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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
Color:  Black
Brutalist Modern Metal Tabletop Spike Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist modern metal tabletop sculpture with a set of rough metal spikes set in a composite base. The base is signed 'Matias' on the back. I...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Abstract Cast Aluminum& Marble Sculpture by D. Calvi, ca. 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Brutalism D. Calvi Cast & Partially Polished Aluminum, Marble ca. 1970’s DIMENSIONS Height: 22 inches (w/ base) Width: 9.5 inches Depth: 4 inches Base: 11 x 6 x 3 inches A...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

Mid-20th Century Pair of Brutalist Iron Bookends by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
A pair of iron bookends crafted in brutalist style by the artist David Palombo. Uniquely designed, each end is constructed from a fence-like structure that is attached to a flat plat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Brutalist Iron Sculpture
Located in London, GB
A large Brutalist forged iron sculpture France, 1960s 82 cm high by 37 cm wide by 31 cm depth
Category

1960s French Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Brutalist sculpture by artist Donna in steel
Located in Lyon, FR
Sculpture in patinated steel by artist Donna in a Brutalist style. The entire sculpture is hand-crafted with steel parts welded together. Very graphic, modern work. Unique piece, sig...
Category

Early 2000s French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel, Iron

Brutalist Welded Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Brutalist Nails Sculpture by Harry Bertoia, circa 1950s.
Category

1950s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Striking Brutalist Patinated Brass and Copper & Enamel Wall Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice wall hanging sculpture by Californian artist circa 1970s, a combination of brass and copper with enamel retains paper label but we cant read the artist.
Category

20th Century North American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Enamel, Brass, Copper

Hammered Glass Wrought Iron Sculpture Lamp by Biancardi & Jordan, Italy, 1970s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern sculpture lamp light sconce hammered glass and wrought iron, by the manufacture Biancardi & Jordan in Verona in a Brutalist s...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

Organic Brutalist Brass and Copper Sculpture
Located in Hudson, NY
Organic Brutalist brass and copper sculpture. Unsigned. Form reminiscent of some otherworldly plant of creature. Great color and patina. Welded mixed metals.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper

Tall Brutalist Skull and Heart Sculpture in Steel, Brass, and Slate, 1990s
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 1990s custom commissioned steel, brass, and slate tall Brutalist skull and heart sculpture. "Good Looks & A Heart Of Gold #1" is it's title/name, and signed underneath the slate S...
Category

1990s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Slate, Metal, Brass, Cut Steel

1970's XXL Brutalist Wall Sculpture in Mixed Metals by Henrik Horst, Denmark
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Big / large Brutalist wall sculpture made of mixed metals and techniques designed and made by Henrik Horst from Denmark in the 70's. This sculpture can de horizontal as well as vert...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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

Abstract Brutalistic Metal Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Unique brutalistic sculpture of head/face. This piece is signed but we can't make out the signature.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Large Brutalist Abstract Sculpture by Charles Bound, c.1980
Located in Surbiton, GB
Wood fired stoneware vessel by Charles Bound (b. 1939). Dimensions (cm, approx): Height: 24.
Category

1980s British Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Unique Mid Century Sculptural Brutalist Torch Cut Candle Holder, 1960s
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
Unique Mid-Century Modern wall sculptural candle holder. It’s from the late 1960’s, and is a true brutalist work of art. It’s torch cut metal. The metal has beautiful torch cut textu...
Category

1960s European Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal, Metallic Thread

Large Brutalist Forged Iron Sculpture, France, 1970s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Large Brutalist forged iron sculpture, France 1970s. Constructed out of multiple hand forged squares welded together. Interesting play of lines and open spaces, which creates a nice ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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

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

Patinated Iron Tree Form Sculpture
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
This tree can of course be used as a decorative piece. Also used as a clothing/hat rack, etc.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Harlequin, American Cubist Modernist Welded Metal Sculpture, ca. 1970s
Located in New York, NY
About sculpture This figurative sculpture of a Harlequin standing in a relaxed pose is unusual not only in the choice of materials; but, most importantly, due to the unusual combina...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Unknown French artist. Brutalistic unique sculpture in dark steel. Late 20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unknown French artist. Brutalistic unique sculpture in dark steel. Late 20th century. Measures: 18.5 x 9.5 cm. In excellent condition.
Category

