Alexander Calder Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

Alexander
Calder

Alexander Calder, renowned for his combinations of movement with fine art, has earned acclaim as a master of kinetic sculpture. If you’re looking for Alexander Calder original prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

Biography

Born in 1898 in Pennsylvania, Alexander Calder was an influential sculptor known for his revolutionary mobiles and stabiles. Initially studying mechanical engineering, Calder's journey began with a foundation in engineering principles, which later influenced his sculptural work. His transformative experience in Paris in the 1920s, where he interacted with the avant-garde art community, marked the beginning of his lifelong devotion to kinetic sculpture.

A prolific artist, Calder's works like his famous mobiles became celebrated for their playful dynamism and innovative use of form and movement. His career was marked by significant milestones, including his invention of the mobile in the early 1930s, which redefined the possibilities of sculpture.

Calder's initial foray into the art world was shaped by his assignment to draw the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Intrigued by the circus's mechanical aspects, his engineering background revealed itself in his detailed sketches of the circus's detailed network of wires, equipment, and the dynamic play between light and shadow. These early observations laid the foundation for Calder's exploration of themes such as counterbalance and the concept of drawing in space. As his career progressed, these themes became central to his work, challenging and expanding the traditional ways of engaging with and understanding art.

Calder is renowned for his groundbreaking approach to sculpture, particularly through his invention of 'mobiles' and 'stabiles', names given by Marcel Duchamp and Jean Arp. Calder's journey towards this unique artistic expression was sparked during a 1930 visit to Piet Mondrian's studio. Captivated by Mondrian's static coloured rectangles, Calder was inspired to infuse movement into abstract art—a concept Mondrian himself did not explore. This pivotal experience prompted Calder to create his mobiles, art pieces that blend abstract forms with kinetic energy, redefining the conventional limits of artistic expression.
The major exhibition of Calder's work at Tate Modern represents a significant milestone in the appreciation and understanding of his art. This showcase of 100 pieces, the largest of Calder's works ever staged in the UK, offered a comprehensive view of his works, including virtually every wire piece he ever made. Curated with an emphasis on inclusivity and the diversity of Calder's oeuvre, the exhibition provided an immersive experience where viewers were invited to engage with Calder's sculptures in their intended kinetic state.
The historical and cultural context of the early to mid-20th century played a significant role in shaping Calder's artistic direction. His movement towards abstraction and kinetic art was in line with the modernist ethos of breaking traditional boundaries. The interwar and postwar periods, marked by technological progress and a sense of optimism, are reflected in Calder's innovative and playful approach to sculpture. His work signifies a departure from conventional forms, resonating with a society eager for new expressions and experiences.