1970s “The Test” by William Dickey King – Aluminum Figural Sculpture Mid Century

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“The Test” by William Dickey King is a dynamic modernist figural sculpture executed in hand-cut aluminum and mounted on a … Read more “The Test” by William Dickey King is a dynamic modernist figural sculpture executed in hand-cut aluminum and mounted on a polished marble base.
This iconic composition depicts a stylized figure in a poised, athletic stance, balancing a circular disc overhead — a visual metaphor for tension, equilibrium, and controlled movement. King’s signature slot-and-tab construction method allows the interlocking aluminum planes to create dimensionality while preserving a graphic, linear silhouette.
The brushed aluminum surfaces exhibit subtle tonal variation, enhancing the sculptural interplay of light and shadow. The honed marble base provides visual weight and contrast, grounding the airy, kinetic figure.
Created during the height of King’s mature period in the 1970s, The Test exemplifies his distinctive approach to modern figuration — architectural, rhythmic, and playful yet disciplined.
A strong and recognizable example of King’s work, embodying the balance of tension and motion that defines his sculptural language. See less