Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976)

Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976) - photo 1

Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder was an American artist celebrated for his revolutionary contributions to modern sculpture, including his invention of the mobile. Born into a family of artists on July 22, 1898, in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, and passing away on November 11, 1976, in New York, Calder harnessed his background in mechanical engineering to create kinetic sculptures that moved with air currents, alongside his monumental stationary sculptures known as "stabiles"​​​​.

Calder's early life was marked by his creation of toys and various objects, showcasing his inherent talent and creativity from a young age. Despite initially pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, Calder's true calling in the arts was undeniable. He moved to New York City, where he enrolled at the Art Students League, laying the groundwork for his iconic artistic style​​. In 1926, Calder relocated to Paris, which became a pivotal moment in his career, leading to the creation of "Calder's Circus," a whimsical assembly of wire figures that gained him entry into the avant-garde art circles of Europe​​.

Throughout the 1930s and beyond, Calder's work evolved from figurative painting to abstract sculptures that brought motion into the realm of art, a transition influenced by his visit to Piet Mondrian's studio. His innovative mobiles and stabiles were celebrated for their ingenuity and aesthetic appeal, earning Calder international recognition and numerous accolades​​. Among his well-known public commissions are the .125 mobile for John F. Kennedy Airport and the monumental red-painted steel stabile, "Flamingo," for the Federal Center Plaza in Chicago​​.

Calder's legacy extends far beyond his sculptures; his work encompassed painting, printmaking, jewelry design, and even set and costume design for theatre productions. His influence on modern art is profound, inspiring future generations of artists to explore the kinetic possibilities of sculpture​​.

For art enthusiasts and collectors interested in Alexander Calder's groundbreaking work, staying informed about upcoming sales and auctions is essential. Sign up for updates to never miss an opportunity to own a piece by this influential American sculptor, highlighting his unique contributions to the art world.

Date and place of birt:22 july 1898, Lawnton, USA
Date and place of death:11 november 1976, New York City, USA
Nationality:USA
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Designer, Sculptor
Genre:Allegory
Art style:Abstract art, Abstract Expressionism, Kinetic art, Modern art, Post War Art
Alexander Calder. Composition. Circa 1972 - Now at the auction

Now at the auction Alexander Calder

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Creators USA

Fairfield Porter (1907 - 1975)
Fairfield Porter
1907 - 1975
Gaines Ruger Donoho (1857 - 1916)
Gaines Ruger Donoho
1857 - 1916
James Hamilton (1819 - 1878)
James Hamilton
1819 - 1878
Joseph Rodefer DeCamp (1858 - 1923)
Joseph Rodefer DeCamp
1858 - 1923
Edwin Dickinson (1891 - 1978)
Edwin Dickinson
1891 - 1978
Ivan Albright (1897 - 1983)
Ivan Albright
1897 - 1983
James (Jim) Torlakson (1951)
James (Jim) Torlakson
1951
Paul Burlin (1886 - 1969)
Paul Burlin
1886 - 1969
Hiro (Yasuhiro) Wakabayashi (1930 - 2021)
Hiro (Yasuhiro) Wakabayashi
1930 - 2021
Charles Eames (1907 - 1978)
Charles Eames
1907 - 1978
Elenore Plaisted Abbott (1875 - 1935)
Elenore Plaisted Abbott
1875 - 1935
Shepard Fairey (1970)
Shepard Fairey
1970
John Frederick Peto (1854 - 1907)
John Frederick Peto
1854 - 1907
Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen (1850 - 1921)
Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen
1850 - 1921
Peter Reginato (1945)
Peter Reginato
1945
Andrei Roiter (1960)
Andrei Roiter
1960

Creators Abstract Expressionism

Albert Bitran (1931 - 2018)
Albert Bitran
1931 - 2018
Olafur Eliasson (1967)
Olafur Eliasson
1967
Valerio Adami (1935)
Valerio Adami
1935
Klavdiia Vasilevna Gorbashova (1927)
Klavdiia Vasilevna Gorbashova
1927
Arnold D'Altri (1904 - 1980)
Arnold D'Altri
1904 - 1980
Al Held (1928 - 2005)
Al Held
1928 - 2005
Aurélie Nemours (1910 - 2005)
Aurélie Nemours
1910 - 2005
Malick Sidibé (1935 - 2016)
Malick Sidibé
1935 - 2016
Michael Burges (1954)
Michael Burges
1954
Peter Smolka (XX century)
Peter Smolka
XX century
Kurt Spurey (1941)
Kurt Spurey
1941
Josh Smith (1976)
Josh Smith
1976
Helmuth Macke (1891 - 1936)
Helmuth Macke
1891 - 1936
Tommaso Barbi (1944)
Tommaso Barbi
1944
Heinz Mutterlose (1927 - 1995)
Heinz Mutterlose
1927 - 1995
Ernst Hodel II (1881 - 1955)
Ernst Hodel II
1881 - 1955
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