Maine - Wall-mounted Sculptures

This monumental wood sculpture by Leroy Setziol (1915–2005) is a rare and significant early commission, created in 1963 for the National Bank of Portland, Oregon. Measuring an impressive 191" x 31" x 7", the piece marks a pivotal moment in Setziol’s career as he transitioned into large-scale architectural work—integrating fine art with the built environment in a way that would define his legacy. Carved in his signature style of deeply incised geometric forms and rhythmic abstraction, the panel reflects Setziol’s exploration of nature, spirituality, and cultural symbolism. Commissioned during a period of progressive architectural development in the Pacific Northwest, the work exemplifies the region’s modernist ethos—where art and architecture were conceived in harmony. Setziol would go on to complete numerous public commissions, collaborating with leading architects such as Pietro Belluschi and becoming one of the most influential wood sculptors of the 20th century. Early, large-scale works like this are exceptionally rare on the market and offer a unique opportunity to own a foundational piece of Pacific Northwest modernism. This sculpture is not only a stunning example of Setziol’s craft—it is a historical artifact from a turning point in American architectural and design history. The following is taken from the Portland Art Museum's profile of Leroy Setziol for their exhibit in 2015-16 celebrating the 100th year anniversary of his birth "Leroy Setziol" Sept 5, 2015 – Oct 30, 2016 "A composer in wood, Leroy Setziol created lyrical sculpture that honors the beauty of a material strongly identified with the Northwest. The black walnut, teak, fir, and other woods he employed enhanced his complex gridded compositions, bringing them to life. A self-taught, intuitive worker, Setziol visualized his complex carvings using the grid as an armature to frame imaginative shapes. Throughout his career, his sculpture ranged from intimate works to large-scale public commissions. The largest work on display is an elegant, teak, two-panel wall relief from 1991. Twenty-three works are on view, including free-standing sculpture, totems, and a variety of wall reliefs. Setziol’s sculpture gained greater recognition with Portland’s architectural community in 1964 when he was invited by Northwest Regionalist architect John Storrs to carve a series of large-scale relief panels for Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach...

Fiber Wall Art by Jon. B. Wahling (1938 - 2020) similar to Sheila Hicks or Lenore Tawney. "Wahling was dominating the fiber scene in the U.S. by the l...

Complex overlays of brass, iron and copper make this Butterfly garden an interesting execution of metal surfaces. Presented in a heavy wooden frame with a secondary pierced iron arab...

Carved from a single wooden solid plank of walnut, this stunning Italian bas relief plaque depicts Mary holding the baby Jesus, flanked by two apostles, one holding a sword; the othe...

Each ebony tondo carved with Roman military scenes in low relief, set in gilt Florentine style frames. Formerly part of the front doors of a cabinet. With an old label at the back of the frame, Ernest Samson, Paris. 13 1/4in. diameter sight (the dimensions otherwise indicated include the frame). These beautifully carved panels would have been part of the doors of a cabinet made to impress in a grand room in an aristocratic or royal setting. They reflect the changing taste in the first half of the 17th century for large sumptuous pieces for grand galleries and grand state apartments in royal and courtly interiors. It was not until the 17th century that France began to import exotic timbers from the Far East and South America and ebony was one of the first of these woods to be employed in cabinet-making. However, due to its rarity and cost it was almost exclusively used for veneering. French cabinetmakers who worked with ebony became known as menuisiers en ébène and later ébénistes. The carved and engraved ornament and ripple mouldings reflect the light on the glossy ebony surface. The subject-matter of these bas-relief carvings was inspired by prints with religious, mythological or literary subjects and naturalistic engraved motifs. According to Alcouffe 'These cabinets represent the synthesis of foreign (especially German) influences and traditions expressed in French Renaissance furniture...