Mid-Century Hammered Copper Relief Plaque of an African Maiden by Judith Dalozzo

This is a significant Mid-Century Modern bas-relief copper plaque, attributed to the artist Judith Dalozzo. The artwork features a highly stylized, elongated female figure, depicted in a crouched position, balancing a basket of fruit on her shoulder. The piece is crafted using repoussé and chasing techniques, where the copper sheet has been hammered from the reverse and detailed on the front to create three-dimensional depth. The color palette consists of warm metallic copper tones for the skin and fruit, juxtaposed against a darkened, patinated brownish-black background, which helps the central figure pop visually. The woman is adorned with simple jewelry including a necklace and bangles, and wears a draped loincloth. The construction quality is high, showing deliberate line work in the hair and the texture of the basket. The piece is housed in its original wooden frame, which features a stepped design with a gold-tone inner liner and a darker outer edge. Regarding condition, there is a visible natural patina consistent with age, and minor surface oxidation in recessed areas. The frame shows some light scuffing and wear on the corners, but the metal relief itself appears structurally sound with no significant warping or through-punctures. This style is characteristic of the 1960s-1970s globalist art movement, blending modernism with ethnic motifs.