"Nevermore" — Abstract Steel Sculpture, Herbert Simon 1972

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An extraordinary, highly unique tour-de-force of mid-century American word art, "Nevermore" is a substantial 1972 textual brutalist steel sculpture from … Read more An extraordinary, highly unique tour-de-force of mid-century American word art, "Nevermore" is a substantial 1972 textual brutalist steel sculpture from the personal collection of sculptor and university professor Herbert Simon.

Spanning a grand horizontal layout of 42 inches in width, this architectural sculpture commandingly bridges raw industrial minimalism with clever Pop Art narrative. The composition features a heavy, solid steel three-sided pyramid obelisk tower from which a continuous, heavy-gauge steel rod is masterfully bent and welded to spell out the word "Nevermore" in fluid, expressive cursive typography. Referencing Edgar Allan Poe's iconic literary masterwork, the raw, burnished gray steel substrate retains its beautiful industrial studio patina with subtle natural metallic variations. This striking, linear silhouette interacts dynamically with shifting wall shadows and empty space. An exceptional statement piece designed to sit atop a mid-century executive desk, anchor a luxury library mantlepiece, or ground a moody dark-academic interior vignette. Dated 1972 by the artist.

About the artist: Herbert Simon (b. 1927) is an American sculptor and printmaker who taught in the art department at Wilkes University from 1969–1992. A student of Hans Hofmann, Robert Motherwell, and Philip Guston, his work bridges the New York School and academic structuralism. His monumental public commissions are permanently installed at major regional landmarks, including the 'Facets' aluminum installation at Wilkes University, the 'Aloft' sculpture at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, and civic plazas across Pennsylvania. This piece was consigned by the artist and acquired through a local auction house. See less