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Mid-Century Modern Bronzed Figural Group Sculpture

Modernist bronze sculpture of figures in a circle on a stone base, placed on a colorful patterned rug. - view 1
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Estimated value

$120 - $350

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Art

Era

c. 1960-1980

Origin

🌍 International

Artist / Creator

Theo Mulder

Authenticity

High(75%)
41

MID-CENTURY MODERN BRONZED FIGURAL GROUP SCULPTURE: IDENTIFICATION

A modernist cast metal sculpture depicting a circle of roughly ten stylized figures, joined at the arms and shoulders. The piece is executed in a highly textural, expressionist manner with a dark green verdigris patina and is mounted on a thick, porous square stone or volcanic rock plinth. The composition emphasizes collective unity through the seamless blending of the human forms.

Compare with other artworks in the archive: Guillaume Corneille (Dutch, 1922-2010) - Abstract Composition, Mixed Media on Paper, 1962, Contemporary Impasto Seascape with Pilings, "Excellent" Bronze Equestrian Sculpture.

PERIOD & ATTRIBUTION

This style of small-scale figural grouping emerged prominently in post-war European and American sculpture, particularly between 1950 and 1975. Artists like Corry Ammerlaan and other Dutch or German modernists frequently used this 'human circle' motif to symbolize social cohesion and cooperation. ...
This style of small-scale figural grouping emerged prominently in post-war European and American sculpture, particularly between 1950 and 1975. Artists like Corry Ammerlaan and other Dutch or German modernists frequently used this 'human circle' motif to symbolize social cohesion and cooperation. The lost-wax casting technique used here allows for the preservation of the original tactile clay or wax modeling marks.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 19 art items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Material and construction are consistent with mid-to-late 20th century studio production
  • Style is a recognized modernist trope from the post-war era
  • Lack of a visible signature suggests a minor studio or commercially produced artistic edition
How does authenticity detection work?

THE ART SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Museum-Trained Art Historian

Connoisseur

The style is highly recognizable within the genre of mid-century decorative arts. The images provide sufficient detail of the patina and mount to identify the era and intent, though lack of markings prevents a definitive artist ID.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Expressionist, tactile modeling suggests a post-1950 studio origin
  • 2Verdigris patina application is consistent with 20th-century bronze or spelter finishes
  • 3Porous stone plinth mounting is a diagnostic feature of European decorative bronzes from the 1960s-70s
  • 4Stylization of figures lacks individual features, focusing on the collective form

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Absence of a foundry mark or artist signature limits specific attribution
  • •The material may be a 'cold cast' bronze or spelter rather than a high-tin bronze alloy

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Inspect the underside of the stone base for labels or etched markings
  • →Check the interior of the circle for a small stamped signature or year
  • →Perform a 'ring test' by gently tapping the metal to determine if it is a solid cast alloy

CONDITION & GRADE

Excellent

Grading breakdown

The casting remains intact with no broken limbs or cracks; the patina is consistent across all figures, and the stone base retains its original structural integrity despite minor cosmetic corner wear.

Condition

The patina shows minor surface dust in the crevices but remains chemically stable with no active 'bronze disease'. The stone base has small chips at the corners consistent with shelf-wear, and the attachment between the figures and the plinth appears secure.

ART MARKET VALUATION

$120 - $350

Updated: May 10, 2026

Who buys this

Collectors of Mid-Century Modern decor and enthusiasts of post-war European studio sculpture.

What increases value

  • •Quality of the patina
  • •Size and weight of the casting
  • •Visual appeal within an MCM interior setting

What lowers value

  • •Undocumented artist attribution
  • •Minor damage to the stone base corners
  • •Potential for being a mass-market reproduction rather than a studio piece

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Presence of a known artist's monogram (e.g., 'CA' for Corry Ammerlaan)
  • •Provenance from a recognized gallery
  • •Evidence of authentic high-quality bronze casting vs. resin-based 'cold cast'

Grade & condition

Surface integrity, quality of original patina, and stability of the mounting to the base.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar art objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

EW

ewon1
Wonderseeker•5 items

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