Cast Bronze or Brass Art Medallion with Gold-Leaf/Pigment Detail
Art Plaque / Commemorative Medallion · Gold-Leaf / Gilded finish over yellow-toned base metal alloy.
Purity: Non-solid gold; likely gold-leaf, gilding, or metallic gold pigment applied over a base metal (bronze, brass, or resin). Gold content is negligible (<1%).
Type
Art Plaque / Commemorative Medallion
Purity
Non-solid gold; likely gold-leaf, gilding, or metallic gold pigment applied over a base metal (bronze, brass, or resin). Gold content is negligible (<1%).
Gold Type
Gold-Leaf / Gilded finish over yellow-toned base metal alloy.
Weight
Estimated 150g to 250g assuming a solid metal core; if resin, weight would be roughly 50-80g.
Description
An expressive, rectangular art plaque featuring a high-relief celestial sun motif shining over a textured landscape. The piece utilizes a 'lost-wax' cast aesthetic, emphasizing raw, organic movement and tactile depth over precision. The central sun-disk appears brighter, suggesting a localized gilding intended to catch the light against the darker, weathered ground.
Key Features
Heavy relief-sculpted sun and rays; 'Brutalist' rough-hewn edges; localized golden highlight; rectangular format.
Color & Finish
Variable brassy yellow to deep bronze; textured matte surface with high-relief golden highlights in the central sun focal point. Significant artificial or natural dark patina in recessed areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible on the obverse face. Possible artist signature or foundry mark on reverse (unseen). Lacks standard bullion or karat marks.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 75mm x 50mm x 8mm (Roughly 3 x 2 inches).
Gemstones & Inlays
None present; decorative elements consist of relief sculpting and applied surface color.
Clasp & Closure
None; handheld or display piece. Likely intended for a stand or as a paperweight.
Chain & Links
N/A; solid rectangular block form with organic, irregular edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast using either a sand-casting or lost-wax method. The design is hand-modeled, showing fingerprint-like textures and organic variations in the 'landscape' bottom section.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold: irregular texture inconsistent with refined bullion; color variation suggesting base metal oxidation; size-to-visual-weight ratio (a solid gold bar of this size would weigh over 500g and be worth ~$40,000+).
Origin & Maker
Likely an independent artist or hobbyist foundry; lacks the precision of major mints or jewelry houses like PAMP or Tiffany.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Post-Modern (late 20th century to present); characterized by its 'brutalist' organic texture and folk-art aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Likely 1970s to recent production based on styling and the appearance of the surface oxidation.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Mid-Century and Contemporary artisan movement of 'Brutalist' metal art which rejects industrial perfection in favor of raw, earthy expression.
Condition Notes
Good / Decorative condition. The surface shows intentional roughness and age-consistent wear. Some loss of gilding on the central sun; patina appears uneven which is common for cast base metals.
Value Estimate
Artistic/Decorative Value: $20 - $75. Melt Value: Negligible (Base metal value is minimal). Not a bullion investment piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid chemical cleaners or metal polish which will strip the delicate gold-leaf finish and the artistic patina.
Similar Items
Cast bronze paperweights; Brutalist wall plaques; Gold-plated collector coins; Sculpted resin artist proofs.
Interesting Facts
The sun is one of the oldest and most universal symbols of power and life in metalwork, frequently appearing on 'sun bars' and ancient amulets to represent the purity of gold.