Sell Alexander Calder Stabiles & Sculptures

Want to sell Alexander Calder stabiles or sculptures? Our gallery reviews original sculptures, maquettes and works in metal, wire and wood for potential direct purchase. Send photographs and the information you have for a confidential gallery evaluation.

Stabiles, Maquettes and Original Sculptures

Calder’s stabiles are stationary sculptures, ranging from small works to monumental outdoor constructions. His sculptural practice also includes wood-and-wire Constellations and other forms. A maquette is a model for a sculpture; its scale, materials and history should be considered separately from an intermediate model or full-size version.

Selected Calder Stabiles and Sculptures

These documented examples illustrate different forms, materials and scales. They are reference examples, rather than works offered for sale by our gallery.

Big Bird (maquette), 1936

Ex-Octopus (maquette), 1936

Devil Fish, 1937

Black Beast, 1940

Constellation with Red Knife, 1943

Flamingo (maquette), 1972

Identifying the Exact Sculpture

Useful details include the title, date, dimensions, materials, construction, signature and any inventory or edition markings. Compare the actual object with documented specifications, including whether it is a maquette or another version. A resemblance to a well-known public sculpture does not establish authorship. Our Calder research guide explains what to collect.

What Affects a Calder Sculpture’s Value?

Period, composition, scale, materials, condition, ownership history and documentation can all influence market value. We review relevant comparable sales and current demand for the particular work. Small sculptures and models should be assessed on their own merits. Read our Alexander Calder value guide for more detail.

Condition and Documentation

Tell us about repainting, corrosion, repairs, altered welds or fasteners, missing elements and previous outdoor exposure. Historical photographs, invoices, exhibition records and conservation reports can help explain changes over time. Avoid repainting, restoring or dismantling the work before assessment, and photograph only areas you can access safely.

Calder Foundation Information

Include any existing Calder Foundation correspondence or archive information. The Foundation’s registration and examination process is separate from a gallery’s market evaluation. It does not issue certificates of authenticity or provide appraisals, and submitting an application does not guarantee registration.

What to Send for Review

• Clear photographs from several angles, including the base or underside where safely accessible.
• Close-ups of signatures, markings, labels and any condition concerns.
• Dimensions, materials, current location and ownership history.
• Purchase records, earlier photographs, exhibition details and conservation documentation.

Selling and Transport

For works we are actively seeking, we may make a confidential direct purchase offer with no obligation to sell. If terms are agreed, we can coordinate payment, insurance, professional packing and transport. Large or outdoor sculptures require access and installation details before removal. See how selling your Calder works.