Organic Abstract Iroko Sculpture on Travertine Base, 1960s

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This striking wooden sculpture, created by an unknown artist in the Netherlands during the 1960s, embodies the expressive spirit of … Read more This striking wooden sculpture, created by an unknown artist in the Netherlands during the 1960s, embodies the expressive spirit of postwar European abstraction. Carved from solid iroko, a dense and richly grained tropical hardwood, the piece reveals both the raw vitality of the material and the hand of the sculptor who shaped it. The flowing contours, alternating between sharp facets and softened curves, suggest a dialogue between organic growth and deliberate intervention. Resting on a solid rectangular travertine base, the work attains a grounded presence, combining natural textures with a refined architectural foundation. The sculpture originates from the official art collection of the Dutch tax service, an institution known for its discerning acquisitions of modern and contemporary art. It still has its original inventory label at the bottom. This provenance underscores the cultural and historical value of the piece, as such collections were often assembled with the intent to support emerging artists and enrich public spaces. The unknown authorship enhances its intrigue, allowing viewers to approach the work without the weight of attribution, focusing instead on its form, material, and atmosphere. A powerful testament to the era’s exploration of material truth and abstraction, this sculpture remains a significant and evocative object within Dutch postwar artistic production. In good original condition with a fantastic authentic patina. See less