Late 20th Century French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Peter Lipman-Wulf Sculptural Vessel
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural, hand-formed vessel of painted and glazed clay, likely for use as a bird bath, by German/American artist and educator Peter Lipman-Wulf. Born i...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Don Reitz Important Abstract Expressionist Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Sharon, CT
Important Don Reitz (1929-2014) thrown vase. Brutalized, incised, glazed and sculpted into a suggestion of a figure. About as 'attacked' and expressive as a thrown ceramic gets. Sign...
Category

Late 20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Rick Owens Cast Bronze Coupe Vase Black Patina Signed
Located in Chicago, IL
The now iconic bronze coupe vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the black patina. Designed in 2012. Each bronze is signed. Can be used as vase or sc...
Category

2010s French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Danish Brutalist Scrap Iron Sculpture in the Style of Robert Jacobsen, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
In the style of the Danish Scrap Iron Sculptor Robert Jacobsen (1912-1993) comes this raw, dark and welded sculptural composition made from scrap iron. I...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

'Ice Cube' Brutalist Side Table in Raw Steel
Located in Riga, LV
'Ice Cube' sculptural side table in welded raw steel. It features clean geometry and Brutalist influenced design. Heavy weight and extremely durable. Handcrafted, unique and signed. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Baltic Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Pia Manu Wall Sculpture
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Brutalist wall sculpture designed by Pia Manu (Jules Dewaele). This unique piece is made of concrete and a cast iron frame.
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Concrete, Iron

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
A uniquely shaped Hanukkah lamp crafted in a brutalist style by David Palombo. Impressively massive, this Hanukkah lamp intimates playful motives, both animalistic and anatomical in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp Menorah by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
Large, hand forged, iron Hanukkah lamp Menorah in the style known as “Brutalism”, David Palombo, Jerusalem, Israel, circa 1960. David Palombo (1920-1966), was a sculptor and painter...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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

Torch Cut and Welded Steel Brutalist Bull Sculpture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Well executed minimal and brutalist torch cut sheetmetal on round stock welded steel frame.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel, Sheet Metal

Signed Large Scale Jules De Waele Brutalist Wall Sculpture Belgium 1969 Pia Manu
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a very early and rare abstract Brutalist wall sculpture by the Paul Evans of Belgium, Jules De Waele. Jules is the founder of the Pia Manu studio. Thi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Concrete, Steel

Masterpiece Brutalist Sculpture from the 1960’s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Masterpiece Brutalist sculpture from the 1960’s. Made out of rough patinated metal and smoked charcoal. Unknown artist. In the manner of Pia Manu. Measures 214 cm in height !
Category

1960s European Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Folk Art Sculpture "The Conference" by Abbott Pattison // Abstract Fig
Located in Buffalo, NY
Brutalist Folk Art sculpture "The Conference" by Abbott Pattison, great sculpture made up of welded metal, screws, nuts etc, depicting abstract figures. Mounted on metal base with ba...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1960s Brutalist Steel Abstract Sculpture
Located in Raleigh, NC
Heavily textured and expressive vintage sculpture. Has tons of movement and a wonderful patina.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Cut Steel

James Bearden "Dwelling Box"
Located in New York, NY
"Dwelling Box" in steel with an ash metallic gel coat. A 2015 work from his Cathedral series by Des Moines, Iowa artist James Bearden. Bearden's work was recently featured in a solo exhibition at the NY Design Center titled "James Bearden: Life in Steel;" in an article in the January Interior Design...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

James Bearden Dwelling Box
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural box of blackened and polished steel, raised atop a slender column. From the Dwelling series, 2015, by Des Moines artist James Anthony Bearden.
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Brutalist Metal Sculpture with Marque Shape
Located in New York, NY
A hand-made brutalist metal sculpture piece in a marque shape, circa late-20th century. Sculpture is relatively tall made of iron metal with an intentional weathered look giving it a...
Category

