Brutalist Vessel
Artist: Anthony Di Bona (American, 1921-2013)
Date: Mid-20th Century
Medium: Hand-hammered and patinated copper
Dimensions: 12” H x 11.5” D (30.5 x 29.2 cm)
Description:
A substantial and sculptural vessel handcrafted from copper using traditional hammering and metal-forming techniques. The piece exhibits the distinctive marks of Brutalist design through its emphasis on raw materiality, textured surface, and dramatic, organic form. The artist has manipulated the metal to create a sense of fluid motion, with the folded rim and bunched areas suggesting draped fabric or soft material. The surface features a complex patination of deep burgundy, black, and raw copper. The piece is stamped on the base.
Artistic Context & Analysis:
This vessel exemplifies the American Brutalist metalwork movement of the mid-20th century, which valued material honesty, bold forms, and the visible evidence of the artist’s hand. Di Bona’s work bridges the gap between functional vessel and pure sculpture, drawing equally from ancient metalworking traditions and modern abstract expression.
About the Artist:
Anthony Di Bona (1921–2013) was an American metalsmith and sculptor known for his innovative Brutalist-style works in copper, bronze, and steel. After studying at the Worcester Art Museum School and serving in World War II, he established a studio in Massachusetts where he produced a prolific body of work for over five decades. Di Bona developed a distinctive style characterized by heavily textured surfaces, dramatic patinas, and organic, often asymmetrical forms. His work is held in numerous private and public collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Worcester Art Museum, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He was also featured in significant exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts (now Museum of Arts and Design) in New York.
Condition Report:
The vessel is in good condition, with a rich patina. There are minor surface scratches and scuffs consistent with the age and material. There is no structural damage or significant loss to the patinated surface.
Brutalist Vessel
Artist: Anthony Di Bona (American, 1921-2013)
Date: Mid-20th Century
Medium: Hand-hammered and patinated copper
Dimensions: 12” H x 11.5” D (30.5 x 29.2 cm)
Description:
A substantial and sculptural vessel handcrafted from copper using traditional hammering and metal-forming techniques. The piece exhibits the distinctive marks of Brutalist design through its emphasis on raw materiality, textured surface, and dramatic, organic form. The artist has manipulated the metal to create a sense of fluid motion, with the folded rim and bunched areas suggesting draped fabric or soft material. The surface features a complex patination of deep burgundy, black, and raw copper. The piece is stamped on the base.
Artistic Context & Analysis:
This vessel exemplifies the American Brutalist metalwork movement of the mid-20th century, which valued material honesty, bold forms, and the visible evidence of the artist’s hand. Di Bona’s work bridges the gap between functional vessel and pure sculpture, drawing equally from ancient metalworking traditions and modern abstract expression.
About the Artist:
Anthony Di Bona (1921–2013) was an American metalsmith and sculptor known for his innovative Brutalist-style works in copper, bronze, and steel. After studying at the Worcester Art Museum School and serving in World War II, he established a studio in Massachusetts where he produced a prolific body of work for over five decades. Di Bona developed a distinctive style characterized by heavily textured surfaces, dramatic patinas, and organic, often asymmetrical forms. His work is held in numerous private and public collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Worcester Art Museum, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He was also featured in significant exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts (now Museum of Arts and Design) in New York.
Condition Report:
The vessel is in good condition, with a rich patina. There are minor surface scratches and scuffs consistent with the age and material. There is no structural damage or significant loss to the patinated surface.
