Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A striking mid-century modern wall sculpture featuring stylized, torch-cut steel figures navigating a grid of scaffolding. This piece captures the raw, industrial energy of the Brutalist movement through its jagged textures and exposed weld points.
Story
Post-war America was obsessed with the rise of the skyscraper. This sculpture celebrates the 'sky-walkers' who built the modern skyline, turning cold industrial steel into a narrative of human grit and vertical ambition.
Maker / Origin
While often attributed to the Curtis Jeré studio (C. Jeré), many talented metalworkers in the 60s and 70s produced similar 'boutique' industrial art. These artists used oxy-acetylene torches to 'draw' in space, creating affordable gallery-style art for the burgeoning middle-class home.
Condition & Value
The piece shows a natural aged patina and some surface oxidation consistent with its age. This 'rust' often adds to the Brutalist charm, though significant structural weld failure would decrease value. The current weathered look is desirable.
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.