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Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

French

Each Claude Victor Boeltz piece is glamorous yet retains a richly organic feel that adds a touch of bold sophistication to any interior. This French Surrealist designer popularized a technique he called “exploded bronze” — a process that has the metal components of a given piece appear as if they were liquified and then crystalized after an explosion. 

Boeltz was born in Paris in 1937. There were several artists in his family, and Boeltz quickly developed creative interests at an early age. He fell in love with painting, architecture, ceramics and more, but was also intrigued by scientific fields such as geology and anatomy.

Boeltz studied under the sculptor Henri Molins and apprenticed at the Susse Frères and Houdot foundries. Additionally, he enrolled in classes in the evenings at the Boulle School in Paris and the Paris Academy of Art. He frequented museums and found much to appreciate in the work of artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Demetre Chiparus, Salvador Dalí, and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann.

After moving to the French Riviera, Boeltz became personally acquainted with Pablo Picasso. He worked for a period with Picasso, and in the mid-1960s, he established a foundry in the Loire Valley. By the late 1960s, his work was being noticed around Europe (his works were sold by the likes of Cartier). His turning point came in the early 1970s when he met the sculptor César Baldaccini, whose “compression” pieces inspired Boeltz to experiment with abandon, and his “exploded bronze” technique was born.

Boeltz’s Hollywood Regency-style furnishings — mirrors, candlesticks, picture frames, lamps and even ceiling fixtures — were made with this new process. The designer then worked to decorate these “exploded” pieces with semi-precious stones — often African emeralds — or other luminous materials such as quartz and Murano glass. He subsequently opened two foundries to produce these kinds of works. 

In the early 1980s, Boeltz moved his facilities to the United States. He built a large foundry in Nevada, and today, Las Vegas hotels now house many of his works. His collectors have also included Salvador Dalí, Baron Rothschild and others.

On 1stDibs, find Claude Victor Boeltz decorative items, lighting, serveware and more.

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Creator: Claude Victor Boeltz
Pair of Large Gilt Bronze and Amethyst Sculpture by Boeltz, France, 1970s
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Rare pair of monumental large sculpture ornamental decor elements in gilt bronze and Amethyst stone by the french artist Claude Victor Boeltz. Sign on back Boeltz Paris Made in Franc...
Category

1970s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

Materials

Amethyst, Bronze

Claude Victor Boeltz Golden Crystal French 1970s Table Sculpture
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
A French 1970s Gold and bronze clam shell center peice sculpture with three large quartz and amethyst crystal clusters. Signed Biography: Claude Boeltz was born in Paris in 1937. The fourth generation in a line of artists, from his early childhood Boeltz was interested in disciplines as far ranging as sculpture, painting, ceramics, architecture, and blacksmithing. From the very start he was fascinated by what would become life long inspirations—anatomy and geology. His first apprenticeship was with the sculptor Henri Molins, which was followed by apprenticeships at the prominent Susse and Houdot foundries. His last was with Soudoun, under whose tutelage he was honored with the national “Best Worker in France” award. During these apprenticeships Boeltz took night classes at the Boule School, the Gambetta School, and at the Academy of Art in Paris. He would eventually take degrees from all three. On Sundays he went to museums, particularly the Louvre, where he sought out work in the Louis XIII - Louis XVI styles. He also spent long hours in study of the many artists he admired, such as Bersus, Meunier, Giacometti, Ponpon, Chipparus, Dali, Dajou, and Ruhlman. After these apprenticeships he tried to establish himself in the Riviera, where he befriended, and briefly collaborated with Picasso. Boeltz’s time in this vibrant community was, however, cut short—in the early 1960s he was called into the French military. While on tour in the Sahara he carved miniatures, and would carry them in his baggage from base to base. One that survived—a replica of the Arc d’triumph—was later offered to President Eisenhower on behalf of the French Army. Upon leaving the service Boeltz established a foundry in the Loire, and by the late 1960s his work, now enormously popular, was shown all over Europe. In the early 1970s he met the sculptor Cesar. The famous sculptor’s “compression” pieces inspired Boeltz to create the work for which he would soon become best known. Boeltz’s “exploded” bronze works were pieces plated with 24 karat gold made to look like liquid gold crystalized an instant after explosion. Boeltz augmented this unique medium with vibrant details, often with African emeralds, but with other stones or unusual materials as well. In his famous Cleopatra, dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor and installed in Georve V hotel in Paris, the artist employed metacrylite as a base and for its veil. The immediate success of these “exploded” works allowed Boeltz to build two foundries devoted largely to their creation, one in the Faubourg St. Honore’ in Paris, and the other in Fontenay Sous Bois. “Exploded” works from the foundries were presented and sold at Fred’s Jewelers...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold, Bronze

