Sculpture

This mid-century modern wooden sculpture, by an unknown Scandinavian artist and dated 1957, is a compelling example of abstract organic form rooted in the material and aesthetic values of Nordic postwar design. The sculpture is hand-carved from a single piece of elm, a wood known for its warm tone and distinct, interlocking grain. It is inscribed on the underside with “F -57” suggesting the artist’s initial and the year of creation.

The form is vertically oriented and elongated, with smooth, flowing contours that twist gently upward, creating a sense of motion and lift. The carving emphasizes tapering lines and subtle asymmetry, reminiscent of stylized natural forms such as plant growth, flames, or bird-like profiles—motifs common in Scandinavian modernist sculpture of the 1950s. The abstraction is restrained yet expressive, with a tactile quality enhanced by the soft polish that reveals the natural complexity of the wood grain.

The sculpture is mounted on a minimalist cubic base painted in matte black, measuring 7 cm by 6 cm. The stark contrast between the base and the warm-toned elm reinforces the vertical presence of the piece and elevates the form without distraction. The base shows a minor crack, which appears stable and does not affect the structural integrity or display of the sculpture.

Though the artist remains unidentified, the work aligns with Scandinavian design ideals of the period, where craftsmanship, natural materials, and abstraction were harmoniously combined. Similar works by contemporaries in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland often bridged the gap between fine art and decorative object, with many created as one-off or small-edition studio pieces.

The sculpture stands 56.5 cm high (approximately 22.2 inches), and the base measures 7 cm wide by 6 cm deep (2.8 × 2.4 inches). It remains in good vintage condition, with surface wear and aging appropriate to its era, and no signs of restoration. This piece offers a refined example of mid-century Scandinavian sculptural expression, characterized by its simplicity, material honesty, and evocative organic form.