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Leroy Setziol Early Masterwork-1963 Architectural Wood Relief
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Description
This monumental wood sculpture by Leroy Setziol (1915–2005) is a rare and significant early commission, created in 1963 for the National Bank of Portland, Oregon. Measuring an impressive 191" x 31" x 7", the piece marks a pivotal moment in Setziol’s career as he transitioned into large-scale architectural work—integrating fine art with the built environment in a way that would define his legacy.
Carved in his signature style of deeply incised geometric forms and rhythmic abstraction, the panel reflects Setziol’s exploration of nature, spirituality, and cultural symbolism. Commissioned during a period of progressive architectural development in the Pacific Northwest, the work exemplifies the region’s modernist ethos—where art and architecture were conceived in harmony.
Setziol would go on to complete numerous public commissions, collaborating with leading architects such as Pietro Belluschi and becoming one of the most influential wood sculptors of the 20th century. Early, large-scale works like this are exceptionally rare on the market and offer a unique opportunity to own a foundational piece of Pacific Northwest modernism.
This sculpture is not only a stunning example of Setziol’s craft—it is a historical artifact from a turning point in American architectural and design history.
The following is taken from the Portland Art Museum's profile of Leroy Setziol for their exhibit in 2015-16 celebrating the 100th year anniversary of his birth
"Leroy Setziol" Sept 5, 2015 – Oct 30, 2016
"A composer in wood, Leroy Setziol created lyrical sculpture that honors the beauty of a material strongly identified with the Northwest. The black walnut, teak, fir, and other woods he employed enhanced his complex gridded compositions, bringing them to life. A self-taught, intuitive worker, Setziol visualized his complex carvings using the grid as an armature to frame imaginative shapes. Throughout his career, his sculpture ranged from intimate works to large-scale public commissions. The largest work on display is an elegant, teak, two-panel wall relief from 1991. Twenty-three works are on view, including free-standing sculpture, totems, and a variety of wall reliefs.
Setziol’s sculpture gained greater recognition with Portland’s architectural community in 1964 when he was invited by Northwest Regionalist architect John Storrs to carve a series of large-scale relief panels for Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach, Oregon. Recognized for the commission’s fine quality and compatibility with Modernist architecture, Setziol subsequently was invited by many of Oregon’s leading architects to collaborate on commissioned projects. His work has been exhibited widely around the Northwest, and Setziol received several awards during his lifetime, notably the Portland AIA Artist of the Year Award and the Oregon Governor’s Award for the Arts."
This artwork is one of Leroy Setziol's earliest commissions.
The wall sculpture is slightly under sixteen feet in length assembled from panels of hand carved solid Douglas Fir up to seven inches thick.
It was shown at the Museum of Art at the University of Oregon in Eugene Oregon exhibition entitled "A Bank As Art Patron" in December of 1963.
The exhibition showcased the bank's collection with a selection of over150 artworks by regional artists from the pieces of art installed for their customers enjoyment and edification at the bank's 30 branches.
The bank's involvement in the support of the local art community can be traced to David Rockefeller's 1956 call to his fellow bankers to be supportive of the arts and follow the actions of his bank, Chase Manhattan in creating an art collection to share with their clients and community.
The sculpture is in excellent vintage condition. - More Information
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15% Reshelving Charge. Ask about competitive S&H rates.
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Established in 1984, Appleton offers a curated selection of 20th Century furniture, tables, chairs, and décor, featuring works by iconic designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Edward Wormley. For inquiries, contact us at appletonarts@gmail.com.
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