Claude Victor Boeltz French Golden Bronze Quartz Table Sculpture, 1970
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
A unique 1970s French Dore/Golden bronze sculpture with a large amethyst and quartz clusters and oyster shell. Biography: Claude Victor Boeltz, the European surrealist master artist was born in Paris, France in 1937. ... This gorgeous centerpiece is one of the artist's gold-plated "exploded-bronze" pieces, made famous in the early 1970s, and carried by such luxury retailers as Fred Joaillier...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

Materials

Crystal, Gold, Bronze

Claude Victor Boeltz French Gold Bronze Dish Sculpture
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful 1970s exploding 24-karat gold bronze sculpture dish with two large quartz clusters by French artist, Claude Victor Boeltz. Signed. A m...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

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Claude Boeltz Exploded Bronze Picture Frame w/ 24kt Gold & Rock Crystal Details
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This exquisite coral-form picture frame was realized by the esteemed artist Claude Victor Boeltz in France. They are among artists 24-karat gold plated "exploded-bronze" pieces made ...
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20th Century French Modern Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

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Hand Carved Alabaster Horse Centrepiece Sculpture, Italy, 1970s
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Centerpiece in the shape of a horse in hand carved alabaster. Made in Italy, 1970s.
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Golden Bronze Bowl by Rick Owens
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Golden bronze bowl by Rick Owens 2007 Dimensions: L 14 x W 14 x H 8 cm Materials: Bronze Weight: 1.5 kg The gold edition is an exclusivity of Galerie Philia Rick Owens is a C...
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Golden Bronze Bowl by Rick Owens
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Pair of Single Branch 24-Karat Gold-Plated Bronze Candlesticks by Claude Boeltz
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This stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern candlesticks were realized in France, circa 1970 by the esteemed artisan Claude Victor Boeltz. They offer an exploded form sculpted, by hand,...
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Bronze Sculpture by Victor Roman
By Victor Roman
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Bronze sculpture by Victor Roman. Signed and numbered 2/8.
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1970s French Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

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Bronze Sculpture by Victor Roman
Bronze Sculpture by Victor Roman
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Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Victor Roman
By Victor Roman
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Patinated bronze sculpture Signed and numbered 4/8.
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Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Victor Roman
Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Victor Roman
H 14.97 in W 14.18 in D 3.94 in
Claude Boeltz, Bronze Eclaté Candleabras, France, circa 1970s
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
Claude Boeltz’s candelabras possess the asymmetrical, numinous beauty of lightening, mimicking the natural phenomenon in hue, form, and arrangement.    
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1970s French Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

Materials

Quartz, Bronze

Bronze Indian Chief Dish, Olaf Carl Wieghorst, American, circa 1820
Located in New York, NY
Bronze Indian chief dish, Olaf Carl Wieghorst, American, circa 1820. Inscribed O. Wieghorst.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

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Italian Gilt Bronze Flamingo Sculpture, Gabriella Crespi Style, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning flamingo sculpture in gilt bronze in the style of Gabriella Crespi. This gorgeous piece was designed in Italy in the 1960s. The sinuous lines, the fine details and the amazing quality of the gilding make this sculpture incredibly charming. A lovely sculpture...
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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

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Gilded Bronze and Quartz Table Centerpiece by Claude Victor Boeltz France
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Brussels, BE
Nice sculptural Claude Victor Boeltz table centerpiece, circa 1980, France. Gold-plated bronze and white quartz. Dimensions: 38 cm W, 20 cm H, 30 cm D. Good original condition. All p...
Category

1980s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

Materials

Quartz, Bronze

1970s Byzantine Cast Iron Bronze Washed Horse Sculpture Candelabra Midcentury
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Stylized plated or washed cast metal horse candleholder, weighs 1 lb.
Category

1970s Russian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

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Bronze Dish with Bull by Max Le Verrier
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of a series of bronze dishes sculpted and cast by Max Le Verrier, this example has an intentional "antiqued" appearance, inspired by ancient Greek coinage. Le Verrier opened his ...
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1940s Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

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Previously Available Items
Table lamp with photo holder. Claude Victor Boeltz. France 1970
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful lamp with photo holder in exploded bronze gilded in 24 K fine gold, supporting numerous rock crystals. Claude-Victor Boeltz, born in 1937 in Paris Complete artist (scul...
Category

