XXIVe Salon de Mai 1968

The 1968 original lithograph by Alexander Calder for the XXIVe Salon de Mai is a striking embodiment of the artist’s unmistakable style—an interplay of bold color, rhythmic form, and visual balance that made him a leading figure in 20th-century modern art. This particular piece, annotated E.A. (épreuve d’artiste) and hand-signed by Calder, is a rare and highly desirable edition, representing both an artistic milestone and a collectible artifact from one of Paris’s most important avant-garde art exhibitions.

Founded in 1943, the Salon de Mai was born in resistance to fascism and censorship, becoming an annual celebration of artistic freedom and innovation. By the 1960s, it had established itself as a vibrant platform for modern art, showcasing groundbreaking work by internationally renowned artists. For the 1968 edition, Calder’s dynamic lithograph was selected as the official poster image, perfectly capturing the energy, creativity, and optimism of the movement.

True to Calder’s celebrated visual language, the lithograph bursts with movement and clarity—organic shapes and floating forms painted in vivid primaries play across the surface, evoking the kinetic balance of his famed mobiles. Even in two dimensions, Calder’s composition is filled with life and motion, a testament to his ability to convey spatial dynamics through pure abstraction.

What distinguishes this work is its E.A. designation—an artist’s proof, produced in a limited number outside the main edition and traditionally kept by the artist. These proofs are especially sought after by collectors due to their rarity and closer personal connection to the creator. Calder’s signature, placed confidently at the bottom, authenticates the work and underscores its prestige.

Calder’s choice of lithography—a medium he returned to frequently—allowed him to translate his sculptural philosophy into flat surfaces, while preserving the essence of movement and color that defined his visual identity. This lithograph exemplifies his gift for balancing spontaneity with precision, abstraction with emotion.

As a signed artist’s proof created for a major cultural event, this lithograph holds significant value—not only as a work of art but as a piece of modern art history. It reflects Calder’s deep engagement with the artistic movements of his time and his pivotal role in shaping the visual language of the postwar avant-garde.

Whether viewed as an investment, a statement piece, or an object of admiration, this original Calder lithograph is a powerful addition to any serious art collection—an enduring expression of mid-century modernism at its finest.

Exhibition - Abstract

Annotated E.A. and hand-signed by the artist

Printed by Clot Bramsen & Georges in Paris

Good condition, light soiling