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Alexander Milne Calder

1898 - 1976

Quick Facts

  • Mediums: acrylic on canvas
  • Lifespan: 78 years
  • Best occasions: accent
  • Museums on APS:
    • Whitney Museum of American Art
    • Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
    • Tate Britain
    • Des Moines Art Center
    • MOMA - Museum of Modern Art
  • Top-ranked work: Calder's Circus
  • Died: 1976
  • Also known as: Alexander Calder
  • Topics explored:
    • calder
    • abstract
    • sculpture
    • geometric
    • abstract sculpture

introduction to alexander milne calder

alexander milne calder was a scottish american sculptor, born in aberdeen, scotland in 1846. he is best known for his architectural sculpture of philadelphia city hall, and both his son, alexander stirling calder, and grandson, alexander 'sandy' calder, became significant sculptors in the 20th century.

early life and career

alexander milne calder began his career in scotland, working for sculptor john rhind, while attending the royal academy in edinburgh. he moved to london and worked on the albert memorial. calder immigrated to the united states in 1868 and settled in philadelphia, where he studied with joseph a. bailly and took classes with thomas eakins at the pennsylvania academy of fine arts.

notable works

some of alexander milne calder's notable works include:
  • philadelphia city hall: a commission that involved more than 250 pieces in marble and bronze, taking calder 20 years to complete.
  • william penn: a colossal bronze statue that was to crown the city hall's tower.
  • indian figure: a sculpture prior to its installation on city hall.
  • south portal and west portal: illuminated with colored lights, showcasing calder's attention to detail.

legacy

alexander milne calder's legacy extends beyond his own work, as both his son and grandson became prominent sculptors. his contributions to the world of art can be seen in various museums, including the smithsonian american art museum and the galleria civica di arte moderna e contemporanea torino. to learn more about alexander milne calder and his work, visit https://ArtsDot.com/@/alexander-milne-calder or explore the wahoo art timeline for a detailed overview of art history. important to note that alexander milne calder's work has been recognized and appreciated by art enthusiasts and scholars alike, making him a significant figure in the world of art. his contributions will continue to be celebrated and studied for generations to come.

Questions & Answers

Can I study Alexander Milne Calder's use of color across all works?

The Palette Genome of Alexander Milne Calder is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

How can I follow Alexander Milne Calder's work year by year?

The artist's Artwork Timeline page presents Alexander Milne Calder's works ordered by date, year by year.

What are the birth city and country of Alexander Milne Calder?

Alexander Milne Calder was born in Aberdeen, in United Kingdom.

Where is Alexander Milne Calder from?

Alexander Milne Calder was born in United Kingdom.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Alexander Milne Calder?

Alexander Milne Calder was born in Aberdeen in 1898.

Can I browse Alexander Milne Calder's works by medium?

The All Medium page groups Alexander Milne Calder's artworks by technique.

Where are Alexander Milne Calder's artworks grouped by art movement?

Alexander Milne Calder's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
Alexander Milne Calder is best known for his contributions to which art form?
Question 2:
Which city was Alexander Calder's primary residence and where he spent much of his career?
Question 3:
What is a defining characteristic of Alexander Calder’s mobiles?
Question 4:
Alexander Stirling Calder, Alexander Milne Calder's son, was also a prominent artist. What type of art is he most famous for?
Question 5:
What significant commission involved over 250 pieces and took Calder 20 years to complete?