Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An exquisite, jewel-like Arts and Crafts period painted enamel on copper plaque depicting the mythological hero Perseus. The piece features vibrant translucent and opalescent enamels over foil, depicting the hero with winged sandals hovering over a sea monster, signed with the initials 'A.M.' on the front and a prominent artist's monogram 'M' over a chevron with the date '1902' on the reverse.
Story
Created in London in 1902, this plaque captures the turn-of-the-century obsession with heroic mythology. The artist used layers of glass fused to metal to make Perseus glow as if illuminated from within. It represents a moment when artists rejected industrial manufacturing in favor of medieval, hand-wrought magic.
Maker / Origin
Alexander Fisher (1864–1936) was the undisputed master of the Arts and Crafts enameling revival in England, establishing a studio in London that trained many prominent artists. His work combined fine metalwork with painterly, symbolic enamel designs inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites.
Condition & Value
The plaque shows a significant triangular chip with loss of enamel in the upper right corner, exposing the bare copper underneath. There is also minor edge wear and light surface scratching consistent with age. The damage at the top corner reduces the potential value by approximately 30-40% compared to a pristine example.
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.