Midnight Voyage (Aurora Borealis Series)
Contemporary metal art on aluminum panel • Signed 'D'ETORIO' or 'DETORIO'; identified as contemporary American metal artist Chris DeRubeis.
Style & Movement
Abstract Sensualism®; Contemporary Decorative Art.
Medium & Technique
Hand-ground aluminum with translucent dyes and automotive-grade clear coat; involves grinding the metal surface with abrasive tools to create holographic patterns that refract light through layers of tinted acrylic or resin.
Creation Period
Circa 2010–2024
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 36 inches / 61 x 91 cm; Landscape format.
Subject Description
A silhouette of a three-masted tall ship sailing across a calm sea under a vibrant, swirling sky evocative of the Aurora Borealis. The composition utilizes the reflective properties of the ground metal to simulate motion in the clouds and light reflecting off the water.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the high-gloss surface appears intact with no visible oxidation or delamination of the clear coat.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 – $4,500 USD (Retail Gallery Value)
Auction Estimate
$400 – $900 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery (such as Park West Gallery or Wentworth Gallery) specialized in contemporary decorative art. Lacks secondary market history markers.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 20th/early 21st-century commercial metal art. DeRubeis is noted for pioneering 'Abstract Sensualism,' a style defined by the interaction of light, metal, and industrial materials to create a 3D effect without traditional physical depth.
Notable Features
Features the signature 'DeRubeis' in the lower right corner; the holographic 'movement' of the sky changes based on the viewer's position and the angle of light hitting the ground metal substrate.
Condition Issues
Subject to surface micro-scratching if handled improperly; potential for UV fading if exposed to direct sunlight over long periods; fingerprints can be visible on high-gloss finish.
Conservation Recommendations
Display away from direct sunlight; clean only with a soft microfiber cloth and specialized plexiglass or automotive polish if necessary; avoid chemical solvents.