Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A striking mid-century modern brutalist wall sculpture crafted from torch-cut and welded iron. It depicts a dynamic scene of stylized laborers navigating a grid of scaffolding, capturing the post-war obsession with urban expansion and industrial grit.
Story
Post-war America was obsessed with the skyline. This piece captures that vertical ambition, turning the dangerous, gritty work of skyscraper construction into a rhythmic dance of iron and shadow for the suburban living room.
Maker / Origin
While often attributed to Curtis Jeré (the nom de plume of Jerry Fels and Curtis Freiler), many of these 'Construction' pieces were produced by Artisan House or independent metal studios. They aimed to bring gallery-style, hand-finished sculpture to the growing middle-class market of the 1960s.
Condition & Value
The sculpture appears to have a consistent aged patina. Some surface oxidation is visible, which is common for iron pieces of this age and often preferred by collectors of the Brutalist style. Heavy rust or broken welds would decrease value by 20-30%. Value is driven by the popularity of the 'Construction' theme.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.