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
- Brutalism emerged during the mid-20th century
- Term coined by architecture critic Reyner Banham
- Originated in the United Kingdom
- Brutalist architecture gained popularity in the United States beginning in the early 1960s
- Inaugural brutalist projects include Unité d'habitation and the city of Chandigarh, India, both of which owe to influential architect Charles-Édouard “Le Corbusier” Jeanneret
- Le Corbusier’s cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, designed hundreds of chairs, tables, cabinets and lamps for Chandigarh
- Informed by the Bauhaus, constructivism, modernism and the International Style; part of mid-century modernism
- Contrasted starkly with Beaux Arts style
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
Period: 1960s
Bronze Bonsai Tree Sculpture by Brutalist Artist Belva Ball
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th century Brutalist bronze bonsai tree sculpture, a masterful creation by the renowned American artist Belva Ball, stands as a testament...
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Brutalist Patinated Metal Abstract Sculpture by Frans de Boer Lichtveld, 1964
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Brutalist sculpture.
Design by Frans de Boer Lichtveld.
Striking Dutch design from the 1960s.
Patinated metal with various decorative elements.
This wonderful Br...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
A Brutalist Sculpture By Chet LaMore ca' 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant, bronze sculpture by a noted artist Chet LaMore, ca' 1960, entitled "Column". On original base. "Chet La More was an American painter, sculptor,...
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Mid Century Brutalist Modern Abstract Brass Wall Sculpture Signed Monk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern brutalist wall sculpture circa 1960's. Well constructed and designed, signed Monk.
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Steel
A Brutalist Sculpture By Chet LaMore ca' 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A whimsical, figurative bronze sculpture by a noted artist Chet LaMore. "Chet La More was an American painter, sculptor, printmaker, and educator. He was ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Wonderful Modernist Abstract Brutalist Sculpture by William F. Sellers
By William F. Sellers
Located in Buffalo, NY
American mid-20th century modernist Brutalist abstract bust sculpture in cast and hand worked granulated and polished metal aluminum by award winning and well exhibited artist painte...
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Large Handmade Brutalist Stoneware Floor Lamp by Sejer Ceramics, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning handmade stoneware floor lamp in Brutalist style with brown glazing made at the workshop "Sejer Keramik" in the 1960s. The lamp has been mounted with a handmade shade in whi...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
1960s Brass Sculpture on Chain Link Iron Base
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s Brass Sculpture On Chain Link Iron Base
Unique Mid Century sculpture
Brutalist style torch cut leafs, sprouted from an iron base
Unsigned, similar to works by Curtis Jere ...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Iron, Sheet Metal
Daniel Gluck Brutalist Sculpture
By Daniel Gluck
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern brutalist sculpture crafted in patinated metal on a walnut plinth attributed to Daniel Gluck, 1970s.
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
John Steck Desert Rose Metal and Stone Vintage Brutalist Sculpture
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Vintage 1960s metal and stone table top sculpture. “Desert Rose” by John Steck is a timeless floral arrangement of bristly pom-pom blooms emanating from a stone base. The botanical a...
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Metal
Welded Chrome Automobile Bumper Abstract Sculpture by Jason Seley, '1919-1983'
By Jason Seley
Located in West Chester, PA
Large scale welded chromium-plated steel salvaged car parts sculpture by artist Jason Seley (1919-1983). Signed by the artist.
Rectangular base measures roughly 18" x 10".
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Large Handmade Brutalist Stoneware Floor Lamp by Sejer Ceramics, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning handmade stoneware floor lamp in Brutalist style with abstract decoration made at the workshop "Sejer Keramik" in the 1960s. The lamp has been mounted with a handmade shade in white flax linen. Signed underneath "Sejer, Denmark".
