Brass "Modern Cuff" Bracelet, Art Smith

Description:

Brass "Modern Cuff" Bracelet, Art Smith, c. 1948, the large cuff of open abstract form, interior cir. 7 in., signed.

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

Note: 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.
From the collection of Susan Freeman, a renowned collector of jewelry and couture. She herself designed and produced jewelry in the 1970s; her creations were sold at various New York venues including Henri Bendel, H&J Blitz, and The Stevens Gallery, as well as to private clients. Susan and her jewelry were featured in the "Lookout" section of People magazine in May of 1974. With her husband, Cliff Freeman, Susan traveled the world collecting the rare, unusual, and beautiful.
Estimate $4,000-6,000

Tarnish, minor 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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