The Gleaners
Low-relief wall plaque / decorative art piece with integrated frame • The Zinser Corp., Chicago, ILL. (Manufacturer after Jean-François Millet)
Style & Movement
Mid-century Americana / Revival / Reproductions of 19th-century Realism
Medium & Technique
Embossed/pressed metallic alloy ("Zinkoten") with applied patination and hand-painted or tinted highlights
Creation Period
Mid-20th century, circa 1930s-1950s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8 x 10 inches, rectangular landscape format with integrated molded border
Subject Description
Three peasant women stooped in a harvested field gathering leftover wheat or grain, a direct interpretation of Jean-François Millet's iconic 1857 Realist painting "The Gleaners." The composition includes agrarian background elements such as haystacks and distant workers under a flat sky.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Surface shows minor wear, rubbing to the raised metallic highlights, and slight discoloration typical of vintage decorative metalware.
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $75
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50
Provenance History
Produced commercially by The Zinser Corp. in Chicago, Illinois, likely sold through department stores or home decor catalogs during the mid-20th century. Acquired through domestic secondary markets or estate sales.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the mid-century domestic trend of mass-producing accessible low-relief sculptural replicas of famous masterworks for home decoration, bridging fine art iconography with industrial manufacturing.
Notable Features
Includes the embossed title "THE GLEANERS" in the lower-left corner and manufacturer markings associated with The Zinser Corp. ("Zinkoten") on the reverse or lower edge, representing a specific period industrial technique using treated metal alloy.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scuffs, localized patina loss on highest points of relief, slight yellowing or dust accumulation in recessed corners.
Conservation Recommendations
Dust gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid liquid cleaners or chemical polishes which may strip the original applied patina and tinted coloration. Display away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
Collector Notes
Zinkoten" by The Zinser Corp. Chicago, ILL. with "Pat. App. For" at the bottom, indicating a vintage manufactured product or casing from mid-20th-century Chicago.