Mid-Century Modernist Artistic Bronze or Gilt-Bronze Relief Plaque, Salvador Dalí 'The Dancers' Style
Artistic Relief Plaque / Medal (Gilt Bronze or Brass) · Yellow Gold finish (Gilt / Ormolu). The alloy exhibits a mustard-yellow to brownish patina consistent with aged bronze or heavy gold plating.
Purity: Likely Non-Solid Gold (Gold electroplated, gilt bronze, or polished brass alloy). The surface oxidation and heavy texture suggest a base metal of bronze or copper alloy with a thin gold-toned wash (approx. 0.1-0.5% gold content total).
Type
Artistic Relief Plaque / Medal (Gilt Bronze or Brass)
Purity
Likely Non-Solid Gold (Gold electroplated, gilt bronze, or polished brass alloy). The surface oxidation and heavy texture suggest a base metal of bronze or copper alloy with a thin gold-toned wash (approx. 0.1-0.5% gold content total).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold finish (Gilt / Ormolu). The alloy exhibits a mustard-yellow to brownish patina consistent with aged bronze or heavy gold plating.
Weight
250g - 400g (Estimated for a solid cast metal plaque of this size). If solid gold, it would be prohibitively heavy and expensive; the density visible suggests traditional sculpture metal.
Description
A striking modernist relief plaque depicting two semi-abstract human figures in a celebratory, dance-like pose. The figures are rendered with elongated limbs and textured musculature, set against a deeply stippled, sand-cast background. The overall aesthetic is one of energy and surrealist expressionism, characteristic of the 'Golden Age' of modernist bronze editions.
Key Features
High-relief casting, distinctive artist monogram, heavily textured 'sand-born' background finish, and elongated Giacometti-style human silhouettes.
Color & Finish
Matte, antiqued yellow gold tone with a heavy sand-cast/textured finish. Significant dark oxidation (patina) is visible in the recessed areas, characteristic of aged bronze.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Artist's Monogram located at the bottom right corner (possibly 'HR' or 'LR'). No visible carat stamps (e.g., 14K, 18K), which usually indicates the item is not solid gold.
Dimensions Estimate
Width: 3 inches (7.6 cm), Height: 4.5 inches (11.4 cm). Hand-held size, suitable for desk display or wall mounting.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The piece relies entirely on relief sculpture and metal texture.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; flat-back sculpture. Likely has an integrated reverse mounting point or is intended for display in a presentation box.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid cast plaque with hand-finished edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax or sand-casting method used for the base. Surface finishing includes hand-applied gold leaf or electroplating, with intentional oxidation to highlight the relief depth.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a monogram rather than a purity stamp is a key indicator of art-metal rather than bullion. Dark brown oxidation in recesses is a diagnostic for a bronze base metal.
Origin & Maker
Likely European (French or Spanish). The monogram suggests a specific artist's workshop specializing in limited-run bronze editions (Commonly linked to Salvador Dalí's licensed relief works produced by various foundries).
Era & Period
Modernist / Surrealist (circa 1950-1970). The elongated, abstract figures reflect the influence of high-modernist sculptors like Giacometti or Dalí.
Age Estimate
Circa 1965-1980. The wear on the gilding and the specific monogram style are consistent with late 20th-century art editions.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of elite sculpture and wearable/portable art, moving artist expression from large-scale statues to intimate, hand-held decorative objects.
Condition Notes
Good / Very Good. The piece shows significant surface patina and 'brissing' where the gold plating has worn down to the darker bronze base. No structural cracks or major dents.
Value Estimate
Collectible Art Value: $200 - $600 USD (Depending on the verified artist's identity). Melt Value: Negligible (primarily base metal).
Care & Maintenance
Gently dust with a soft brush. Do not use abrasive gold cleaners or ultrasonic baths, as they will strip the thin remaining gold gilding and damage the bronze patina.
Similar Items
Salvador Dalí 'The Dancers' bronze plaques, Giacometti miniature reliefs, or brutalist brass wall art from the 1960s.
Interesting Facts
Salvador Dalí created a similar series of gold and bronze reliefs; these types of items were often commissioned as limited edition gifts for collectors or corporate awards in the mid-20th century.