Calder Foundation

Works of Calder, 1950, by Herbert Matter

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Alexander Calder: Sculpture and Constructions, 1944, by Herbert Matter

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Work in Progress, 1968, by Giulio Gianini

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Alexander Calder: From the Circus to the Moon, 1963, by Hans Richter

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Calder’s Life & Work

Introduction

Read an illustrated biography of Calder.

Read an illustrated biography of Calder.

Read an illustrated biography of Calder.

Timelines

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1898–1925, the artist is encouraged from a young age to create and ultimately makes the pivotal decision to pursue art as a career.

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1926–1930, the artist focuses on wire sculpture and creates his Cirque Calder in Paris.

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1930–1936, the artist shifts to abstraction and originates the kinetic sculpture now known as the mobile.

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1937–1945, the artist receives his first major commissions and retrospective exhibitions amid World War II.

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1946–1952, the artist gains international distinction in the wake of the war with successful exhibitions in Europe and South America.

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder through by life period. In 1953–1962, the artist embarks on worldwide travels, resulting in an astonishing output and range of work.

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1963–1976, the artist settles in France and focuses on monumental sculpture in his later years.

Archive

Explore a wide-ranging selection of works, historical photographs, texts, ephemera, and other resources.

Explore a wide-ranging selection of works, historical photographs, texts, ephemera, and other resources.

Louisa Calder playing accordion (1938)
Louisa Calder playing accordion, Roxbury, 1938Photograph by Herbert Matter © Calder Foundation, New York
Louisa Calder playing accordion, Roxbury, 1938
Photograph by Herbert Matter
Myxomatose (1954)
Calder with Myxomatose (1953), Paris, 1954Photograph by Agnès Varda © Agnès Varda
Calder with Myxomatose (1953), Paris, 1954
Photograph by Agnès Varda
Nervures Minces Le Carroi studio Saché (1963)
Nervures Minces, Le Carroi studio, Saché, 1963Photograph by Ugo Mulas © Ugo Mulas Heirs
Nervures Minces, Le Carroi studio, Saché, 1963
Photograph by Ugo Mulas

Introduction

Read an illustrated biography of Calder.

Read an illustrated biography of Calder.

Read an illustrated biography of Calder.

Timeline

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1898–1925, the artist is encouraged from a young age to create and ultimately makes the pivotal decision to pursue art as a career.

Timeline

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1926–1930, the artist focuses on wire sculpture and creates his Cirque Calder in Paris.

Timeline

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1930–1936, the artist shifts to abstraction and originates the kinetic sculpture now known as the mobile.

Timeline

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1937–1945, the artist receives his first major commissions and retrospective exhibitions amid World War II.

Timeline

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1946–1952, the artist gains international distinction in the wake of the war with successful exhibitions in Europe and South America.

Timeline

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder through by life period. In 1953–1962, the artist embarks on worldwide travels, resulting in an astonishing output and range of work.

Timeline

Develop a deeper understanding of Calder by life period. In 1963–1976, the artist settles in France and focuses on monumental sculpture in his later years.

Archive

Explore a wide-ranging selection of works, historical photographs, texts, ephemera, and other resources.

Archive

Explore a wide-ranging selection of works, historical photographs, texts, ephemera, and other resources.

Louisa Calder playing accordion (1938)
Louisa Calder playing accordion, Roxbury, 1938Photograph by Herbert Matter © Calder Foundation, New York
Louisa Calder playing accordion, Roxbury, 1938
Photograph by Herbert Matter
Myxomatose (1954)
Calder with Myxomatose (1953), Paris, 1954Photograph by Agnès Varda © Agnès Varda
Calder with Myxomatose (1953), Paris, 1954
Photograph by Agnès Varda
Nervures Minces Le Carroi studio Saché (1963)
Nervures Minces, Le Carroi studio, Saché, 1963Photograph by Ugo Mulas © Ugo Mulas Heirs
Nervures Minces, Le Carroi studio, Saché, 1963
Photograph by Ugo Mulas

On View

February 2024

Calder: In Motion, The Shirley Family Collection at the Seattle Art Museum

Organized around the extraordinary gift of the Shirley Family Calder Collection to the Seattle Art Museum, this exhibition presents a non-chronological narrative that covers Calder’s career throughout the decades.

Calder Around the World

Use this interactive map to discover installations of monumental sculpture, notable public collections, and major current and upcoming exhibitions.