The design of brutalist furniture encompasses that which is crafted, hewn and worked by hand — an aesthetic rebuke (or, at least, a counterpoint) to furniture that is created using 21st-century materials and technology. Lately, the word “brutalist” has been adopted by the realms of furniture design and the decorative arts to refer to chairs, cabinets, tables and accessory pieces such as mirror frames and lighting that are made of rougher, deeply textured metals and other materials that are the visual and palpable antithesis of the sleek, smooth and suave.
ORIGINS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGN
BRUTALIST FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE BRUTALIST FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was coined by architecture critic Reyner Banham to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity.
Le Corbusier essentially created the brutalist style; its best-known iterations in the United States are the Whitney Museum of American Art, which was designed by Marcel Breuer, and Paul Rudolph's Yale Art and Architecture Building. The severe style might have been the most criticized architectural movement of the 20th century, even if it was an honest attempt to celebrate the beauty of raw material. But while the brutalist government buildings in Washington, D.C., seemingly bask in their un-beauty, brutalist interior design and decor is much more lyrical, at times taking on a whimsical, romantic quality that its exterior counterparts lack.
Paul Evans is Exhibit A for brutalist furniture design. His Sculpture Front cabinets laced with high-relief patinated steel mounts have become collector's items nonpareil, while the chairs, coffee table and dining table in his later Cityscape series and Sculpted Bronze series for Directional Furniture are perhaps the most expressive, attention-grabbing pieces in American modern design. Other exemplary brutalist designers are Silas Seandel, the idiosyncratic New York furniture designer and sculptor whose works in metal — in particular his tables — have a kind of brawny lyricism, and Curtis Jere, a nom-de-trade for the California team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels, the bold makers of expressive scorched and sheared copper and brass mirror frames and wall-mounted sculptures.
Brutalist furniture and sculptures remain popular with interior designers and can lend unique, eccentric, human notes to an art and design collection in any home.
Find authentic vintage brutalist chairs, coffee tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Paul Rotterdam Viennese Brutalist Abstract Painting, 1964
By (after) Gustav Klimt
Located in New Windsor, NY
Large Brutalist Period mixed media abstract painting on masonite by Paul Rotterdam. Fully signed, dated and titled on the reverse. Made in Vienna, Austria and dated 1964. Rotterdam's...
Wood, Masonite, Paint
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Attributed to Sadanand K. Bakre, Indian Artist, Venetian Cityscape, 1950s
By Sadanand K. Bakre 1
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Abstract oil painting on canvas of a Venetian cityscape. Unframed. No signature. It is attributed to Sadanand k. Bakre. In muted colors consistent with his early work in Europe. ...
Canvas
$930Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Abstract, Brutalist Oil Painting by Frans Vester Pedersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A hole lot is going on in this vintage Danish abstract painting. Both oil and acrylic paint were used to create texture, dept and drama. A mentionable feature is the double framing c...
Vintage Boho Monumental Original Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Command attention and anchor your space with this monumental vintage abstract oil painting. This large-scale original work on canvas is a masterclass in texture and composition, feat...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Norman Conn, 1961 Construction #2
By Zbyněk Sekal 1, Louise Nevelson, Norman Conn
Located in New Windsor, NY
Wonderful mixed media entitled, Construction #2 by Norman Conn (1932-2003), circa 1961. Signed verso with D'Arcy Gallery, NYC label. Very good condition. Perfectly weathered and mast...
Metal
Brutalist Modern Paris & Venice Scenes Pair of Acrylic Paintings on Canvas 1970s
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A pair of brutalist modern acrylic paintings on canvas signed James on the lower right. Circa 1970s. Minimalist black and white tones with energetic brushstrokes. The compositions de...
Canvas, Paint
$776Sale Price|46% Off
Brutalist Wall Textile in Earth Tones, Dutch 1960s, Signed & Dated
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Intriguing tonal textile art piece, made with layers of fabric, loosely stitched. “Abstract composition in textile”, signed and dated verso DIMENSIONS h 83 cm w 57 cm d 1 cm ...
