Sky-Line
Sculpture • Ibram Lassaw
Style & Movement
Abstract Expressionism / New York School (Sculpture)
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze with unique hand-finished patina, employing a technique inspired by natural fluid forms and industrial waste drips.
Creation Period
Circa 1956
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 25 x 12 inches; landscape/horizontal orientation.
Subject Description
An intricate, web-like lattice of bronze that emphasizes 'drawing in space.' The work features delicate, organic filaments and nodes that evoke both biological networks and topographical maps, exploring the relationship between solids and voids.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the metal structure appears stable and the original chemical patina remains largely intact with expected atmospheric aging.
Estimated Market Value
US $40,000 - $60,000
Auction Estimate
US $30,000 - $50,000
Provenance History
Formerly in the collection of major American art institutions or private estates focused on mid-century modernism; likely exhibited in New York during the late 1950s.
Art Historical Significance
Ibram Lassaw was a foundational member of the American Abstract Artists group. This piece is significant for its early adoption of the 'open-work' skeletal structure, influenced by his interest in Zen Buddhism and the interconnectedness of all matter.
Notable Features
Features Lassaw's signature 'molten' texture where the bronze appears to have flowed and solidified into lace-like patterns, reflecting the spontaneity of Abstract Expressionist painting in three dimensions.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust in deep recesses; slight oxidation (verdigris) typical of copper-alloy sculpture; tension points in the thin wire-like sections may be susceptible to bending if mishandled.
Conservation Recommendations
Regular dusting with a soft natural-hair brush; display in a climate-controlled environment with low humidity; use of archival wax coating if further oxidation occurs.