Frank Flynn

Death of Steel II

American, 20th Century

A striking sculptural work in carved wood by Frank Flynn, Death of Steel II explores the tension between organic material and industrial form. The sculpture is composed of dramatically carved, flowing wooden elements that curve, intersect, and open into areas of negative space, creating a dynamic interplay between mass, movement, and void.

The highly sculptural composition emphasizes the natural character of the wood while transforming it into an expressive abstract form. Richly figured grain, rounded contours, and deeply modeled surfaces give the work an almost architectural presence, while its sweeping forms suggest movement and transformation.

This piece includes hand-written letter establishing provenance and newspaper clipping of piece displayed in exhibition. Minor loss to wood

About the Artist

Frank Flynn was an American sculptor associated with the New York studio-art and design community of the latter 20th century. His work is characterized by an expressive approach to carved wood, often employing large, organic forms that occupy a space between sculpture and functional design. Flynn's sculptures demonstrate a particular sensitivity to the natural grain, mass, and movement of wood, transformed through extensive carving into highly individual abstract compositions.

Flynn's work reflects the broader development of American Studio Craft and sculptural furniture during the second half of the 20th century, when artists increasingly challenged the distinction between fine art, sculpture, and functional objects.

Title: Death of Steel II

Artist: Frank Flynn

Date: 20th century

Origin: United States

Material: Carved wood

Style: American Studio Craft / Sculptural Modernism / Biomorphic Abstraction

Dimensions: Approximately 40" L × 20" W × 23" H

A powerful example of American sculptural woodworking, Death of Steel II demonstrates Flynn's ability to transform a natural material into an abstract, highly expressive three-dimensional composition.