder - Glenstone
b. Lawnton, PA, 1898. d. New York, NY, 1976 American artist Alexander Calder first began creating art as a child, influenced by hi...

Glenstone
Alexander Calder | National Gallery of Art
Alexander Calder is perhaps best known for his large, colorful sculpture, which incorporates elements of humor and chance into uni...

National Gallery of Art (.gov)

Alexander Calder | Whitney Museum of American Art
Introduction. Alexander "Sandy" Calder (; July 22, 1898 - November 11, 1976) was an American sculptor known both for his innovativ...

Whitney Museum of American Art


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good condition.

Origin:
France

Creator:
Styled After: Alexander Calder

Materials & Techniques:
Lithograph, Paper

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Frame Type: Unframed
Country of Origin: France
Art Subjects: Abstract, Text

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good condition.