French sculptor Émile Gilioli crafted each piece to polished perfection. His smooth marble and bronze abstract sculptures feature reflective surfaces, graceful curves and sudden, sharp lines and angles. And while Gilioli was obsessed with refinement in his three-dimensional work, his abstract prints and watercolors reveal a looser, more expressive approach. No matter the chosen medium, his inner artist always shone through.
Gilioli was born in 1911 to a family of Italian shoemakers living in Paris. When he was three years old, his family moved back to Italy and settled in Mantua, where young Gilioli was eventually employed at the local forge. After World War I, his family moved back to France and Gilioli attended the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs and Beaux-Arts de Paris. He started working as a sculpture craftsman at 17 years old, and at 19, he joined the studio of Jean Boucher.
During World War II, Gilioli was stationed in Grenoble. There, he spent time at the Musée de Grenoble and was introduced to Cubism. Upon his return to Paris in 1945, he became one of the key figures in the city's burgeoning abstractionist movement. That same year, he held his first exhibition in Grenoble and also showed at two salons in Paris, in 1947 and ’49.
Gilioli eventually settled in the commune of Saint-Martin-de-la-Cluze, where he opened a sculpture atelier. Throughout the 1950s, he continued to pave the way for abstract sculpture in the country, frequently exhibiting with artists like Alicia Penalba, François Stahly and Étienne Martin. Throughout his long career, Gilioli designed many large sculptures for public spaces.
In 1997, to mark the 20-year anniversary of his death, the commune of Saint-Martin-de-la-Cluze purchased his workshop and home, turning the property into a museum to permanently display his creations.
Gilioli's sculptures and works on paper are held in museums in France and around the world, including the Musée de Grenoble, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Tate Gallery in London, the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
On 1stDibs, find Émile Gilioli prints, drawings, sculptures and more.
Emile Gilioli: "Architectural development of the circle", Steel sculpture C.1972
By Émile Gilioli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Emile Gilioli ((1911-1977) : "Architectural development of the circle" Sculpture made of chromed steel Circa 1972 Signed : "Gilioli" Numbered by hand engraving : X/200 edition D...
Steel
Emile Gilioli, "Vers le jour" Original Hand-woven Tapestry in wool
By Émile Gilioli
Located in New York, NY
-Edition 2/5 -Manufactured by Atelier Raymond Picaud, Aubusson Vers le jour (Towards the Day)is distinguished by its strictly monochromatic palette, built entirely from variations o...
Wool
Midcentury Sculpture Signed Émile Gilioli, Numbered 2/5, France, 1950s
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Brussels, BE
Midcentury Sculpture signed Émile Gilioli, numbered 2/5, France, 1950s.
Steel
1960s "Les Nuits Et Les Jours" Tapestry by Emile Gilioli
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Paris, FR
Emile Gilioli Les nuits et les jours 1969 Tapisserie de lice Manufacture Nationale de Beauvais Signature : en bas à gauche MBN / en bas à droite Gilioli Les tapisseries de Gilioli se situent dans cette recherche de l’absolu, de la pureté, de la spiritualité qui marque toute son oeuvre. « D’abord j’aime la laine...
Wool
"La Petite Sphere" Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Emile Gilioli
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Stamford, CT
A bronze sculpture on marble base by Emile Gilioli entitled "La Petite Sphere". This piece will be included in "The Forth Coming" catalog which is being produced by The Gilioli Archive. "Emile Gilioli was born to a family on Italian shoemakers who had settled beside the Canal Saint-Martin. After the first World War, the family moved back towards Italy, settling in Nice. In 1932, Gilioli took courses at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs de Nice, notably with the future artist Marie Raymond. During the Second World War, Gilioli was mobilized in Grenoble where he passed the remainder of the conflict. He made the acquaintance of Andry Fracy, a conservationist at the Grenoble Musee des baux-arts and led him to discover cubism. After the war, Gilioli settled in Saint-Martin-de-La-Cluze near Grenoble, where he sculpted in his workshop. His art was associated in a certain way with the deeds of the French Renaissance. He became friendly with Thomas Gleb...
Bronze
Abstract Marble Sculpture by Emile Gilioli
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Stamford, CT
This beautiful marble sculpture by Emile Gilioli is made of rose veined marble (white/pink). The sculpture is signed and dated on wooden base. "Emile Gilioli was born to a family on Italian shoemakers who had settled beside the Canal Saint-Martin. After the first World War, the family moved back towards Italy, settling in Nice. In 1932, Gilioli took courses at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs de Nice, notably with the future artist Marie Raymond. During the Second World War, Gilioli was mobilized in Grenoble where he passed the remainder of the conflict. He made the acquaintance of Andry Fracy, a conservationist at the Grenoble Musee des baux-arts and led him to discover cubism. After the war, Gilioli settled in Saint-Martin-de-La-Cluze near Grenoble, where he sculpted in his workshop. His art was associated in a certain way with the deeds of the French Renaissance. He became friendly with Thomas Gleb...
