Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder (July 22, 1898, Lawnton, Pennsylvania – November 11, 1976, New York) was an American sculptor known for being the inventor of the mobile (hanging kinetic sculptures) and a precursor of kinetic sculpture.1​2​

Primarily recognized for his sculptures, he also created paintings, prints, miniatures (such as his famous Calder's Circus), scenery, jewelry, tapestries, rugs, and political posters.3 Calder was honored by the United States Postal Service with a set of five 32-cent stamps in 1998.4 He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom after refusing to receive it from Gerald Ford in protest of the Vietnam War; He received this medal in 1977, a year after his death.