Curtis Jere was the trade name of the creative partnership between brothers-in-law Jerry Fels and Jerold Fels, operating through their Los Angeles–based company Artisan House, founded in the early 1960s. Their large-scale decorative metal wall sculptures became a defining element of the American post-war interior, prized for their dimensional drama and the way they transformed a bare wall into something both organic and arresting. Working primarily in steel, brass, and copper, and producing pieces that ranged from intimate accent works to monumental installations, Curtis Jere sculptures remain among the most sought-after examples of California decorative arts from the mid-century modern era.

This piece, known as "The Elms," is among Curtis Jere's most beloved and enduring designs. The composition presents a dense, naturalistic grove of stylized elm trees constructed from individual metal stems rising from a shared horizontal base rod that spans the full width of the work. Each stem — varying in height to create an organic, gently undulating silhouette — branches repeatedly at the top into progressively finer sub-stems, each terminating in a small flat-faced disk element that evokes the seed clusters and rounded foliage characteristic of the elm. The overall effect is of a living stand of trees captured in metal: airy yet substantial, spare yet teeming with detail. At 54 inches wide and 33 inches tall, the piece commands a wall with quiet authority.

The sculpture is constructed from steel rod and wire finished with a warm, dark bronze patina — a deep burnished brown-gold tone that reads as both rich and naturalistic. The patina contributes to the organic quality of the work and ages beautifully over time. A handwritten "©C. Jere" signature and date inscription appear on one of the lower horizontal rods, confirming its authenticity.

This sculpture is offered in vintage as-pictured condition, showing the natural patina and character that accumulates over decades. The signature and construction are intact and authentic.

SKU: MCM-0593