Canvas, Jute, Cotton
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Norman Conn Mixed Media Construction, 1961
By Norman Conn, Louise Nevelson, Zbyněk Sekal 1
Located in New Windsor, NY
Wonderful mixed media by Norman Conn (1932-2003), circa 1961. Signed verso and bearing a partial D'Arcy Gallery, NYC label. Very good condition. Perfectly weathered and masterfully a...
Metal
Abstract Mixed Media Painting by Michael Costantini
Located in Fulton, CA
Large-Scale mixed media abstract painting by Michael Costantini. Titled "Confluence of Architecture". Signed and dated 2015 Verso. Original wood frame.
Canvas, Paint
Vintage Signed Abstract Acrylic and Pastel on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A chic vintage Abstract mixed media on canvas. A graphic composition with lots of great texture. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Canvas, Wood, Paint
20th Century Abstract / Brutalist Painting by Rowland Fade
By Rowland Fade
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
Rowland Fade, 1939-2017 is best known for his abstract forms and innovative approach to art. This painting was created around 1969, is a mixed media piece...
Plaster, Paint
Art Brut painting "Na tam il na ovam", mixed media by Joskin Siljan, Serbia 2016
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a striking piece of art by Joskin Siljan, titled "Na tam il na ovam", which tramslates to "To here or to there". The piece is done as mixed media on a m...
Canvas, Paint, Paper
Molecular Abstract Expressionist Abstract Painting
Located in New Windsor, NY
Molecular abstract brutalist period painting. the artist has produced a nicely layered thick build up impasto and textured paint technique. Resembling a crusty, rocky paint surface. ...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Paris and La Seine Oil Painting, Brutalist Style, French, Circa 1960
Located in COLMAR, FR
A beautiful vintage oil painting on stretched canvas, sourced in France and presumably dating from around 1960. The work is titled “La Seine et Paris” and marked on the back with the artist’s name CAVAL along with what looks to be an exhibition number (see photos). Depicting Paris in a striking and atmospheric brutalist style, it is masterfully executed with brush and palette knife, the latter creating bold, assertive strokes and a richly textured surface. The composition harmoniously balances soft, luminous pastel tones with strong, darker architectural lines, resulting in a painting that is both elegant and powerful. Decorative, distinctive, and full of character, it beautifully captures mid-century artistic sensibilities—a painting of Paris...
Canvas, Paint
Black & Gold Modern Brutalist Abstract in Vintage 60s Frame by Machado Arte
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A really beautiful brutalist inspired gold leaf, acrylics and oils painting on board by designer/artist George Machado. Titled “Faith & Hope”. This painting has a great linen and han...
Wood
Modern Brutalist Abstract Framed Painting in Black & Brown by Artist Machado
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Another beautiful brutalist inspired black and brown mixed media original painting on board by designer/artist George Machado from our collection. Titled “Oscar”. This mixed media p...
Canvas
Original Modern Brutalist Abstract Painting in Grey/Creme by Artist Machado
Located in Palm Springs, CA
One of our favorite brutalist inspired original paintings by designer/artist George Machado from our collection. Done in shades of greys and creme textured acrylics. Titled “The Bru...
Canvas, Acrylic
A 20th Century Brutalist Oil Painting By Michael McGinley
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A striking and large brutalist painting by Michael McGinley, circa 1990. The painting depicting a large industrial structure in dark moody tones, 59 inches High, 46 inches wide.
Paint
Vintage Brutal Skyline Painting on Canvas
Located in Denton, TX
Brutal skyline 1970s painting on canvas with earth tone colors.
Canvas, Paint
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Norman Conn '1932-2003' 1961 Mixed-Media Construction #5
By Zbyněk Sekal 1, Norman Conn, Louise Nevelson
Located in New Windsor, NY
Wonderful mixed-media by Norman Conn (1932-2003), circa 1961. Signed verso and bearing a D'Arcy Gallery, NYC label. Very good condition. Perfectly weathered and masterfully assembled...
Metal
Pair of Unframed Large Brutalist Abstract Nude Paintings
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A large pair of paper and pastel nude paintings, drawings signed by the artist Robert J. Harding and dated. Robert is a visual artist. He received his BA in Philosophy from Rutgers...
Paper
Vintage Boho Original Abstract Oil on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating original abstract oil painting is a masterful display of late mid-century expressionism, bringing a visceral and organic energy to any interior space. The compositio...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$620
H 12.6 in W 21.07 in D 0.99 in
Antique Danish early 20th century maritime oil painting by Holger Topp Pedersen
Located in Ebberup, DK
Danish original antique oil on canvas painting from 1903 by artist Holger Topp Pedersen (1868-1938). The artwork depicts waves rolling toward the shore with grassy sand dunes in the...
Paint
Danish Winter Scene Oil Painting
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine oil painting on canvas of a winter snowy scene is signed and dated M. Norgoard 1912. This painting sold in as found contion is framed in its original frame. The painting co...
Canvas, Wood
Pair of framed antique circular porcelain portrait plaques
Located in London, GB
These two porcelain plaques have been expertly painted to show portraits of a young girl and a young boy, and are set within circular brass frames. The girl wears a light blue coat...
Brass
Pair of Italian Painting with a Venice Harbor Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
Capture the essence of Venice with this exquisite pair of Italian paintings, each offering a serene glimpse of the iconic harbor scene. The artworks are elegantly crafted, and framed...
Canvas, Paint
$3,800Sale Price|44% Off
H 42 in W 54 in D 2.5 in
Monumental 18th Century Painting, Oil on Canvas, Italian School
Located in Toronto, CA
This is a monumental and spectacular 18th century, or possibly early 19th, oil on canvas of the Italian school. The canvas depicts a shepherd serenading a maiden in a wooded glen. B...
Canvas
Figural Ceramic Wall Panel by Jean De Lespinasse 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ceramic wall art by Jean De Lespinasse, 1950s-1960s Dimensions ceramics artwork without frame. Width 62 cm, height 41 cm. Dimensions with frame. Width 83 cm, height 62 cm, depth 2 cm.
Brass
Figurative Abstract Oil Painting by Warren Fischer
Located in Miami, FL
Figurative abstract oil painting by Warren Fischer (1943-2001) titled "Pandora's Box #3" dated 1995. Offered for sale is a figurative abstract oil on canvas by the American artist W...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$37,804 / set
H 24.41 in W 21.26 in D 3.15 in
Two KPM Porcelain Plaques in Giltwood Frames after Murillo
By KPM Porcelain, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
Located in London, GB
These wonderful porcelain plaques were created in circa 1860 by the prestigious Konigliche Porzellan Manufaktur or KPM (German, founded in 1763). The plaques feature beautiful paintings based on works by the famous Seville-based Baroque artist, Bartolome Esteban Murillo (Spanish, 1618-1682). One plaque is decorated after Murillo...
Porcelain, Giltwood
1950s López Pascual Oil on Canvas of Boy in Beach
Located in Marbella, ES
1950s López Pascual oil on canvas of boy in beach. Dimensions with frame: 48 x 64.5 x 5.5.
Canvas
$18,000 / set
H 54 in W 90 in D 2 in
Monumental Winifred Godfrey Triptych Paintings Oil on Canvas -Set of 3
By Winifred Godfrey
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental Winifred Godfrey Triptych Paintings Oil on Canvas Offered for sale is a monumental and striking flamingo triptych oil painting group b...
Canvas, Paint
Original Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas by Rita Hvilivitzky, 1962
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Original vintage abstract oil painting on canvas by Rita Hvilivitzky, 1962.
Canvas, Paint
$12,950Sale Price|48% Off
H 38.75 in W 54.5 in D 2.25 in
19th Century Oil on Canvas Bacchante Group Attributed to Leopold Schmutzler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large 19th century oil on canvas Bacchante group depicting two allegorical young semi-nude maidens dancing with pan, attributed to Leopold Schmutzler...
