Signed C. Jeré 1972 Artisan House “Cafe Scene” Brutalist Copper Brass MCM Wall Sculpture

Details

Description

A wonderfully detailed signed and dated C. Jeré for Artisan House “Cafe Scene” wall sculpture, created in 1972. This large-scale … Read more A wonderfully detailed signed and dated C. Jeré for Artisan House “Cafe Scene” wall sculpture, created in 1972. This large-scale Mid-Century Modern mixed-metal composition depicts an intimate European-style sidewalk café complete with rows of tiny café chairs and tables, open parasols, architectural windows, a long copper awning, and delicate trees framing the scene.

The extraordinary level of miniature detail makes this one of the more charming and narrative examples of C. Jeré metalwork. Individually formed bentwood-style café chairs line the storefront, accompanied by pedestal tables and sculptural umbrellas. Behind them, three tall windows feature gridwork and decorative metal accents beneath an aged copper awning with a scalloped edge.

Bare-branched trees rise above and around the café, dotted with small round leaves that add an organic counterpoint to the architectural composition. The restrained palette of aged copper, brass, bronze, and darkened steel gives the sculpture a sophisticated, naturally patinated finish.

Viewed from an angle, the substantial dimensionality becomes especially apparent. Chairs, tables, trees, window frames, and umbrellas project dramatically from the wall, creating an almost miniature theatrical set. Light passing through the open framework produces complex shadows that become part of the composition itself.

The exposed welded construction, oxidized surfaces, linear framework, and architectural forms also give the piece a distinctly Brutalist edge, while its romantic café subject lends a softer Continental Modern character.

The sculpture is clearly signed “C. Jeré” and dated 1972, confirming it as an authentic vintage Artisan House production.

Dimensions

Approximately:

* Width: 45 in.
* Height: 23 in.
* Depth: 7 in.

Measurements are taken at the sculpture’s widest and deepest points.

Condition

Good vintage condition with attractive age-appropriate patina, oxidation, surface wear, and finish variation throughout.

The copper awning displays particularly beautiful natural aging, with areas of darker oxidation and warm tonal variation. Brass and copper elements throughout show the surface character expected from an authentic early-1970s mixed-metal sculpture.

Due to the intricate handcrafted construction, individual branches, chair legs, leaves, or other fine metal elements may show minor bends or irregularities consistent with age and original fabrication.

The sculpture retains its strong overall presentation and remarkable dimensional detail. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Product Details

* Artist/Designer: Curtis Jeré / C. Jeré
* Manufacturer: Artisan House
* Title/Subject: “Cafe Scene”
* Date: 1972
* Country of Origin: United States
* Materials: Copper, brass, steel, and mixed metals
* Construction: Hand-formed, cut, textured, and welded metal
* Finish: Aged copper, brass, bronze, and darkened metal patina
* Subject: Sidewalk café / outdoor restaurant scene
* Details: Café chairs, pedestal tables, umbrellas, windows, awning, and trees
* Style: Mid-Century Modern, Brutalist, Architectural Modern, Continental Modern
* Signed: Yes — C. Jeré
* Dated: 1972
* Mounting: Designed for wall display

Why We Love It

There is an extraordinary amount to discover in this sculpture.

Rather than relying on a single abstract form, C. Jeré created an entire miniature environment. The tiny café chairs, pedestal tables, open umbrellas, decorative windows, trees, and weathered copper awning combine to give the piece an almost cinematic quality—as though a quiet sidewalk café has been frozen in time.

The 45-inch horizontal scale gives it significant wall presence, while the approximately 7-inch depth creates exceptional dimension. Viewed from the side, the café furniture appears almost freestanding, and changing light produces an entirely different pattern of shadows throughout the day.

It is particularly well suited to a dining room, bar, kitchen, restaurant, wine room, cocktail lounge, or hospitality interior, but its architectural and Brutalist qualities also make it a compelling addition to a serious Mid-Century Modern collection.

About Curtis Jeré

The name Curtis Jeré (C. Jeré) is the collaborative pseudonym of artists Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. Their handcrafted metal wall sculptures, produced by Artisan House, became icons of Mid-Century Modern design and remain highly sought after by collectors, interior designers, and architects worldwide.

Working extensively in brass, copper, steel, and other metals, C. Jeré created everything from abstract and Brutalist compositions to botanicals, birds, sailing vessels, architectural scenes, and highly detailed narrative works.

Their architectural sculptures are particularly engaging because they combine miniature craftsmanship with large-scale wall presence. Authentic signed and dated examples, such as this 1972 “Cafe Scene,” are especially desirable for collectors seeking documented vintage Artisan House work.

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