Vintage Brutalist Mid-Century Biomorphic Stoneware Sculpture by Helen Beling

Details

Description

Untitled Biomorphic Sculpture

Artist: Helen Beling (American, 1907-1999)

Date: Mid-20th Century

Medium: Hand built stoneware with dark teal and purple … Read more Untitled Biomorphic Sculpture

Artist: Helen Beling (American, 1907-1999)

Date: Mid-20th Century

Medium: Hand built stoneware with dark teal and purple volcanic glaze

Dimensions: 24.75” H x 17.75” W x 6.75” D (62.9 x 45.1 x 17.1 cm)

Description:

A hand built stoneware sculpture by noted artist Helen Beling. The piece is finished in a deep teal glaze with subtle purple highlights, creating a volcanic, textured surface. It is presented on its original, integral black base.

Artistic Context & Analysis:

This sculpture is a prime example of American Brutalist ceramic art of the mid-20th century. Beling’s work aligns with this aesthetic through its substantial physical presence. The term "biomorphic" describes its reference to living, organic forms, placing it in dialogue with the work of modernists such as Henry Moore or Jean Arp, albeit realized through the medium of ceramics. The work masterfully balances a sense of primal weight with a delicate, intricate surface, showcasing Beling's unique artistic vision.

Condition Report:

The sculpture is in very good condition commensurate with its age and medium. Small chip to the top candle holder. The glaze is intact with a rich, undisturbed patina. Minor surface wear and subtle glaze imperfections are inherent to the hand built process and firing techniques of the period and do not detract from the overall impact of the piece.

About the Artist: Helen Beling (1907-1999)

Helen Beling was an influential American sculptor who worked primarily in bronze and ceramics. Born in Romania, she immigrated to the United States as a child and studied at the Art Students League in New York City. Though she began her career as a figurative sculptor, she transitioned to a distinctive modernist style characterized by organic, abstract forms. Her work from the 1950s-1970s, particularly her stoneware candelabras and totems, is highly sought after by collectors for its powerful, primal aesthetic. Beling's work is held in the permanent collections of several major institutions, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.), the Museum of Arts and Design (New York), and the Everson Museum of Art (Syracuse, N.Y.). See less