Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Wall Sculpture, Style of Curtis Jeré

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A striking Mid-Century Modern Brutalist wall sculpture composed of interlocking, torch-cut metal elements. The piece features a highly textured surface with layered brass, copper, and steel tones, showcasing the raw, industrial aesthetic popular in post-war American design.

Story

During the 1960s, artists rejected polished mid-century lines for raw, torch-melted metal. This sculpture captures that rebellious energy, turning industrial scrap techniques into high art for fashionable suburban living rooms.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece heavily channels the style of Curtis Jeré—the joint pseudonym of Jerry Fels and Curtis Freiler. Their design house, Artisan House, popularized torch-cut metal wall art, making avant-garde, gallery-style sculpture accessible to the broader public.

Condition & Value

The sculpture appears to be in good vintage condition with an intentional, aged patina. Some minor oxidation or dust accumulation is present in the crevices, which is typical for vintage metalwork and does not detract from its value. Excellent structural integrity preserves its full market appeal.

Full Research

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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.