1950s REBAJES Sterling Silver Brooch Pin vintage

This is a very rare Rebajes piece - most of his pieces  were made of copper, but this one is crafted from sterling silver. It weighs 34 grams. Measures at a width of 2.5 inches

c. 1950

In 1922, sixteen-year-old Francisco Torres traveled to New York from his hometown of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic on a steam ship. Despite being alone, he impressed immigration authorities with his fluent English and $300 in his pocket. He changed his name to Frank Rebajes and became known as an artist among his inner circle. Using everyday tools, he created animal-shaped sculptures out of cans and scrap metal, which caught the attention of the first director of the Whitney Museum of American Art. With the money he earned, he opened his first shop in Greenwich Village and began designing copper jewelry inspired by various cultural references, Modern art, and nature. His work gained popularity and was featured in exhibitions at prominent museums.