Sculpture

[*shellys]

Hi. I thought this sculpture might be worth listing, but I'm not sure if it is and, if so, what it's worth.  Thank you!V Salmones (?)Broken piece

[chapeau-noir]

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Collectibles-Art/bd-p/29

[caldreamer]

Could be a knock-off of a famous artist or just a tourist souvenir.   You should take it to an antique shop or art dealer (they will know immediately).

Because there were 10 copies made indicates that was poured into a mold and painted to make it appear tarnished.   Weight of the item will tell you if it is metal or just plaster.

The value is what the customer is willing to pay.   You can list as "buy it price or best offer" (this allows customer to make an offer if they are interested).  

[johnrj1226]

It is only worth what a "Willing Buyer" is "Willing To Pay for It"  Take it to  a local appraiser in your area  like the do on the cable TV show Storage Wars...

Went to an prison rodeo champion In Huntsville, Texas back in the mid 1980s (rodeo now  discontinue).  Inmates  were allowed to display art work and other creations to earn some spending $$ - some items were very unique -  just the item was display with  a ticked  to ID the creator, price etc. - some stuff was  very good, some items gave a very said story. some  creepy..  Those  pics reminded me of later of what I observed..  Only went once and FYI once was enough - Mel Tillis  was the 1/2  entertainment

[pickapaper]

@*shellys 

Looks like you may have found a good piece. 

There is a ton of information about Victor Salmones (Mexican, 1937-1989) on the internet.

Since it appears only 10 pieces of your sculpture were made, it is not likely that you will find another of the same piece, but research should give you an idea of the prices his pieces are being sold for.  On eBay, there are about 25 listings for his items with only three of them sold.

IMO, I think this sculpture has a religious theme, i.e. Jesus' foot.

[meme6253]

It's an interesting piece no doubt, Authenticity would be crucial to know prior to trying to sell it!, You need to take it to perhaps an antique store to see if they have knowledge of the piece, Also try doing more research on Google & so forth, I don't mean to be rude, but you can't expect people here to do the work for you, You need to be more diligent in finding out for yourself., Good Luck!

[jdbelt1960]

I am sorry but I find that to be a gruesome piece. Not sure who would want that in their house. It would be interesting for you to find out more about it. Art can represent anything even tragic. My interpretation of the piece is an escape from slavery.

[pickapaper]

@jdbelt1960 

That's an interesting interpretation.  

That's what I like about reading these forums:  different people's perspectives on things.  My first thought was religious, yours was slavery.    Something to think about on both. 

[pickapaper]

A couple of people have mentioned taking the piece to an antique shop/store for their opinion.  I don't know about other places but in my area there are no single antique shops/stores left; everything is now an antique mall and it is doubtful that any dealers or even an individual antique store owner will know anything about the piece.  Same with an art dealer; they won't know unless they research.

The only absolute way the piece can be authenticated is to have a certified appraisal done and that will cost money; having appraisals done (I'm talking about a researched appraisal, not a verbal "opinion") is not cheap.

[todaysstyle · Accepted solution]

pickapaper that was also my first thought . . religious. I thought maybe it is the foot of Christ.  I guess it could be as jdbelt1960 suggest also, escape from the bonds of slavery.  Would be intresting to know. 🤔

Found this on the artist.  www.mutualart.com has a lot of his pieces.

Victor Salmones was a Mexican Postwar & Contemporary sculptor who was born in 1937.Victor Salmones's work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from 75 USD to 12,000 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork.

[roccotacodad54]

   Religious or escape from slavery.

   My first impression was the frustration of not being able to escape a situation or location. Made me feel uncomfortable.

   I have a couple of paintings that elicit uncomfortable feelings for some people but not me. Primitives in a "cave painting" sort of style of overlapping hunting scenes.

   Different perspectives for sure.......................

[Anonymous]

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@pickapaper wrote:

@*shellys 

Looks like you may have found a good piece. 

There is a ton of information about Victor Salmones (Mexican, 1937-1989) on the internet.

Since it appears only 10 pieces of your sculpture were made, it is not likely that you will find another of the same piece, but research should give you an idea of the prices his pieces are being sold for.  On eBay, there are about 25 listings for his items with only three of them sold.

IMO, I think this sculpture has a religious theme, i.e. Jesus' foot.

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@pickapaper 

No barbed wire in Jesus’ time…

I’m thinking a migrant’s foot crossing/knocking down barbed wire fencing (used by landowners along the US/Mexico border).

[pickapaper]

Yet another perspective on this piece:  religious, slavery, unable to escape, migrant crossing.  

I have never heard of this artist but I'm impressed with his ability to make a simple little piece that gives different people different ideas of what he meant.  I hope that was his intention. 

@Anonymous 

I know there was no barbed wire in Jesus' time.  I just took it as symbolism on my perspective. 

[*shellys]

Thank you, everyone! I sent pictures to an auction house but their only response was a link back to their homepage. I don't know if that means they think it's not worth anything or if they didn't bother to look  at it.  Rockstar, I'm confused by your response. What's the point of this community if not to ask for help? 

[*shellys]

I have researched it. I even sent photos of it to an auction house but that wasn't helpful.