Alexander Calder Auction & Appraisal
History: Alexander Calder Paintings, Prints & Lithographs
A Start with Aesop
Although he is perhaps best known for his sculpture and mobiles, Alexander Calder was also prolific in the creation of paintings and illustrations. He began painting in the early 1920s, at the beginning of his career, and began studying printmaking in 1925. His initial illustrations were primarily produced for journals and books—including pen-and-ink drawings he created for a 1931 publication of Aesop’s Fables.
Inspired by Mondrian
A 1930 visit to Piet Mondrian’s studio inspired Calder to move fully into the realm of abstract sculpture, and his painting followed the same course. The thin lines that defined figures in his earlier work now began delineating groups of geometric shapes. These groups of shapes often appear to be in motion in his work, and in this way mimic his kinetic and mobile sculptures.
Increasing Value & Worth
As Calder’s reputation as an artist grew throughout the 1940s and 1950s (and beyond), so, too, did interest in his work. A 2012 auction set world records for two of his sculptures. Today, his paintings and gouache, lithographs and print, and sculptures and mobiles, as well as deluxe editions of books featuring his fine-art illustrations, are highly sought-after and often sell for close to or greater than their high estimates.
Our Alexander Calder auctions celebrate the ingenuity and imagination that defined his groundbreaking work. Our Alexander Calder auctions provide a unique opportunity to acquire a masterpiece. At Cottone Auctions, we present an array of Alexander Calder art for sale that goes beyond conventional art. Check out the results of our previous Alexander Calder auctions, or sign up for an appraisal today.
| Name: | Alexander “Sandy” Calder |
| Born: | August 22, 1898 |
| Died: | November 11, 1976 |
| Country: | United States |
| Movements: | Kinetic Art, Surrealism, Abstraction |
| Media: | Mobile, stabile & monumental sculpture; Painting & printmaking; Jewelry |
Cottone Auctions specializes in Alexander Calder Paintings, Prints & Sculpture.
View recent auction results:
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) “Crayfish”
Hammer Price:
$153,400
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) “Busbies & Uniforms”
Hammer Price:
$109,250
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) “Segmented Spiral”
Hammer Price:
$100,625
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) “Loops Filled In”
Hammer Price:
$68,000
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) “Râ”
Hammer Price:
$63,250
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) “Looping”
Hammer Price:
$37,950
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) “Big Wheel”
Hammer Price:
$28,320
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Lithograph
Hammer Price:
$28,320
Do you have an Alexander Calder Painting or Sculpture?
Find out how much it’s worth with a certified Cottone Auctions appraisal.
Our professional evaluations of personal property assets can be used for the purpose of trust valuation, insurance needs, charitable donations, etc.
Please complete the request form at right and upload at least one photograph of your Alexander Calder painting, sculpture, gouache or print.
We strongly suggest including the following:
- Photos: Clear color images of the front & back, with close-up details of any signature or maker’s mark. One photo is required; additional photos will allow us to more accurately assess your item.
- History: Any information you may have regarding when & how the item was acquired, dimensions of the item, and any additional documentation.
Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for evaluation and appraisal of your artwork. We will email a detailed description and assessment of your item, as researched by our staff.
Our documented appraisal is yours to use as you need. If you wish to sell your item(s), we hope you will consider Cottone Auctions as your fine art and antique consignment partner.