Copper Repousse Mirror Frame

This decorative motif pattern is from the Celtic Princess of Vix tomb in Germany. It is referred to as the "Waldalgesheim Scroll" by scholars of Celtic artifacts. Many objects were found with this undulating sensuous pattern and not all in metal either. I am also quite fond of Art Nouveau and all the seminal forms from which that style borrows.This is one. There is a particularly expressive Celtic period,named "Early La Tene" 5th,6th,7th century B.C. which fascinates me. The decorated metal objects of that time have a wonderful organic appearance and an extravagance of sinuous line and detail.
Though this piece is done in copper repousse,I have utilized some modern tricks and equipment to accomplish my aim. I first took great pains and several days, to make an accurate steel form against which the copper could be hammered,stretched and molded. Having the solid steel form would allow me to reproduce this piece albeit again in a handmade way. Instead of hand hammering all day to make the pattern,I retrofitted a $10 dollar air hammer with an appropriate ball tip and accomplished the form in about an hour...
Welded steel backing plate. Copper repousse undulating pattern patinated with the heat from my torch then cooled or "fixed" by spraying cold water on the areas where I want the color to stay.When completely dry I sprayed a coat of clear lacquer on it. 40 inch diameter.