Copper and Brass "Modern Cuff" Bracelet, Art Smith

Description:

Copper and Brass "Modern Cuff" Bracelet, Art Smith, the large cuff of open abstract form, lg. 4, interior cir. approx. 7 in., signed.

Note: A similar bracelet appeared on the cover of Structure and Ornament: American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1960, by Fifty-50, 1984.

Art Smith (1917-1982) was one of America's leading modernist jewelers from the 1940 to the 1970s. Trained at the Cooper Union, Smith initially studied architecture before turning to jewelry design. As an openly gay black artist, Smith found Greenwich Village in New York an ideal place to establish his studio and store. In 1969, the Museum of Contemporary Crafts (now the Museum of Art and Design) exhibited a retrospective of his work and he was included in the influential 1970 Objects: USA traveling exhibition.

Provenance: From the collection of Carol Sue Gershman. The bracelet was purchased from Art Smith in 1953 by noted photographer Norman H. Gershman for his future wife Carol.
Estimate $8,000-10,000

Tarnish. Wear commensurate with age.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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