1970s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

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Table Lamp in Gilded Bronze and Rock Crystal, Claude-Victor Boeltz Paris
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Paris, FR
Claude Victor Boeltz (Born in 1937). "Coral" sculpture lamp, circa 1980, in gilded exploded bronze and gilded brass, adorned with rock crystals. Fabric shade with golden interior....
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1970s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze

Claude Victor Boeltz Expoding Gold Bronze Centerpiece Sculpture Rock Quartz
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
A rare beautiful 1970s 24-karat gold bronze sculpture with a large quartz and amethyst clusters made by French artist, Claude Victor Boeltz. Signed. Biography: Claude Victor Boelt...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

Materials

Amethyst, Rock Crystal, Gold, Bronze

1970-1980 Cuts Font by Boeltz Silvered and Gilded Bronze with Rock Crystal
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture with font and rock crystal by Boeltz, golden and silvery bronze, good condition, circa 1970-1980.
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1970s French Art Deco Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

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Wall Light Lamp Sculpture by Boeltz, France, 1970s
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Rare wall light lamp sculpture by the French artist Claude Victor Boeltz. Technic called explose bronze gilt 24-karat with pyrite and dioptase natural stone original image from Boeltz showroom during the 1970s where we can see this work. Bio Claude Victor Boeltz Erosurrealist master artist born in Paris, France in 1937. From 1945-1960 Coming from a family of artists for three generations, orphaned by my father, dislocated family, I had passion, if not the rage, to learn art, namely sculpting, painting, foundry work, chiseling, pottery, architecture, human anatomy, ironworking and blacksmithing, and geology, focusing on gems and minerals. My first apprenticeship was with the sculptor Henri Molins. My foundry apprenticeships included working with world famous Susse Foundry and Houdot Foundry. My chiseling apprenticeship was under master Soudoun, which in turn enabled me to receive the “Best Worker in France” National Honor. At night, I attended school and received degrees from the Boule School, Gambetta School and the Academy of Art in Paris. I spent most of my Sundays during this period going to museums. I can’t imagine not being able to realize a complete masterpiece. It is during these years that I worked on artists’ masterpieces, present and past. These included Bersus, Meunier, Giacometti, Ponpon, Chipparus, Dali, Dajou, Ruhlman, and many others. I worked at the Louvre Museum, focusing on the Louis XIII through Louis XVI styles. The years of my pottery working were spent in the French Riviera, where I met and worked with Pablo Picasso and many countless others. I was the young guy in the footsteps of these great masters – unconscious of the privilege which was bestowed upon me. From 1960-1970 Created a foundry in the Castle Country of Loire in France. It is during this time that I received an award from the French Government as “The youngest artistic industrialist in France”. I then exposed my works all over Europe namely in Germany, Brussels, Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, Lausanne and Milan. From 1970-1980 During this period, I met the artist Ceasar, and he introduced me to his “compressed” style of art. That is when I decided to create an opposite art form called “exploded bronze” which creates an explosion of bronze fusion. I used this new unique media of my creation, combined and incrusted with African emeralds with a base and veil made of metacrylite to realize an impressive master piece which I called “Cleopatra”. The taller than life-size sculpture was exposed at the famous George V hotel in Paris as homage to Elizabeth Taylor for her role in the movie. French government officials were present including the minister of culture. Attending this exhibition was Filidor, an “intimate” friend of Dali, which upon seeing my masterpiece and discussing with him wrote in my guest book the following: “To fulfill the void of surrealist sculptures, we must look upon and inspire ourselves from surrealism. I could not have predicted a more adequate process to accomplish this. What can be said? “Idiosyncratic.” I later opened an art studio on the Faubourg St. Honore’ in Paris, followed by an art casting foundry in Fontenay Sous Bois. It is there that I worked on my exploded bronze media, to provide artworks to Fred’s Jewelers...
Category

1970s French Vintage Claude Victor Boeltz Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Multi-gemstone, Pyrite, Bronze

Claude Victor Boeltz sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Claude Victor Boeltz sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Claude Victor Boeltz sculptures, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sculptures by Claude Victor Boeltz were created in the mid-century modern style in france during the 1970s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sculptures by César Baldaccini, Yaacov Agam, and Andrée & Michel Hirlet. Prices for Claude Victor Boeltz sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,400 and can go as high as $20,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,226.

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