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Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

BRUTALIST STYLE

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 

  • Use of industrial materials — tubular steel, concrete, glass, granite
  • Prioritizes functionalism, minimalism and utilization of negative space
  • Spare silhouettes, pronounced geometric shapes
  • Stripped-down, natural look; rugged textures, modular construction
  • Interiors featuring airy visual flow and reliance on neutral palettes

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.

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Style: Brutalist
20th Century French Vintage Abstract Brutalist Raw Metal Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern French abstract Brutalist sculpture, décor piece made of hand crafted raw metal, in good condition. Minor fading, scratches due to age. Wear consistent w...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Still Stand Abstract Biomorphic Wood Sculpture, Column, Chainsaw Carved, XL
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This exquisite black sculpture, made from reclaimed charred oak beams, embodies a blend of artistry and sustainability. Its design features a captivating arrangement of rounded forms...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Oak

FLUXsculpture > organic stainless-steel sculpture
Located in Maastricht, NL
FLUX rare beauty in everyday objects Numerous experiments with materials and shapes resulted in a new form and material language “Flux” Flexible steel tubes are shaped by hand ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stainless Steel

Harry Bertoria 1960 square sculpture in gilt bronze and black base
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Bronze sculpture Harry Bertoia 1960.
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Joel Escalona's Modern Totem, Dark Burned Oak Creation, Still Stand No84
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's Modern Totem, Dark Burned Oak Creation, Still Stand No84 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a tes...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Brutalist Abstract Freestanding Metal Nail Art Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Brutalist abstract metal nail sculpture in the style of William Bowie or Marc Weinstein, but unsigned/unattributed (ca. 1970s, USA). Composed of four panels of welded metal n...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Large Brutalist William Friedle Wall Hanging Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Torch cut brass elements constitute the mass of this great Brutalist wall hanging sculpture, marked "Friedle" Very good orig...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Ron Schmidt Signed Brutalist Mid Century Modern Wall Hanging Nail Sculpture
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This original wall-hanging sculpture created by Ron Schmidt. It features a unique design, made from Schmidt's signature nails welded together with smaller pieces of metal to form a s...
Category

20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

James Bearden Jewely Box "Dwelling" Series
Located in Hudson, NY
This is a one-of-a-kind, trinket box from the "Dwelling" series, of torch-cut, welded, textured and enameled steel. Created by American artist, James Bearden, this unique item is a t...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Still Stand No102, The Dark Elegance of Abstract Burned Oak by Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Still Stand No102, The Dark Elegance of Abstract Burned Oak by Escalona _ Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testame...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Mid Century Brass Wire Sailboat Sculpture
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This large vintage brass wire sailboat sculpture is a striking mid-century piece, welded in the Brutalist style of Curtis Jere. Its intricate design captures movement and form, makin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Wire

Monumental Abstract Brutalist Steel Floor Sculpture or Room Divider Screen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A massive brutalist sculpture from the Paul Evans & Harry Bertoia Era circa 1970's. It consists of welded steel construction with some brass and bronze overlays. Originally this had ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Brutalist Bronze Sculpture by Ralph Tazian
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist bronze sculpture on a mahogany base by Laguna Beach based artist Ralph Tazian
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Geode Quartz Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Admired since ancient times, natural quartz is prized for its extraordinary natural design. These vintage 1970s gems are polished and present the beautiful array of blue grayish colo...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Tall Brutalist Studio Sculpture by John De La Rosa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall Brutalist studio sculpture by John De La Rosa. Signed. The last image shows a similar sculpture in an interior setting, for inspiration.
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Cut Steel

Brutalist Torch Cut Steel Sculpture
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brutalist torch cut steel sculpture
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia Gilt Bronze, Brass and Steel Dandelion Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia's Dandelion form is widely regarded to be the apex of his career. An overwhelming physical presence is balanced by its truly delicate nature. A gilt bronze central sphere is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Granite, Brass, Bronze

Large Brutalist Wall Sculpture in Lacquered Iron, 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
This abstract wall sculpture has a special appearance and is very decorative. It is work made of iron where the parts are welded together and then painted with black paint. The edges...
Category

1970s European Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Biomorphic Line by Studio Chora, Table Lamp, White Limestone, In Stock
Located in Albuquerque, NM
Designed by Studio Chora, 2024. Biomorphic: ‘bios' meaning life and 'morphe' meaning form. The Biomorphic series of organic light sculptures are one-of-a-kind and crafted by ha...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Cement, Limestone

