Alexander Stirling Calder

Alexander Stirling Calder was a renowned American sculptor, known for his impressive works of art that adorned various New York City landmarks, including the New York Public Library and City Hall (New York City). Calder's artistic style was influenced by his father, Alexander Milne Calder, a Scottish-born sculptor who worked on the Philadelphia City Hall. Calder's work often featured Classical antiquity themes, similar to those of Auguste Rodin and Michelangelo. He was also associated with the National Sculpture Society and the Art Students League of New York.

● Early Life and Education

Alexander Stirling Calder was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a family of artists, including his father Alexander Milne Calder and his son Sandy Calder, who would later become a famous Mobile (sculpture) artist. Calder's early education took place at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he was taught by Thomas Eakins and Charles Grafly. He later moved to Paris to study at the École des Beaux-Arts, alongside other notable artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro. Calder's time in Paris exposed him to the works of French sculpture masters, such as François Girardon and Jean-Antoine Houdon.

● Career

Calder's career as a sculptor began in the late 1800s, with his first major commission being a sculpture for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He went on to create numerous works of art for various New York City landmarks, including the New York Public Library and City Hall (New York City). Calder's work was also featured in several exhibitions, including the Armory Show and the Panama–Pacific International Exposition. He was a member of the National Academy of Design and the Society of American Artists, and his work was influenced by that of Daniel Chester French and Frederick William MacMonnies.

● Notable Works

Some of Calder's most notable works include the sculpture of William E. Dodge in New York City's Central Park, and the Shakespeare Memorial in Lincoln Park (Chicago). His work can also be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. Calder's sculptures often featured Classical antiquity themes, similar to those of Auguste Rodin and Michelangelo. He was also known for his portraits of famous individuals, such as Theodore Roosevelt and Grover Cleveland. Calder's work was influenced by the Beaux-Arts architecture style, which was popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and was characterized by the work of architects like Richard Morris Hunt and Stanford White.

● Personal Life

Calder was married to Nanette Lederer Calder, and the couple had two children, including the famous Mobile (sculpture) artist Sandy Calder. The family lived in New York City and spent their summers in Connecticut. Calder was a member of the Century Association and the Players Club, and was known for his love of Theatre and Music. He was also a friend and colleague of other notable artists, including John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassatt.

● Legacy

Alexander Stirling Calder's legacy as a sculptor is still celebrated today, with his works of art continuing to adorn New York City landmarks and museums. His son, Sandy Calder, went on to become a famous Mobile (sculpture) artist, and his grandson, Alexander Calder, was a renowned Artist. Calder's work has been exhibited in numerous museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). His sculptures continue to be admired for their beauty and craftsmanship, and his influence can be seen in the work of other artists, such as Isamu Noguchi and Henry Moore. Calder's contributions to the world of Sculpture have been recognized by the National Sculpture Society and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Category:American sculptors