Female Form is a mid-century modern sculpture by Dutch artist Leo De Beer This work exemplifies De Beer’s engagement with the human figure, rendered in a stylized and abstract manner characteristic of the era. The sculpture is crafted from stone—specifically noted as Belgian blue stone—which gives it a sense of weight and permanence
De Beer’s approach in Female Form aligns with mid-century modern aesthetics, favoring simplified, geometric, and sometimes cubist-inspired forms over detailed realism. The piece reflects an interest in the essential qualities of the female body, distilled into smooth, flowing lines and harmonious proportions. This abstraction allows the sculpture to evoke both strength and elegance, hallmarks of De Beer’s body of work.
Dutch art in the 1960s was strongly influenced by international movements such as Minimalism and geometric abstraction. Artists favored simplified, essential forms and often avoided decorative embellishments. While abstraction dominated, many Dutch artists continued to explore the human form, often reinterpreting it through modernist principles. De Beer’s Female Form exemplifies this approach, balancing figuration with abstraction to create a timeless, universal image.
De Beer’s approach aligns with the mid-century modern movement, favoring clarity, abstraction, and a tactile engagement with traditional sculptural materials. His pieces have appeared in auctions and private collections, and he is recognized for his contribution to 20th-century Dutch sculpture
