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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
Small Bronze Figurative Abstract Sculpture
Located in Norwalk, CT
This small charming abstract bronze figure stands on its own with a curious look on its face. This piece would make a great desk accessory or a ...
Category

20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Sculptural Wine / Magazine Rack in Cast Iron, French Art Deco, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
Such a fine decorative wine / magazine holder in cast iron. Made in France, ca 1930s. Beautiful lines perfectly suited for any interior style. A Modern, Scandinavian, Classic or an Art deco home decor. "There is no style...
Category

Early 20th Century French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Brutalist Studio Art Pottery / Ceramic Sculpture by Brenda Williams
Located in Buffalo, NY
Brutalist Art Pottery, Studio Ceramic by Brenda Williams. Northern California artist. Dramatic form, technique, wonderful glaze and color.  
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' Sculpture 1950s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Anthropomorphic Modernist 'Makonde' sculpture 1950s This is a wonderful piece of modernist African art. It is a so called 'Makonde' sculpture. These unique pieces are crafted by t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tanzanian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Ebony

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 a style and trend that emerged in th...
Category

1960s Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

David Marshall Brutalist Candle Sticks, a Pair
Located in Denton, TX
David Marshall Abstract Brutalist candle sticks- A pair. These have a nice patina on then consistent with age Taller Candlestick: 10.75 H x 4 W x 2.75 D Shorter Candlestick: 8H x ...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Modernist Brutalist Abstract Bronze Slab Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a large brutalist abstract bronze slab sculpture. Sculpture is unmarked, and the artist is unknown. A very heavy and substantial work, ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Robert Fillous Signed Metal Crescent Moon and Crystal Sculpture
By Robert Fillous
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A Brutalist metal sculpture by American sculptor Robert Fillous (1913-1993). Made of steel, the sculpture features an intentionally distressed and hammered crescent moon affixed to a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Metal

Rick Owens Cast Bronze Coupe Nitrate Patina Vase Signed
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 sl...
Category

2010s French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Henri Fernandez Signed Agate and Brass Wall Lights
Located in Hastings, GB
An incredible pair of extremely rare wall lights, hand crafted and signed by the artist and sculptor Henri Fernandez. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and re-imagining them in beautiful hand worked brass sculptures that incorporated other natural minerals such as agate and quartz crystal. Fernandez, along with his contemporaries, Jacques Duval-Brasseur, and Isabelle & Richard Faure pioneered this style of brass work in the 1970's and 80's, creating some of the most exceptional lighting...
Category

1970s French Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Agate, Brass

Brutalist Period Mixed Metals and Wood Couple Sculpture JN
Located in Garnerville, NY
Amazing mixed metals and wood Brutalist Period couple sculpture. A wonderful mix of copper, brass, nails and wood that have been manipulated, cut, carved, heated, tacked, and welded ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Copper

Big Brutalist Terracotta Sculpture Stamped NAGA
Located in Brussels, BE
Fine Brutalist hand made terracotta Sculpture. Hollow structure, red color. Stamped NAGA. Inspired by Alexander Calder "the waves." Around 2008.
Category

Early 2000s Italian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Franco Ciuti, Italy 1970's
Located in Zwijndrecht, 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

Brutalist Abstract Nail Sculpture in the Style of Harry Bertoia
Located in Dallas, TX
Brutalist Abstract Nail sculpture comprised of hundreds of hand welded flat nails with a rusticated patina. Would be great as a fireplace screen, in a window sil, or on a credenza.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Brutalist Desktop Glass Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist desktop / tabletop glass sculpture. It is made of crashed glass and mirror melted into clear acrylic and mounted on natural piece o...
Category

1960s Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

1970, Geode and Gilt Bronze Wall Sculpture Signed Jacques Duval Brasseur
Located in Paris, FR
Wall sculpture in gilded bronze with geode. Signature:JD Brasseur Length:57cm Height:13cm Depth:10cm.
Category

1970s French Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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

James Bearden Module Trio
Located in New York, NY
Group of three small abstract sculptures, titled Module Trio, of blackened steel, fused and dyed bronze, and glass enamel. Made in 2019 by Am...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Steel

Two Heavy Southwest Kokopelli Metal Sculptures Bookends
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Two heavy signed Southwest Kokopelli metal sculptures. The sculpture features Kokopelli, a fertility deity in the shape of a humpbacked figure playing the flute. The sculpture an...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

James Bearden Cathedral Series Lamp
Located in New York, NY
'Illuminated Dwelling' lamp by American artist James Bearden, from his Cathedral series. Hand-forged of blackened and polished steel in 2015.. A one-of-a-kind design that is essentia...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

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

Midcentury Torch Cut Metal Abstract Brutalist Sculpture
By Diego Giacometti, Silas Seandel, Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Tony Melendy, Curtis Jeré
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury torch cut metal abstract Brutalist sculpture. Beautifully executed Mid-Century Modern Brutalist torch cut mixed metal abstract sculpture. ...
Category

1960s Vintage 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

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

Contemporary Cast Aluminium Sculpture by Danish Artist Marianne Hesselbjerg
Located in København K, 84
Title: Cups and squares and a cone, -or an attempt to create a perfect cube. 2021 Cast aluminium (into the crust of the earth) Marianne Hesselbjerg (b.1949) "Marianne Hesselbjerg is making...
Category