Marble, Bronze
$28,423
La Boisseloune
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Paris, FR
La Boisseloune Sculpture, 1955 Catalog : [Janou, Lassale N°146 p.162] H x W x D : 60.00 cm. x 42.00 cm. x 25.00 cm. 23.62 in. x 16.54 in. x 9.84 in. Handsigned by the artist Very good condition Painted and engraved stone Inspired by nature, particularly the aquatic world, Gilioli shapes and polishes La Boisseloune as the swell sculpts a pebble. The subtle interplay of curves and material highlights the motifs created by the artist. The engraved vegetation is reminiscent of that depicted in Egyptian enameled...
Stone
Émile Gilioli "La Boisselune" 1950s - Abstract Bronze Sculpture
By Émile Gilioli
Located in New York, NY
-"La Boisselune" by Émile Gilioli -Signed, dated and numbered on the back “Gilioli, 59, 1/6" -Manufacture: Cast from La Plaine -60 x 39 x 20cm -Provenance : Artist’s studio -Collect...
Bronze
Emile Gilioli "The Fall of Icarus" - Original Hand-woven Tapestry in Wool
By Émile Gilioli
Located in New York, NY
"The fall of Icarus", Aubusson tapestry signed Emile Gilioli Gilioli - "Chute d'Icare" Material: Wool Year: 1966 Dimensions: 130 x 162 cm/ 4.2 x 5.3 ft Aubusson tapestry woven...
Wool
1960s Astrale Sculpture by Emile Gilioli
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Paris, FR
Emile Gilioli (1911 - 1977) ‘‘Astrale’’, 1966 White marble, base in black laquered wood Sculpture : H. 63,5 x 29 x 39 cm / Base : H. 100 x 43 x 42,5 cm At the height of the 20th cen...
Marble
Midcentury Desk Sculpture of Dice in Bronze, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small unusual desk sculpture with removable bronze dice. Despite its small size its very heavy. The dice may have been mounted as a hood ornament originally and then made in to a dec...
Bronze
$550 / set
H 18 in W 3.75 in D 3.5 in
French Midcentury Ceramic Cat Figures, Iridescent Glaze, 1950s, France
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French midcentury stylized cat figures featuring an iridescent glaze.
Ceramic
$212
H 5.12 in W 4.73 in D 3.23 in
Midcentury wooden anchor sculpture by Johnny Mattsson, Sweden, 1950s
By Johnny Mattsson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely small anchor sculpture by Johnny Mattsson, sculpted from teak. Aquatic themes are recurring in Johnny Mattsson’s artistry, sailing and the arc...
Teak
$9,900
H 0.25 in W 96 in D 72 in
Vintage French Aubusson Tapestry, Hand-Woven Wool, Forest Scene, 72" x 96"
Located in Barrington, IL
A beautifully hand-woven French Aubusson tapestry in the style of 17th-century Verdure tapestries, created in 20th-century France. This timeless work of textile art features a serene nature scene, with birds perched on tree branches amidst a lush, tranquil forest. Woven in classic Verdure style, the tapestry showcases an exquisite palette of soft greens and blues, capturing the depth and serenity of the woodland landscape. The tapestry is backed with cloth and includes a sewn-in pocket for a display rod, making it ready for elegant hanging. The beautiful French Aubussion tapestry is stunning decorative piece that evokes the romantic charm and masterful craftsmanship of historic French weaving. Dimensions: 72" x 96" Date of Manufacture: Late 1900s Place of Origin: France Material: Wool Condition: Good The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU: 1974 Vintage Handwoven Tapestries, French Aubusson Tapestry, Aubusson Tapestry Pillows, European Embroidery,18th Century Antique French Tapestry, Large Wall Tapestry, Handwoven Tapestry, Modernist Tapestry, Mid Century Wall Tapestry, Antique Tapestry with Frame...
Wool
$1,136Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.7 in W 8.27 in D 2.76 in
1950s Norwegian Teak Elephant Figure Sculpture Midcentury Arne Tjomsland Style
By Arne Tjomsland
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A Minimalist hand-carved and polished teak wood elephant figurine in the style of Arne Tjomsland. This sculpture is a perfect add-on for any Mid Century interior or a perfect gift ...
Wood, Teak
Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Napoleon Bonaparte bronze desk inkwell, signed Pinedo with foundry mark. Mounted over a Green Alps marble. Antique signed 19th large bronze ...