Brutalist Torch Cut Iron Garden Sculpture Ca. 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Impressive torch cut iron sculpture of abstract geometric form executed in the Brutalist style. The sculpture is in original rust surface, and...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Brutalist Wall Sculpture Forged iron 1971 Italy wooden panel
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Fantastic and mysterious brutalist sculpture mounted on wood panel, signed by the author MANZALI 1971.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Abstract Modern Wood Sculpture, Still Stand No1 by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
“Still Stand” sculptures by Joel Escalona Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a testament to the power of the material...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Klaus Lehmann, Brutalist German Studio Pottery Cube Art Sculpture No. No. 337 81
Located in Hamburg, DE
Klaus Lehmann, Postmodern Brutalist German Studio Pottery Cube Art Sculpture No. 337 81, 1981
Category

1980s German Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

NONO Elefante Foyer Table 09, Oak Precision, Minimalist Elegance
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Foyer Table 09, Oak Precision, Minimalist Elegance ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modern...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Tall Brutalist Studio Sculpture by John De La Rosa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall Brutalist studio sculpture by John De La Rosa. Signed. The last image shows a similar sculpture in an interior setting, for inspiration.
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Cut Steel

Paul Evans Welded Steel 1967 Brutalist Cocktail Table
Located in Buffalo, NY
Paul Evans welded steel 1967 Brutalist cocktail table. Wonderful patina, class Evans design, retains original glass. Heavy base can hold much l...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

'Regatta', An American Brutalist Iron Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th century American Brutalist iron sculpture, titled Regatta, captures the dynamic energy of a sailboat race with bold, abstracted forms. The composition features four sai...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Jack Van Deckter Brutalist Sculpture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A really wonderful torch cut, brutalist sculpture by Jack Van Deckter, ca' 1960's. Patinated wrought iron-heavy. Abstract but with a figurative feel. Jack Van Deckter (American, 1917...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian modern brutalist Brass sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brutalist Brass sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo, 1970s Brass sculpture with a rectangular base with reference to the brutalist style. The front of the sculpture is square...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Abstract Dark Art in Modern Sculpture, Burned Oak by Escalona, Still Stand No94
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Abstract Dark Art in Modern Sculpture, Burned Oak by Escalona, Still Stand No94 Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a ...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

William Bowie Brutalist Bronze Sculpture 1960s
Located in New York, NY
William Bowie was a prominent sculptor of the American Mid-Century Modern period. A contemporary of Harry Bertoia, Curtis Jere and Bruce Freidle, Bowie is considered a founding figur...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Harry Bertoia Bush Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
"Untitled" (Bush) Sculpture by Harry Bertoia, circa 1970's made of welded bronze. Harry Bertoia, was an Italian-born American artist, sound art sculptor, an...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Brutalist Chain Link Sculpture
Located in Malibu, CA
Antique chain sculpture that defies gravity. The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was coined to describe this style trend that emerged in the...
Category

1960s Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Monumental James Bearden Mystical Galaxy Chimes Sculpture Steel Bronze Brutalist
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and studio-made by American craftsman James Bearden, this chime sculpture is among the largest made, and the largest on sale today. An early m...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Rick Owens Cast Bronze Coupe Nitrate Patina Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
The now iconic bronze coupe vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the nitrate patina. Each piece is handmade and hand patinated so there is always a slig...
Category

2010s French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Curtis Jere Brass Spiral Brutalist Articulating Table Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Curtis Jere brass articulating spiral table sculpture. This vintage Jere sculpture features a spiraling brass design with brutalist elements. It has multicolored rods with raw weld...
Category

20th Century French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Brass

William Friedle Vintage Brutalist Metal Sculpture
Located in San Antonio, TX
Signed vintage mid-century brutalist metal art sculpture by William Friedle, circa 1960s. William worked with his brother, Bruce Friedle creating u...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

James Bearden Gilded Steel Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Candelabra of blackened and 24-karat gold gilded steel, with the aspect of an extra-terrestrial or futuristic cityscape. By American artist James Bearden. Bearden's work was featured in a 2020 solo exhibition at the NY Design Center titled "James Bearden: Technical and Aesthetic Revelations," in an article in the January 2017 Interior Design Magazine...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Italian Design Contemporary Pair of Brutalist Cast Bronze Double Lit Lamps
Located in New York, NY
This exclusive pair of Italian sculpture custom design lamps, handcrafted for Cosulich Interiors & Antiques, presents a very interesting Brutalist cast bronze base and sail-shaped fr...
Category

