Belgian Artist, Hand-Carved Sculpture, 1970s, Oak

Details

Description

This monumental hand-carved sculpture, created in belgium during the 1970s, embodies a powerful sense of presence and inward stillness. Carved … Read more This monumental hand-carved sculpture, created in belgium during the 1970s, embodies a powerful sense of presence and inward stillness. Carved from solid oak, the figure rises vertically from its base, elongated and restrained, as if emerging directly from the grain of the wood itself.

the form suggests a human presence without fully defining it. A subtly indicated face, closed eyes, and gently flowing lines evoke introspection and quiet dignity rather than narrative or portraiture. The body is reduced to essential planes and curves, allowing material and proportion to take precedence over detail. This restraint lends the sculpture a timeless, almost archaic quality somewhere between modernist abstraction and primordial figure.

the oak plays a central role in the work’s expression. Natural cracks, knots, and variations in the grain are not concealed but embraced, reinforcing the sense that the figure was discovered rather than imposed. Over time, the surface has developed a warm, rich patina that deepens the sculptural volumes and enhances its tactile, almost meditative character. Light moves gently along the vertical lines, emphasizing height, balance, and quiet strength.

rooted in the sculptural traditions of mid- to late-20th-century europe, this work reflects a period in which many artists turned back to hand-carving and elemental materials as a counterpoint to industrial modernism. The result is a sculpture that feels grounded, human, and enduring an object that holds space rather than claims it.

condition
in very good condition, with age appropriate wear. The oak shows natural cracks consistent with the material and age, contributing to the sculpture’s authenticity and character.

details
origin: belgium
period: 1970s
material: solid oak

dimensions h 150 x w 28 x d 23 cm See less