Curtis Jere Swan

Though the name Curtis Jeré is familiar to many as the maker of ebullient and eccentric modern design from the 1960s and ‘70s, relatively few are aware that it is a pseudonym for the design team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. Together, the two created some of the most striking and vivid furnishings and decorative objects of their era, from sculptures and dynamically framed mirrors, to lighting and wall decorations.

New Yorkers Freiler and Fels had collaborated for two decades on small jewelry lines before launching a design company called Artisan House in 1964. They combined variants of their names to create an artful persona — sometimes shortened to C. Jeré; the "surname" is pronounced with a rising inflection: jhayr-EH — that stood behind large-scale decorative metalwork, marked by semi-abstract petal forms with burnt and brazed edges. Fels served as head of design, and Freiler, known for his keen handiwork, was the production chief. The pair’s eclectic metalwork has captivated decorative art collectors and interior designers ever since.

The work of Curtis Jeré displays a sense of playfulness and curiosity, while drawing on inspirations and themes that include flowers, discs, geometric forms and animal figures. Freiler and Fels had a masterful ability to work with different materials, such as patinated brass and brilliant chrome.

The price of a Curtis Jeré mirror, lamp, wall-mounted sculpture or tabletop sculpture can range from $400 to $12,000, depending on the size, the rarity of the piece, the intricacy of the metalwork and the materials used in its construction. Other factors like condition can affect the perceived value and, thus, the cost of works by Curtis Jeré.

As you will see on 1stDibs, the imaginative powers of the designers of Curtis Jeré pieces were boundless, and their creations will add a dash of verve in any room.

Antique and vintage wall-mounted sculptures can tie a room together and will work well with existing decor. From mid-century modern works to Art Deco to brutalist sculptures, there’s something to pair with every furniture style and aesthetic taste.

Whether you tend toward the dramatic or prefer to keep things casual with understated works of metal or wood, introducing wall-mounted sculpture as part of your decor is going to make a statement. Any sculpture, no matter its size or shape, will bring life into a space and accentuate the work you’ve already done to create a welcoming environment.

A unique three-dimensional figurative sculpture mounted on your dining-room wall is definitely going to stir reflection and conversation over meals and cocktails, while a trio of abstract works arranged on the bookshelves in your living room can add spontaneity and draw attention to your collection of first-edition artist monographs. And while decorating with busts, which are sculpted or cast figurative works, hasn’t topped the list of design trends every year, busts are back.

In your living room, perhaps you’re thinking about integrating a dazzling wallpaper design or large-scale landscape paintings.

If you’re instead considering creating a single focal point with a wall-mounted sculpture, there is an array of objects that you might not have top of mind. Art Deco wall mirrors, your collection of Fornasetti dinner plates or a grouping of ceramic wall planters, for example, when positioned to face the main entrance of your living room, will help you plan for furniture placement and can amount to a warm and inviting touch for an area that will see a lot of foot traffic.

The good news is that design is personal. Perhaps your space will benefit from a maximalist touch? Alongside his scores of Instagram followers, for example, unapologetic maximalist James Kivior, a design enthusiast and national educational manager for French cosmetics brands, is inspired by the idea of too much tiger print. If a maximalist approach sounds like too much for your modest-sized space, consider a sparse distribution of your collection instead — some vintage mid-century modern wall sculptures can go here, some vibrant folk art or Italian art glass can go here. Get creative!

Whatever your preference, find an extraordinary range of antique, new and vintage wall-mounted sculptures today on 1stDibs.