Midcentury Brutalist Handcrafted Sculptural Cocktail Table by Silas Seandel
Midcentury Brutalist Handcrafted Sculptural Cocktail Table by Silas Seandel
This sculptural cocktail table was designed by Silas Seandel and handcrafted by his New York City studio, circa 1980. The table has an amorphic shaped steel base from which four gently curved steel columns attach. These columns support a circular glass table top. Underneath the glass top is a bouquet of sculptural torch-cut bronze, copper, and steel flowers and leaves that attach to the center of the table's base. Richly patinated, the solid metal flowers and foliage are intricately detailed adding a compelling visual energy and depth. The polychrome surfaces are the result of Seandel 's signature acid washes and heat treatments. A one-of-a-kind piece, this table not only represents an excellent acquisition for 20th-century design collectors but would be a striking addition to any interior from Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Excellent vintage condition. Signed "Silas Seandel 80".
American, circa 1980
Dimensions:
Height: 16” (40.64 cm) x Diameter: 34” (86.36 cm)
Creator: Silas Seandel (Designer)
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Place of origin: United States
Date of manufacture: circa 1980
Period: 1980-1989
Materials and techniques: Bronze, Copper, Steel, Glass
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793412831042
SILAS SEANDEL
Silas Seandel, born on August 11, 1937, in New York City, is a renowned furniture sculptor known for his unique approach to sculptural furniture. Seandel pursued studies in sculpture and economics at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1959. In 1963, he established his own studio, marking the beginning of a prolific career spanning over four decades.
Seandel's artistic journey took a significant turn when he received a commission from an architect to create a wall sculpture for a building under construction while preparing for a solo exhibition. This commission steered his career towards collaborating almost exclusively with architects, interior designers, and engineers. Over the years, Seandel has become synonymous with large architectural sculptures and one-of-a-kind sculptured furniture pieces. Among his notable works is the World Trade Center Memorial for the lawn of Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Seandel's creations are all handmade in his studio located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. His work is characterized by the use of solid metals such as brass, bronze, steel, and copper, without any enamels, veneers, or unnatural materials. The vibrant colors in his pieces are achieved through unique acid and heat treatments developed by Seandel himself.
Throughout his career, Seandel has received recognition from various publications. He was featured in Interior Design magazine in 1982 and Hudson Magazine in 2008. Additionally, his work was highlighted in a chapter of "Modern Americana: Studio Furniture From High Craft to High Glam" by Julies Iovine and Todd Merrill (Rizzoli, 2008), which describes him as one of the premier metal sculptors in the United States during the late 20th century.
Seandel's reputation as a master craftsman is well-deserved. Sherman Emery, former Editor of Interior Design Magazine, praised Seandel as one of the finest artist-craftsmen in America. Emery highlighted the wide scope of Seandel's work, from small sculptures for homes to monumental outdoor pieces, such as a 38.5-foot-high, 46-ton bronze and stainless steel figure of a man supporting the world, installed in Florida.
In addition to his large-scale sculptures, Seandel is celebrated for introducing traditional sculpture techniques into the field of furniture design. His distinctive tables and other furniture pieces are frequently featured in outstanding residential interiors, offering a unique way to incorporate art into everyday life.
Seandel's studio continues to produce custom pieces tailored to clients' specific size, shape, and finish requirements. This personalized approach ensures that each piece remains unique, reflecting the artist's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
Silas Seandel's contributions to the world of furniture sculpture have left an indelible mark, blending functionality with artistic expression. His works, made with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of materials, continue to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts and design professionals alike.