Late 20th Century Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Urban, StudioManda, Table Lamp, Staples, Concrete, Limited Edition, Lebanon 2014
Located in Beirut, LB
Urban, Georges Mohasseb Design, 2014 Inspired by the city nightscape, Urban is a table lamp, built from a combination of industrial materials as a tribute to what defines the cities we live in. The base is a brute concrete square cast topped with hand-placed staples sculpted and connected together to create the Urban form. Urban sits beautifully as a brutalist artistic statement piece. When the light is on, it passes through the negative spaces between the overlapped and staked metal cartridges, recreating the city's nightscape. Between day and night use, the object switches from being the materials of the city to the lights of the city. The staples finish can be made in copper or in steel finish. AC power 220 / 110 with incandescent light or LED light. Limited Edition of 12. Made in Lebanon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Large Brancusi Inspired Abstract Brutalist Sculpture, Signed Gary Brandt
By Rene Brancusi, (after) Salvador Dali, Gary Brandt, Brancusi
Located in Houston, TX
Large Mid-Century Modern solid aluminum Brutalist sculpture singed Gary Brandt. This heavy Postmodern sculpture in the style of Rene Brancusi is w...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Brutalist Enamelled Iron Étagère in the Style of Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Brutalist enameled iron étagère in the style of Paul Evans, sculptural, freestanding, fitted with two removable bronzed glass 19" x 7" shelves The bas...
Category

20th Century North American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

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

Richard Bitterman Brutalist Bud Vase or Sculpture
By Richard Batterham
Located in Buffalo, NY
Handcrafted Brutalist bud vase or sculpture, 1960s, brass, stee. Plastic test tube, signed R. Bitterman.
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Steel

Eduardo Chillida Style Iron Sculpture, 1960s
Located in L'Escala, ES
Beautiful and rare iron sculpture in the style of Eduardo Chillida, manufactured in Spain in 1960. In perfect vintage condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Pair of Brutalist Candleholders/Sculptures by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
These two pieces by Israeli artist David Palombo are in his signature Brutalist style and use the two materials he is best known for iron and natural stone. Fully functional as candl...
Category

1960s Israeli Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Iron

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

'Mother Creation' Lava Black Glass Art Object
Located in Riga, LV
'Mother Creation' glass art object from collection ‘Mother Creation’. Highest quality, extra-clear glass in ice like effect, coated in black 'lava' (...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Baltic Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Pair of Modern Iron Sculptures in Male and Female Form
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Pair of modern iron sculptures in male and female form.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Sculpture by Richard Walsh
Located in Chicago, IL
Richard Walsh freeform sculpture. Tubular metal bent and welded to torch-cut circular base, Brutalist in form and patina. Sturdy stabile sculpture, circa 1975.
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Vase Form Glazed Pottery Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Brutalist urn form glazed pottery sculpture signed by the Artisan from a Palm Beach estate.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Steel Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century Modern Brutalist sculpture of tortured and burnt welded steel.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

American Brutalist Welded Metal Sculpture by Jason Seley
Located in New York, NY
A Brutalist abstract sculpture made from welded car bumpers by Jason Seley (1919-1983), sculptor and dean of the Cornell University College of Architecture, Art and Planning. Excelle...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Gene Montez Flores Brutalist Wall Mount Sculpture
By Harry Balmer, Gene Montez Flores
Located in Dallas, TX
Incredible Brutalist torch-cut wall mountable sculpture by artist Gene Montez Flores. Designed to hang as shown. Produced during in the early 1960s ...
Category

1960s American Vintage 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

Harry Bouras Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago art critic, Harry Bouras was the host of "Arts and Artists" for 25 years. Harry's pieces are in permanent collections in Chicago, New York, and Tokyo. Resin coated iron sculpture. Two matching sculptures...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

James Bearden Sculpture, "Passage"
Located in New York, NY
Tall Brutalist sculpture of blackened and collaged steel, perched on attached columnar steel base, executed in 2016. Titled "Passage," it is p...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Brutalist Iron Wall Sculpture of Two Mermaids in the Style of Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
A vintage wall sculpture, composed of soldered and reworked iron, depicting two Brutalist style abstracted mermaids, produced circa 1970s in the manner of Paul Evans. Good condition,...
Category

1970s Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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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