Sejer Keramik was a pottery workshop located on the island of Funen, Denmark known for a small production of handmade rustic stoneware objects in the 1960s and 1970s. The wonderful unique stoneware lamps in brutalist style that is typical for Sejer is becoming increasingly popular on the design market.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Large Handmade Brutalist Stoneware Table Lamp by Sejer Ceramics, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning handmade stoneware table or floor lamp in Brutalist style sculpted in geometric shapes made at the workshop "Sejer Keramik" in the 1960s. Glazed in blue and brown colours. T...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
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
Emaús Brutalist Brass and Bronze Sun Face Sculpture on Stand, Signed, 1960s
By Emaus
Located in San Francisco, CA
An enchanting 1960s Brutalist brass and bronze sun face sculpture on wood stand handcrafted by the Benedictine monks of Emaús, their workshop in San...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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
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
Midcentury Torch Cut Metal Abstract Brutalist Sculpture
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
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
Paul Evans Polychromed Steel Sculpture
By Paul Evans
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Brutalist Torch Cut Steel Sculpture
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Brutalist torch cut steel sculpture
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Cast Aluminum Brutalist Sculpture by Dcalvi
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
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
Bronze Brutalist Abstract Sculpture by Achilleas Apergis
Located in Montreal, QC
Bronze Brutalist abstract sculpture by Achilleas Apergis. Signed: "Apergis" Direz Dogana Padova".
Category
1960s Greek Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
Pia Manu Wall Sculpture
By Pia Manu
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
Vintage Brutalist Mixed Media Sculpture in Copper and Glass
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Handmade mixed media sculpture. Done in a mid century brutalist style. Phenomenal mix of textures between the welded metals and smooth glass. Gorgeous array of colors in the glass pi...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
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
Cast Bronze Brutalist Warrior Bust
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A wonderful stylized bust of a warrior. It appears that a dragon like creature sits on his helmet, rather is his helmet. You can't help but draw similarities to Game of Thrones. This...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Italian crucifix Brutalist Sculpture from the 1960s
Located in bari, IT
Italian brass brutalist sculpture from the 1960s depicting a stylized crucifix.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Brancusi Inspired Abstract Male Torso Bronze Sculpture on Marble Base
By Rene Brancusi, Brancusi
Located in Houston, TX
Large Brutalist male torso abstract bronze sculpture on a marble base in the manner of Brancusi. This midcentury figural male torso sculpture is finely detailed and dates to the mid-...
Category
1960s Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Modernist Abstract Sculpture "INNERWOVEN STRUCTURE" by Duayne Hatchett
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large modernist abstract sculpture "INNERWOVEN STRUCTURE" by Duayne Hatchett. Amazing graceful bent layers of metal, can be mounted, hung as a mobile or on a stationary surface, i.e....
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Metal
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
Harry Bouras Sculpture
By Harry Bouras
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
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
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
Bill Lett Brutalist Rooster in Bronze
By Bill Lett
Located in New York, NY
A sculpture by Brutalist artist Bill Lett, circa 1960s, depicting a silhouette of a rooster in torch cut and patinated bronze, mounted on a wooden cylinder base. Includes plaque [Bil...
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Paul Evans & Phillip Lloyd Powell Handcrafted Steel, Brass & Wood Brutalist Bell
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Early collaborative Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd Powell torch cut metal Hand held Bell, early 1960s. Featuring a hand worked rectangular Iron bell form, circular Brass details with s...
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Steel, Brass
American Brutalist Welded Metal Sculpture by Jason Seley
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
Cast Aluminum Brutalist Sculpture by Dcalvi
By DCalvi
Located in New York, NY
A 1960s Brutalist style abstract sculpture in cast aluminum made by Dcalvi. Plaque mounted on painted wood base marked Dcalvi". Great original condition.
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Brutalist Mid-Century Bronze, T. Mori 1962 Butterfly.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Brutalist Mid-Century bronze, T. Mori Butterfly 1962. Spectacular, great color and patination. Feel free to call for more product information.
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Surrealist Mid-Century Modern Monumental Sailboat Form steel Sculpture
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Related Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Abstract steel Sculptures
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
One has damage to surface. Oxidation to metal. Measures: First sculpture 42 1/2" H x 34" W x 13" D. Second sculpture 46" H x 12" D.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Monumental Stylized steelTree Curtis Jere Style Brutalist Sculpture
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1960s American Vintage Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Harry Bouras Sculpture
By Harry Bouras
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. Pictured with three other matching sculptures...
Category
1960s American 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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