"Conqueror" Welded Found Object Sculpture by Edmund Spiro

This is a mixed-media assemblage sculpture titled "Conqueror," created by artist Edmund Spiro. The piece is constructed using welded found objects, predominantly industrial or domestic metal components. The central structure appears to be an inverted or repurposed cast metal base, possibly from a mechanical device like a pencil sharpener or a small kitchen appliance, featuring a metallic grey finish and a chrome-plated bottom section. A paper label is adhered to the posterior side, providing crucial provenance; it identifies the artist, an address in Newark, New Jersey, and the title in handwritten ink. The label also mentions the "8th Annual..." of a specific show, indicating exhibition history. Physically, the piece displays a Brutalist or industrial folk art style, common in the mid-to-late 20th century. The construction reveals visible welds and a combination of matte and polished metal surfaces. Condition-wise, the sculpture shows significant signs of age and patina, including rust spots—particularly around the label area where adhesive may have reacted with the metal—and scuffing on the chrome base. The label is yellowed and stained but remains legible, acting as a primary identifier for the work's origin and the artist's medium of "Welded Found Objects."