Description
Overview
Mid Century c1940's Eastern European Polish School modernist copper relief of a harvest maiden, hand-worked in low relief and later framed in a tiger oak. A warm, tactile and highly decorative wall piece with strong mid-century character.
Artwork & Style
The composition shows a young harvest maiden bending to bind sheaves of grain. Her body is elongated and stylised, with simplified facial features and flowing hair. Deep chased lines describe her drapery, jewellery and the surrounding sheaves, while the background is treated as pattern rather than a literal landscape.
This flattening of space and emphasis on contour place the work clearly in the modernist tradition. Multiple bangles at her wrists and ankles and the sweeping movement of her skirt give the piece a rhythmic, almost graphic quality. The surface reveals subtle hammer marks and small irregularities, confirming that it is genuinely hand-worked rather than a machine-pressed panel.
Materials & Technique
The relief is executed in hand-worked copper using repousse and chasing in low relief. The copper sheet is mounted on a hardboard/Masonite backing, providing strength and stability. It sits in its original mitred tiger oak frame, whose strongly figured grain complements the energetic line work of the copper.
Over time, the surface has developed an attractive patina. The raised areas show warm bronze and golden highlights, while the recessed lines retain deeper tones that accentuate the detail. The combination of copper and tiger oak gives the artwork a rich, period feel with plenty of warmth and character.
Attribution & Date
This unsigned copper plaque belongs to the Eastern European School and is very much in the manner of 1940s Polish modernist decorative copper panels. The stylised rural subject, materials and construction all support a dating to around the 1960s, firmly within the mid-century modern period.
Dimensions framed:
Height: 62.5 cm
Width: 43 cm
Depth: 2.5 cm
A substantial decorative size – large enough to make a statement on a wall, yet easy to place in a hallway, living room, home office or stairwell.
Interior Styling
This plaque sits comfortably in a wide variety of interiors:
In a mid-century modern setting it works beautifully with teak, oak and Scandinavian furniture, echoing their clean lines and natural tones.
In rustic, farmhouse or cottage-style interiors, the harvest subject and use of natural materials harmonise with linens, stoneware and vintage wood.
In industrial and loft spaces, the hammered copper brings warmth and texture to brick, concrete or dark-painted walls.
In more eclectic or boho rooms, it becomes a distinctive talking point among textiles, plants and collected objects.
As the light changes throughout the day, the relief shifts from deep bronze to softer gold, giving the wall an appealing, ever-changing glow.
Why You’ll Love It
Instant atmosphere – the warm glow of the copper immediately softens and enriches any room, adding depth and character without feeling heavy or cluttered.
Real mid-century soul – this is a genuine mid century Eastern European School modernist piece, not a contemporary reproduction, bringing authentic period design into your space.
Effortless styling – the combination of copper and tiger oak works with mid-century, rustic, industrial and eclectic interiors, making it a versatile focal point wherever you choose to hang it.
Ever-changing light play – the hammered surface and low relief catch natural and artificial light beautifully, shifting from bright gold by day to deeper bronze tones in the evening.
Hand-made individuality – subtle hammer marks, tool traces and irregularities mean no two examples are identical; you are buying a one-off artwork with its own personality.
Curated, not generic – this is the kind of decorative art you find in carefully curated interiors, design studios and collectors’ homes, rather than on the high street.
Provenance
From a private collection & curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD & Exhibted at the Famous Lord Hill Musuem.
Condition
The copper panel is in good vintage condition, with surface marks and natural toning consistent with age and use. There are no structural issues. The tiger oak frame is solid and sound, presenting well with small knocks and scratches that underline, rather than detract from, its vintage charm.
The reverse retains the original hardboard backing, which sits securely in the frame with later protective tape. The artwork does not have a hanging thread, you would need to add one in order to display it on your wall. Additional hanging hardware can be fitted if required to suit your preferred method of display. As with all genuine vintage pieces, some minor imperfections should be expected; they are part of its history and appeal.
Worldwide Shipping
It will be professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.
Click “Buy It Now” to secure this copper masterpiece before it’s gone.
Explore our eBay shop Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD to discover more hand-picked fine art and decorative treasures.
Payment
[We accept the following payment methods, bank transfer all major credit cards & debit cards through ebay & cash on collection.]
Shipping
We are delighted to offer international worldwide delivery through the ebay global shipping programme along with direct DHL, DPD, Fedex, UPS, Parcelforce, direct door to door economy, standard & express shipping cost rates can be found in each of our listings. In the postage section simply select your country destination to find the delivery cost rates. If you country rate is not shown please ask us for a delivery quote. We securely wrap & pack all items to a professional standard. We can provide you with online tracking information. For United Kingdom only we offer Free mainland shipping as standard. For all International customers, any customs charges, demurrage, duty, taxes are your responsibility to pay so you are aware thankyou.
Terms of Sale
[Returns are accepted within 60 days of the buyer receiving the item(s). Our mission is to give buyers total confidence in buying from us. Each of our items has been researched & provenance given where available. Please contact us immediately if you have any questions we will respond promptly.
Return postage, shipping costs are to be paid by the buyer. Also any customs costs charges are also the responsibility of the buyer. The item(s) must be returned back to us in its original as sold described condition before any refund can be made back to the buyer. Deposit payments are non refundable. We certify that all of our selling activities will comply with all EU laws & regulations. After Sales, you can contact us by email or call if you would like to discuss any further questons with regards to your purchase.
About Us
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Registered office located in Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London.
Source the Historic! British & European Fine Arts, paintings, sculptures & valuable collectibles! From the antique 17th century to the modern contemporary era. Founded in 2005 and still run today by fellow Directors Michael, and Victoria, for nearly two decades, coming from an academic background, overseeing all historical research. Supporting the daily operations at Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD & directing our social media campaigns, we've been taking art collectors, hobbyists, and interior aficionados on a journey through time. Our passion is sourcing the very best historic collections that the arts and antiques world has to offer and to-date, we have worked directly with private clients through to commercial corporate organisations, museums, auctioneers, art agents & dealers being their leading collaboration partners as Fine Arts consultants. Certified elected members of the Fine Art Trade Guild.
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Reserve: $2,160.00
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In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Used
Buyer's Premium
20%
Mid-Century Eastern European Copper Harvest Maiden Hand-Worked Modernist Relief
$2,160.00
$3,000
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