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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
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

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 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

Big Abstract Bronze Sculpture. Valentin Vassilev, US, 1990s
By Valentin Vassilev
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Rare and beautiful piece of art from the late american artist Valentin Vassilev. Vassilev in his own words: In the last 45 years, I have been involved in many public art projects....
Category

1990s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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

Brutalist/wabi sabi Mid-Century modern Hand-Carved Solid Wood Sculpture, 1970s
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Stunning sculpture of a two figure. Expressive use of the natural material. primitivist / modernist style. Powerful Brutalist sculpture with an interesting contrast between the smoo...
Category

1970s European Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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 scree...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

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

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

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

Momcilo Milovanovic, 2 Sculptures Brutalist Vintage Style 70s Mid Century
Located in Paris, FR
Two brutalist "Totem" statues/sculptures by famous artist Momcilo MILOVANOVIC. . Unique pieces. . 1974. . These works are distinguished by the mar...
Category

Late 20th Century Serbian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel, Iron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brass, Copper, Enamel

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

"Rino"Contemporary Silver Hanger in Aluminium Cast by Estudio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This contemporary Hanger was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to mak...
Category

2010s Brazilian Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hand Made Metal Brutalist Bonsai Tree in Rust Finish
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist hand made iron Bonsai tree sculpture. The sculpture has wonderful all over rust finish, gained from years of outdoor life, this piece was origina...
Category

1970s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

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

Wrought and Welded Iron Sculpture by Frans De Boer Lichtveld
Located in Montreal, QC
Frans de Boer Lichtveld studied sculpture at the Institute of Applied Arts Education (now Rietveld Academy) and at the Quellinus Kunstnijverheidsschool, both i...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Brutalist Modern Abstract Wall Sculpture by Finesse Originals
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fun to look at piece of 3D wall created by Finesse Originals in the 1960's. It consists of a wood frame and the sculpture part is molded resin.
Category

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Resin, Wood

Midcentury Brutalist Brass Sculpture, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful hand-made brass sculpture, Midcentury Modern/Brutalist period, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. Piece is unsigned; In the style of designers Paul Evans, Curtis Jere. Piece is all brass with a square black composite base. Very good condition as shown in images. Dimensions: 22.75" Height. Other items shown available separately, search 1stDibs ref. #: Mackenzie-Childs vase, search ref. #: LU1314226933622 Agate dish...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Composition, Brass

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

1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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

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

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

Brutalist Bronze Sculpture on Stand with Sedimentary Base
Located in Dallas, TX
Well-oxidized, slab form bronze with impressed figural decoration, raised on sedimentary base. From an important estate.
Category

20th Century Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Cast Aluminum Brutalist Sculpture by Dcalvi
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Diana Calvillo artist, beautiful cast aluminum Brutalist sculpture, apparently it is a facade like the ones that were left after some bombing of the...
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

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

Brutalist Wall Sculpture of Patinated Metal
By Tony Melendy, Curtis Jeré, Silas Seandel
Located in Houston, TX
Brutalist wall sculpture of patinated metal. Monumental Brutalist wall sculpture of patinated metal inspired by Silas Seandel. Fabulous large Brutalist abstract wall sculpture of patinated metal in the manner of Silas Seandel/Curtis Jere/Tony Melendy...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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

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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