2010s Italian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Two Beautiful Fish Sculpture in Travertine Marble Fratelli Mannelli Italy, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of two Fratelli Mannelli brutalist fish sculptures made of travertine, vintage 1970s. The figurines of the Italian modern design were sign...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Franco Ciuti, Italy 1970's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A bronze sculpture on a natural stone base made by Italian artist Franco Ciuti in the 1970’s. Conveys the spirit of brutalist and modernist works of the period. A very decorative pie...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Bronze

William Bowie Brutalist Bronze Sculpture 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This abstract sculpture appears to be the figure of a man, but upon closer inspection, the figure gives way to a mass of swirling metal. William Bowie was a prominent sculptor of t...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Scandinavian Brutalist Glass Block Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Heavy unusual glass object with several decorative sides/angles. It can also be used as a bowl for car keys, change etc. Its was made at Kosta Boda in Sweden during the 1970s and pro...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Solid Bronze Abstract Sculpture, USA 1960's
Located in New York, NY
This work was made by bending a very long 3/4 inch solid bronze rod into a rectangular brick, it weighs a surprising 75 lbs for its size
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Paul Evans Sculpture 1950s 1960s Mid Century Brutalist Abstract Metal Modern Art
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Peoria, AZ
AFTER PAUL EVANS MID CENTURY MODERN MONUMENTAL BRUTALIST FINE ART DIRECT METAL SCULPTURE! MAGNIFICENT TOWER STRUCTURE! IRON, BRASS, BRONZE & WOOD BASE CIRCA 1956 Similar to Diego Giacometi Approximate Dimensions: Large 34" Tower/ 13" Wide & Deep This is the Holy Grail for Mid Century abstract...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Giovanni 'John’ Bucci Metal Art Sculpture, 1960s
Located in Savannah, GA
Giovanni 'John' Bucci (Italian-American, 1935-2019) A welded metal sculpture composed of various found metal pieces, 1960s. 20 inches wide by 24 inches tall by 8 ½ inches deep
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Still Stand Abstract Biomorphic Wood Sculpture, Column, Chainsaw Carved, XL
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Still Stand Abstract Biomorphic Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved From Single Piece of Oak Wood
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Oak

A Dark, Elegant Design Materializes in Burned Oak, Still Stand No91, by NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A Dark, Elegant Design Materializes in Burned Oak, Still Stand No91, by NONO —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Mid Century Modern Brutalist Wall Sculpture
Located in Redding, CT
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Wall Sculpture. Perfect for above a Mid Century sofa or credenza. Nice statement piece.
Category

1960s Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Copper

Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering example of beauty in craftsmanship. Hand and digital machine made; the standing sculpture stan...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

1970s Set of 3 large Original Travertine Animal Sculptures by Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Nuernberg, DE
1970s Set of 3 original travertine animal sculptures designed by Fratelli Mannelli. These items are in original as found conditions. Not easy to find this set. Two of them (Elephant ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Travertine

NONO Elefante Buffet 15, Solid Oak, Understated Design Detail
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Buffet 15, Solid Oak, Understated Design Detail ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO ...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Silas Seandel 'Ribbon' Brass Wall Mounted Abstract Sculpture, c 1970, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fascinating Silas Seandel 'Ribbon' wall-mounted sculpture is constructed from brass and formed into an organically abstract art piece in a large 63" wide size. Unlike other 'R...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Abstract, Brutalist Sculpture in Copper, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Object resembling a group of flowers. Executed in patinated copper. Raw and brutal in expression. It was executed during the 1970s within the perimeters of Middelfart Psychiatric Hos...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Table Elefante by NONO 02, Oak Pure, Distinctive Style
By NONO
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Table Elefante by NONO 02, Oak Pure, Distinctive Style ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Logniture, Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Still Stand Abstract Wood Sculpture, Chainsaw Carved, Walnut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Metal Sculpture, Torch Cut Sun Statue
Located in Decatur, GA
Large scale mid century brutalist sun sculpture. Torch cut patinated metal mounted on wood. Signed "CD". Excellent condition - no flaws of note. Measures: W 20" x D 20" x H 36"....
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Iron

Monumental Brutalist Copper, Brass & Burl-wood Sculpture of a Sunflower
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Brutalist sculpture of a sunflower is crafted from copper, brass, and burl wood, displaying a dynamic interplay of textures and materials. The copper and brass petals r...
Category

20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper

Brutalist abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Brutalist abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage abstract sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Brutalist abstract sculptures made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original abstract sculptures, popular names associated with this style include James Bearden, David Palombo, John De La Rosa, and Harry Bertoia. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for abstract sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $450,000 while the average work can sell for $2,227.

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