Canvas, Giltwood
Sold
H 19.25 in W 16 in D 1.5 in
Modern Brutalist Abstract Framed Painting in Black & Gold by Artist Machado
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Another beautiful brutalist inspired black and gold mixed media original painting on board by designer/artist George Machado from our collection. Titled “Constuction”. This mixed me...
Canvas
Brutalist Painting Armando Loureiro (Portugal 1931-)
Located in Sharon, CT
Amazingly detailed and rich organic effects express that world wide angst and pessimism that permeated the second half of the 20th century. Loureiros' mysterious manipulations of pa...
Masonite
Sold
H 37.75 in W 31.75 in D 1.38 in
Vintage Joseph Duv Mid-Century Modern Still Life Oil Painting on Canvas 1960's
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Vintage mid-century modern still life oil painting on canvas by Vintage mid-century modern still life oil painting on canvas by Joseph Duv. He was born in Algeria in 1918 and at the ...
Canvas, Wood
Brutalist Oil On Canvas by Alan Ian Ronald
Located in Southampton, GB
Alan Ian Ronald British 1899 - 1967 Brutalist Oil on canvas by Alan Ian Ronald, a Scottish artist who's pieces have come up at auction multiple times. He was a well listed artist,...
Canvas, Paint
Constructivist Abstract Relief, C Mouchos, 1960's
Located in London, GB
A large constructivist relief signed C Mouchos, circa 1960's. Featuring discreet painted multi colours to the underside of certain sections only visible from certain angles.
Wood
Constructivist Relief, Mouchos, Circa 1960's
Located in London, GB
A constructivist relief on board, circa 1960's, signed Mouchos featuring the most wonderful textured grey tones.
Wood
Sold
H 20.87 in W 30.71 in D 0.79 in
Willem Kloppers, abstract/brutalist "Matter Painting", ca. 1970 in tonal brown
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Atmopsherical work by Willem Kloppers (1937-2014), Kloppers studied at Academy v. B.K. in The Hague (1954-1959) and of the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris (1962). He obtained the royal grant in 1960 and 1961 and a scholarship from the French government in 1961. He is known as a painter and sculptor. Special part of his oeuvre are his reliefs on panel, also called matter paintings, which this work is an example of. This style a representative of the international movement known in the 1950s and...
Jute, Paint, Paper
Sold
H 40 in W 20 in D 3 in
Charles Levier Original Midcentury Female Nude Painting Beverly Hills Estate
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare female nude from famous artist Charles Levier. Mr. Levier’s work was collected by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Kirk Douglas, Elvis Presley, Peter Lawford and so many other Beverly Hills residents. This rare female nude painted in the 1960s obtains it’s original framed (missing a piece of carved wood but too beautiful to replace). The piece has 3 pieces of duct tape on the back canvas but has been untouched. We do not know if it is covering a damage or put there for reinforcements, but no damage is seen on front of painting with our inspection. This painting came from a Iconic Trousdale Estates, Beverly Hills residence. Charles Levier aka Maurice Verrier...
Canvas
Brutalist Original Pink Abstract Painting by San Francisco Artist
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A very special brutalist abstract painting. Pink!!! The colorations mixed with orange and gold are wonderful. The artist name looks to be Samuel Lo, and was from San Francisco. Due to the age and pen used...
Canvas
20th Century German Abstract Collage Artwork
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Large abstract expressionist artwork with collaged fragments of fabric and newsprint on a painted ground. Great movement and composition, perfect for any social space.
Fabric, Paint, Paper
Pablo Burchard Aguayo 1963 Chilean Brutalist Futurist Painting
Located in New Windsor, NY
Pablo Burchard Aguayo (1919-1991, Chile) Futurist mixed media painting; oil paint and medium paste or sand. Signed and dated lower left, Burchard '63. Monochromatic organic abstract ...
Canvas, Paint
Overscale Abstract 1970s Brutalist Oil Painting on Canvas, Vintage
Located in Miami, FL
Overscale Abstract 1970s Brutalist Oil Painting on Canvas, Vintage Offered for sale is a vintage overscale abstract Brutalist oil painting on ...
Canvas, Paint