An exceptional and highly collectible sculpture by renowned American artist and sculptor Beverly Pepper (1922–2020), celebrated internationally for her monumental works in steel, stone, iron, and earth. This striking work features Pepper's signature exploration of architectural form and geometry, constructed from sharply folded and faceted planes of polished stainless steel surrounding a white enamel interior. The angular forms unfold outward from a compact central mass, creating a dynamic interplay of light, reflection, shadow, and negative space. Reminiscent of modernist architecture, the sculpture evokes a miniature monument or architectural landscape, embodying Pepper's lifelong fascination with structure, permanence, and the relationship between sculpture and the built environment.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Pepper initially trained as a painter in Paris under Fernand Léger and André Lhote before turning to sculpture after a transformative visit to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. She became one of the pioneering women working in industrial-scale metal fabrication, mastering welding and creating groundbreaking sculptures that challenged traditional expectations of both art and gender. Over a career spanning more than six decades, her monumental works were installed throughout the world, and she received numerous honors including the Alexander Calder Prize and the International Sculpture Center Lifetime Achievement Award.

Works by Beverly Pepper are held in major museum collections worldwide and regularly appear at premier auction houses including Christie's and Sotheby's. Comparable examples of this design and scale have achieved prices around $7,000 at auction, suggesting an even higher retail replacement value.

Details:

Artist: Beverly Pepper (American, 1922–2020)
Materials: Polished stainless steel and white enamel
Marked: Stamped "B.P." on underside
Dimensions: Approximately 8" x 8" x 4"
Provenance: Private Seattle collection
Includes original 1969 exhibition catalogue
Condition: Very good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age and display

A rare opportunity to acquire an important work by one of the most influential sculptors of the twentieth century. Perfect for collectors of modern and contemporary art, museum-quality sculpture, and significant works by female artists.

Condition: Very good vintage condition overall. The sculpture displays beautifully and retains its striking visual impact. There is some wear to the polished stainless steel surfaces consistent with age and handling, including light scratches, scuffs, and areas of oxidation/rust beginning to develop in a few spots. These minor imperfections do not detract from the piece's sculptural presence and are typical of vintage metal artworks of this age. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Condition: Very good vintage condition overall. The sculpture displays beautifully and retains its striking visual impact. There is some wear to the polished stainless steel surfaces consistent with age and handling, including light scratches, scuffs, and areas of oxidation/rust beginning to develop in a few spots. These minor imperfections do not detract from the piece's sculptural presence and are typical of vintage metal artworks of this age. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Origin:
United States

Creator:
Artist: Beverly Pepper

Materials & Techniques:
Enamel, Steel

International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Condition: Very good vintage condition overall. The sculpture displays beautifully and retains its striking visual impact. There is some wear to the polished stainless steel surfaces consistent with age and handling, including light scratches, scuffs, and areas of oxidation/rust beginning to develop in a few spots. These minor imperfections do not detract from the piece's sculptural presence and are typical of vintage metal artworks of this age. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.