Preliminary identification

Arts & Crafts Champlevé and Painted Enamel Plaque of Perseus, dated 1902

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

An exquisite, jewel-like hand-painted enamel on copper plaque depicting the mythological Greek hero Perseus. This piece features vibrant translucent enamels over textured metal foil, capturing the hero with his sword, shield, and winged sandals standing above a stylized sea creature.

Story

Crafted in 1902, this plaque captures the turn-of-the-century obsession with classical mythology and medieval romance. The artist 'AM' used glass powders fired at extreme heat to freeze this vibrant, heroic scene in time forever.

Maker / Origin

While the monogram 'AM' is not yet definitively tied to a single famous workshop, the style strongly aligns with the British Arts & Crafts enamel revival led by figures like Alexander Fisher, or the French Limoges revivalists of the late 19th century. These artists rejected industrial mass production, choosing instead to elevate enameling to a fine art form.

Condition & Value

There is a major loss of enamel in the upper right corner, exposing the bare metal support, along with minor chipping along the bottom right edge. These losses impact the visual continuity but do not erase the incredible beauty of the central figure. The damage reduces the potential value by approximately 50%.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.