Stylized Figure with Animal and Landscape Elements
Wall Hanging Sculpture / Decorative Cast Metal Relief • Unknown artisan; likely produced for the Mid-Century Modern decorative market, possibly inspired by the style of Frederick Weinberg or Curtis Jere, or attributed to West African (specifically Ghana or Ivory Coast) brass artisans working for the export market.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Brutalist-influenced Folk Art. The elongated limbs and abstract features reflect 20th-century modernist interpretations of traditional figurative forms.
Medium & Technique
Cast brass or bronze-toned alloy with polychrome enamel or painted accents. The technique involves sand casting or lost-wax casting followed by surface polishing and selective application of colored pigment or enamel for texture.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1960s–1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10 to 14 inches in length; irregular format intended for horizontal wall mounting.
Subject Description
The sculpture depicts a stylized human figure interacting with an animal (possibly a dog or small gazelle) alongside abstract landscape elements like a tree or rock formation. The composition uses open space and curvilinear lines to suggest movement and harmony between man and nature.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The metal shows a consistent golden patina with minor surface oxidation. The turquoise and reddish-brown pigments appear largely intact, though showing slight fading consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
USD $75 - $150
Auction Estimate
USD $50 - $125
Provenance History
Likely acquired via the secondary decorative arts market or as a vintage home decor piece. No visible hallmarks or signatures are evident in the provided image.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popularization of 'Global Modernism' during the mid-to-late 20th century, where traditional craft techniques from Africa or Asia were adapted to suit Western interior design tastes (Hollywood Regency or Brutalism).
Notable Features
The piece is notable for its vibrant contrast between the polished golden metal and the textured, colored infills, creating a 3D relief effect when mounted against a flat wall.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scratches; light tarnishing typical of brass-based alloys; dust accumulation in the crevices of the textured painted areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive metal cleaners that could strip the original lacquer or damage the colored enamel accents. Display in a dry environment to prevent further oxidation.