2010s Danish Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Huge Japanese Ikebana Slab Vase 1980s
Located in Melbourne, AU
If you're looking for Ikebana pottery on a grand scale, this is your vase. A traditional slab construction but with a 1980s twist, this magnificent ter...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

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

Stoneware Sculptural Object by Ole Bjørn Krüger Own Studio, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Unique abstract sculptural object by Danish artist Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007) made at his own studio in the 1970s. The object is made of chamotte stonew...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

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

"Rino" Contemporary Golden Door Handle in Cast Brass by Estudio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This Door Handle was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to make identical items. The brass casting is produced by formation of a mold from a mixture of sand and the liquid alloy of copper and zinc. The projects are based on a contemporary appropriation of traditional methods from Brazilian artisans and reinterpreted through the integration of new forms and noble materials. An aesthetic infused with “beauty of imperfection" is obtained by the expressive potential of each material, generating works that recall nature and rationality. Estúdio Orth...
Category

2010s Brazilian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Modernist Ceramic Sculpture by Judy Engel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modernist clay sculpture with organic green glaze by artist Judy Engel of upstate New York.
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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

Anonymous late 20th Century European modern sculpture. Sphere of metal bolts.
Located in København K, 84
Anonymous European modern sculpture. This captivating sculpture, comprised of hundreds of intricately welded metal bolts, converges into a seamless and imposing sphere. This work of...
Category

Late 20th Century European Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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

Paul Evans Polychromed Steel Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Astonishing brutalist sculpture by Paul Evans, circa 1960's. Welded and polychromed steel, painted wood. 67 x 38 x 26 in. (170.2 x 96.5 x 66 cm) excluding base.
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Large Brutalist Cast Iron & Wood Crucifix / Cross
Located in San Diego, CA
Large brutalist cast iron & wood crucifix / cross from Italy, circa 1970s. This is a beautiful linear piece in great condition measuring 10"W x 3"D...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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

Brass Brutalist Sunburst Wall Sculpture by William Bowie
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s gilded brass sunburst wall sculpture by William Bowie. Measurements: 27” Diameter 4.25” Deep
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Sculpture Probably Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large brutalist sculpture by unknown artist. Probably produced in Sweden. Signed “S. ??? 25/50”.  
Category

1960s European Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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

Concrete Kitsugi Console
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Made to Order, the console is made of fiber-glass reinforced concrete with wood details, you have a choice of Off-White, Gray, and Charcoal colors, this Console brings elegance, simp...
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Concrete

Betty Miller Brutalist Sculpture 1958
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Betty Miller was a local Philadelphia Artist who Painted and Sculpted. This Brutalist Welded Copper Structure sits on a Iron Frame. Sculpture was in a Loc...
Category

1950s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Copper, Iron

James Bearden Steel and Bronze "Blob Box" Sculpture / Trinket Box
Located in Highland, IN
A wonderful small-scale sculpture by James Bearden, this nubby piece floats on a plinth base and is covered in bronze giving it a visceral texture. Concealed inside is a small trinket box.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Vintage Mid-Century Brutalist Lucite Freeform Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A sculptural interpretation of an organic shape that is enigmatic, poised and unpredictable. A study in form, this vintage lucite piece dates to the early 1960s. In essence it is min...
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

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

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

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

Wall Sculpture in Bronze 47 Skulls Entangled, Rat King, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A studio piece open to a lot of interpretations. The media is cast bonze with a dark brown patina. It depicts 47 rat skulls connected almost melted together (in appearance) via tubes...
Category

1970s European Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Brutalist Torch Cut Steel Sculpture
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Brutalist torch cut steel sculpture
Category

1960s American 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

Aharon Bezalel Cast Bronze, Modernist, Brutalist, c 1969
Located in Buffalo, NY
Aharon Bezalel Cast Bronze, modernist, brutalist. c 1969, Wonderful form and artistry.
Category

1660s Antique Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

COR Trillen, Arma Christi, Religious Art, 1960s, Wooden Carving, Unique Art Work
Located in ROTTERDAM, ZH
What a piece of religious art! This huge Arma Christi is made by Dutch sculptor Cor Triller. This huge carving is made in 1965 and is made of one piece of...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

20th Century Post Modern Wooden Totem Sculpture by Bertrand Creach
Located in London, GB
Impressive iroko wooden totem sculpture by Bertrand Creach, hand-carved and burnished finition made in the late 20th Century. "Kloc'hdi" is a master pi...
Category

Late 20th Century French Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

Brutalist Bronze and Glass Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist bronze and textured stained glass sculpture by SF Bay Area artist Ralph Halloway.
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Joseph Burlini Titled Icarus Signed on Lucite Base
Located in Chicago, IL
A bronze sculpture by Joseph A. Burlini signed J. A. Burlini etched in the lucite base. Done in the Brutalist style.
Category

2010s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Table Top Torch Cut and Welded Brutalist Skeleton Sphere Sculpture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Skeleton steel sphere. Comprised of varying sizes of round stock steel and sheet brass welded together. Presents a Primitive folk Brutalist quality.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel, Sheet Metal

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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