Origins & Early Life

Alexander Calder (; July 22, 1898 – November 11, 1976) was an American sculptor known both for his innovative mobiles (kinetic sculptures powered by motors or air currents) that embrace chance in their aesthetic, his static "stabiles", and his monumental public sculptures. Calder preferred not to analyze his work, saying, "Theories may be all very well for the artist himself, but they shouldn't be broadcast to other people." His father, Alexander Stirling Calder, and grandfather, Alexander Milne Calder, were also sculptors. Calder was born in 1898 in the Lawnton section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His birthdate remains a source of confusion.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

According to Calder's mother, Nanette (née Lederer), Calder was born on August 22, yet his birth certificate at Philadelphia City Hall, based on a hand-written ledger, stated July 22. When Calder's family learned of the birth certificate, they asserted with certainty that city officials had made a mistake. His mother was Jewish of Bavarian descent and his father was Calvinist of Scottish descent, but Calder never practiced a religion and rejected nationalism. Calder's grandfather, sculptor Alexander Milne Calder...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Luthuli — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Alvar Aalto — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering Finnish architect whose total art approach defined modern Nordic design.
• Ariel Durant — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Ukrainian-born American historian, coauthor of The Story of Civilization.
• A Day at the Races (album) — Contemporary (Born in 1976) (1976): Queen's fifth studio album, a companion piece to A Night at the Opera.
• Adolph Zukor — Contemporary (Died in 1976) (1976): Pioneering Hungarian-American film producer, co-founder of Paramount Pictures.
• Agatha Christie — Contemporary (Died in 1976) (1976): The 'Queen of Crime,' a master of the mystery genre, best-selling author of all time.
• Alan Menken — Shared historical date (07-22 · Born) (1949): Award-winning American composer celebrated for Disney film scores and Broadway musicals.
• Albert Brooks — Shared historical date (07-22 · Born) (1947): Versatile American actor, comedian, director, and screenwriter.
• Barbara Strozzi — Shared historical date (11-11 · Died) (1677): Pioneering Venetian Baroque composer and singer, known for secular output.
• Bartolomé de las Casas — Shared historical date (11-11 · Born) (1484): Spanish reformer and writer who fiercely denounced the atrocities against Indigenous peoples in the Americas.
• 1898 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1898
• July 22 (07-22) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 22
• 1976 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1976
• November 11 (11-11) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 11