Bronze
Abstract Sculpture, Marble
Located in Madrid, ES
Abstraction. Marble sculpture. Abstract sculpture is non-figurative, it is based on three-dimensionality and relies on texture and geometric shapes, with color as the protagonist ...
Marble
Emile Pinedo Bronze Bust Sculpture of a Woman
By Émile Pinedo
Located in New York, NY
Emile Pinedo bronze bust sculpture of a woman.
Bronze
$773Sale Price|24% Off
H 32.29 in W 16.54 in D 0.79 in
Flemish Tapestry Fragment, Hand-Woven Wool, Late 17th Century, 82cm
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
B/876 - Flemish XVIII tapestry nice fragment for wall: an idea for an unusual picture on wall, more elegant and less expensive. It is certainly not common to see it in a house.
Wool
Volutes Tapestry, Abstract Floral Design, Wool, Signed, 1960s France
By Pablo Picasso
Located in Queens, NY
1960s French "Volutes" tapestry produced and signed by Pablo Picasso. The rectangular wool pile tapestry is woven with an abstract, floral black pattern which is set against a vibran...
Wool
Woven Wool Tapestry in the Style of Evelyn Ackerman
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful vintage modern wall hanging of an outdoor scene with people, animals, and trees in the styled of Evelyn Ackerman. Very good condi...
Wool
Abstract bronze sculpture by Leonardo Nierman
Located in Winnetka, IL
A beautiful abstract bronze sculpture on a custom black lucite base. This piece is signed and numbered ( 2 of 6). It has great patina.
Bronze
$3,470
H 62.21 in W 77.96 in D 0.79 in
Aubusson Pastoral Tapestry, Hand-Woven Wool, France, 19th Century
By Aubusson Manufacture
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This beautiful French Aubusson tapestry, dating from the late 19th century, depicts a refined pastoral scene inspired by 18th century taste. The composition shows an elegant young wo...
Wool, Silk
$15,920Sale Price|38% Off
H 106.7 in W 128.35 in D 0.24 in
18th Century Aubusson Tapestry Verdure, Hand-Woven Wool, France
By Aubusson Manufacture
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A luxurious 18th-century Aubusson tapestry, depicting a dog barking at fowl on a river, in a typically rural and architectural-themed landscape. Hand-woven in wool, in predominantly ...
Wool
Hand Woven Belgian Tapestry, Circa 1850
Located in Sarasota, FL
Hand woven tapestry, depicts a jungle scene with lavish foliage, a big cat and colorful birds, framed with a rich floral border. In excellent condition, has been stored in a box. Mad...
Fabric
Set of Four 20th Century French Gilioli Lithographs
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A collection of four mid-20th Century abstract geometric lithographs in black, white and red. By French sculptor and painter Emile Gilioli (1911 – 1977). All signed and numbered 2/5...
Paper
Sold
H 31.11 in W 24.81 in D 1.19 in
Emile Gilioli (1911-1977) : Abstract Composition, Pastel. Circa 1960
By Émile Gilioli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Emile GILIOLI (1911-1977) : Abstract composition Pastel drawingon paper Gilded wooden baguette frame Signed lower left France, circa 1960 Dimensions (frame included): Height 79...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Sold
H 108.27 in W 91.74 in D 0.99 in
Unique XL artist tapestry by Émile Gilioli "Noir, rouge et Blanc", ca. 1970
By Ewald Kröner, Émile Gilioli
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Unique artist tapestry by Émile Gilioli – "Noir, rouge et blanc", woven by Ewald Kröner, ca. 1970. An intriguing and rare abstract artwork, executed in a tufted woven wool tapestry i...
Wool
Sold
H 26.97 in W 35.63 in D 1.38 in
Unique metal relief "Collage en métal découpé" by Émile Gilioli, France 1971
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Unique metal relief "Collage en métal découpé" by Émile Gilioli (1911–1977), France 1971. An intriguing abstract collage made from sheets of metal in a minimal cubistic style. Althou...
Metal
French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Marble Sculpture signed Gilioli
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Vero Beach, FL
French Mid-Century Modern Abstract Marble Sculpture signed Gilioli Impressive Verde Antico Marble sculpture on a white Carrara marble base. The Verde Antico marble exhibits a unique...
Marble
Sold
H 6.7 in W 5.91 in D 1.58 in
Mid-Century Modern Signed Steel Sculpture by Emile Gilioli, France, 1960s
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern signed steel sculpture by Emile Gilioli, France, 1960s.
Steel
A Bronze Sculpture by Emile Gilioli
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Patina : Canon de fusil
Sculpture by Emile Gilioli
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Stamford, CT
1 of 3 polished bronze sculptures on a lacquer base. Signed Emile Gilioli and numbered 1 of 3.
Bronze
L'Ange
By Émile Gilioli
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture signed and numbered 3/3 on the base