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Robert E. Kuhn, American Cubist Wrought Iron Wall Sculpture of a Violinist, 1959
$6,500
£4,947.08
€5,720.50
CA$9,224.81
A$10,322.78
CHF 5,370.02
MX$124,381.58
NOK 67,606.11
SEK 63,876.52
DKK 42,700.52
About the Item
American Cubism
Robert E. Kuhn
A Violinist
Wrought Iron Wall Sculpture
Dated 1959
DIMENSONS
Height: 33 in (83.82 cm)
Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)
Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
MARKINGS
Signature: Signed on violin; dated [1959] on reverse
MEDIUM
Welded and painted wrought iron
ABOUT SCULPTURE
This is a rare and compelling work by a notable mid-century American sculptor Robert E. Kuhn that captures a moment of introspection as an abstracted musician gently pauses between notes. Executed in welded and hand-painted wrought iron, the piece distills the form of a violinist into an elegant interplay of geometric shapes and textured surfaces—hallmarks of Kuhn’s distinctive style. Dating to 1959, the sculpture reflects the influence of modernist abstraction while remaining deeply expressive. The violin, central to the composition, bears the artist's signature, while the reverse is dated by hand. Its dimensionality and dynamic contours make it ideal for display on a wall, where light and shadow further animate the figure’s quiet energy. In very good vintage condition, with expected wear consistent with age.
ABOUT ARTIST
Robert E. Kuhn (American, 1917–2000) was an American modernist sculptor and painter best known for his evocative metal wall sculptures created in the mid-20th century. Working primarily in welded and painted wrought iron, Kuhn developed a distinctive style that blended elements of Cubism, abstraction, and figurative expression. His compositions often featured musicians, dancers, and stylized human forms, distilled into dynamic geometric arrangements that emphasized rhythm, movement, and emotional depth.
Born in 1917 in the United States, Kuhn came of age during a time of significant transformation in the American art scene. Although details of his formal training remain limited, his work demonstrates an informed engagement with the modernist movements that shaped mid-century art, including the influences of Picasso, González, and American abstraction. By the 1950s, Kuhn had begun to exhibit a mature style characterized by the use of industrial materials—most notably wrought iron—and a highly personal visual vocabulary.
Kuhn’s work gained attention for its originality and craftsmanship. Unlike purely decorative metalwork of the era, his sculptures conveyed narrative and introspection, often capturing fleeting human gestures, such as a musician pausing between notes or a dancer mid-step. These figures, though abstracted, are imbued with a sense of presence and emotional resonance.
Throughout his career, Kuhn created both standalone sculptures and large-scale wall pieces, many of which found homes in private collections and public institutions. Though he never sought widespread fame, his work was respected by collectors and critics alike for its quiet intensity and sculptural finesse.
Robert E. Kuhn passed away in 2000, leaving behind a compelling body of work that continues to reflect the spirit and experimentation of postwar American art. His sculptures remain valued for their expressive synthesis of modernist form and humanistic content.
- Creator:Robert E. Kuhn (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 33 in (83.82 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1959
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. We make our best effort to provide a fair and descriptive condition report. Please examine photos attentively, as they are part of the description. Send us a message to request more details or discuss price.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2819346385082
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