1994 Signed Mb Sculptural Leather Floral Relief – Modernist Three-Dimensional Wall Art

Details

Description

1994 Signed MB Sculptural Leather Floral Relief – Modernist Three-Dimensional Wall Art

An extraordinary and highly distinctive piece of three-dimensional … Read more 1994 Signed MB Sculptural Leather Floral Relief – Modernist Three-Dimensional Wall Art

An extraordinary and highly distinctive piece of three-dimensional floral wall art, meticulously crafted from thick, solid leather that has been shaped and hardened into an elaborate sculptural composition.

Signed MB 94, indicating a probable creation date of 1994, this impressive artwork features an arrangement of beautifully formed flowers and foliage, presented within a substantial, deep wooden shadow-box frame.

Unlike conventional floral wall decorations, the individual petals and leaves are fashioned from remarkably thick, rigid leather, sculpted into sweeping curves, tightly curled forms and dramatic organic shapes.

The leather is exceptionally hard to the touch, almost resembling carved wood or ceramic, demonstrating the remarkable possibilities of traditional leatherworking techniques.

The construction suggests a specialised leather-hardening and moulding process, possibly related to cuir bouilli, although the precise technique has not been independently established.

The composition features a rich, earthy colour palette of warm ochre, antique gold, muted olive, deep bronze, ivory and chocolate brown.

Delicately painted and textured surfaces enhance the intricate folds and sculptural contours, creating beautiful contrasts of light and shadow.

The floral elements project dramatically from the background, giving the artwork an almost freestanding sculptural quality.

The substantial dark wooden frame adds depth and architectural presence, making the piece particularly suited to Modernist, Organic Modern, Brutalist-inspired and eclectic interiors.

Artist and Signature

The artwork bears the initials MB, with an additional inscription reading MB 94, believed to represent the artist's initials and the year 1994.

The identity of the artist remains unknown.

Details

Artist: Signed MB, unidentified

Date: 1994, indicated by inscription

Period: Late 20th Century

Style: Modernist, Organic Modern, Sculptural, Botanical

Medium: Three-dimensional sculpted and painted leather

Material: Thick, solid, hardened leather with wooden shadow-box frame

Technique: Hand-formed and hardened leather relief, exact process unverified

Colour: Ochre, bronze, ivory, olive, brown and antique gold

Country of Origin: France

Signature: MB and MB 94

Dimensions

Width: 15.5 inches (39.4 cm)

Height: 13 inches (33 cm)

Depth: 7 inches (17.8 cm)

Condition

Vintage condition with age-related surface variations and visible cracking in portions of the hardened leather, particularly some of the lighter-coloured floral elements. The work retains its striking three-dimensional composition and decorative character.

Please examine all photographs carefully for details of condition.

Decorative Appeal

A captivating example of late-20th-century sculptural decorative art, combining traditional leather craftsmanship with expressive Modernist floral design.

Its substantial depth, complex hand-shaped composition and unusual solid-leather construction distinguish it from conventional framed botanical artwork.

An impressive statement piece for collectors of unusual mixed-media sculpture, vintage leatherwork and distinctive twentieth-century wall art. See less