Bronze Art Nouveau plaque with rolled edges - help

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Bookahtoo, May 31, 2014.

  1. DragonflyWink

    DragonflyWink Well-Known Member

    My eyesight is not what it used to be, but see no signs of casting, looks to me like an amateur 'repousse-work' piece (that stippled background is typical), as do the others referenced, this one was just made by someone with a bit more skill than those linked - from the look of her, along with the 'curled-paper' edge, would guess early 20th century. Aside from her slightly goitrous neck, and that odd detailing below her shoulder (is that more hair, or ruched fabric?), she seems quite nicely done to me...

    Repousse-work, or hammered metal work, was a fairly popular hobby from the 1880s into the 1920s - copper, brass and other metal sheets, as well as all the other supplies, like hammers, punches, pitch blocks, etc., were available, instruction books were published, classes offered, and it was incorporated into some school's curricula. By the 20th century, amateur repousse, chased and pierced work was sometimes called 'metalography' (similar to the use of 'pyrography' for woodburning/pokerwork), and blanks already stenciled with designs were readily available, as well as kits with the tools, and the hobby was heartily recommended for both women and children (if soldering bits like hinges, hangers, etc. was too much, it could be done by a local metalsmith).

    ~Cheryl
     
    antidiem likes this.
  2. antidiem

    antidiem Well-Known Member

    Yes that is what I saw too and still think it is copper. Thank you for knowing the words to describe it.
     
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