Vintage hammered repousse aluminum plaque after painting François “Fanch” Ledan

Description: François “Fanch” Ledan (born in 1949) is a French artist that has been represented by the West Park gallery (headquartered in Southfield, Michigan) for more than 2 decades, until very recently. This piece is a hand-made aluminum decorative plaque made by the Wendell August Forge, a company founded by coal mine owner Wendell McMinn August in 1923 in Brockway, Pennsylvania, and specializing in aluminum. In the 1930s, the Wendell August Forge started developing an exclusive process of hand-hammered and repousse technique to create an elite line of art and gift items. Still very much alive and perpetuating this unique form of art to this day (www.wendelauguste.com), the Wendell August Forge created this piece of art based on one of François “Fanch” Ledan’s paintings titled “Magical Moonlit Night”, made in 2001 (see picture found on Etsy, where two lithographs based on that same painting are currently (April 4, 2024) for sale, see this link, for example: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1084275615 Measuring 10” by 7”½, this plaque depicts an elegant Art Deco-looking interior with large bay windows opening onto a canal and a row of buildings that evoke Venice, but could also be a waterfront scene in Spain or on the French Riviera. Everything, flowers, textures of the floor, fabrics and furniture, paintings on the walls, plants, boats on the canal, etc. is transcribed into the metal with exquisite detail. A remarkable work of art and craftsmanship as well as a conversation piece. Condition: very good vintage condition. There are a few tiny spots where the metal surface seems to be corroded (see picture with the red arrows pointing at the areas with the issue), but they are actually not easy to see . The artwork has an engraved signature of the artist on the bottom right corner (see picture). The back has a beautifully hammered surface and shows the number of this piece, out of a limited edition of 1,500, as well as the stamp of the Wendell August Forge. The last image, where the plaque appears in a black frame, represents how the piece could be presented (the frame is not included). This piece comes in its original box with a certificate of authenticity established by the West Park gallery mentioned above, as well as with an appraisal document made by that gallery in 2001. The piece was then appraised at $451, which corresponds to $718 of today, with the inflation. I decided to price it at $599 because its condition is not totally pristine. {{{ Please make sure you read the following carefully: INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: shipping costs mentioned for this item (or the absence thereof) are valid for DOMESTIC SHIPPING ONLY (from Boston, Massachusetts, to anywhere else in the United States).If you are located outside of the United States (even in Canada), please message me to discuss shipping details PRIOR TO MAKING YOUR PURCHASE.}}}

Price: 599 USD

Location: Somerville, Massachusetts

End Time: 2025-02-04T18:44:20.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD