Abraham Palatnik Lucite Elephant Sculpture | Brazilian Op Art 1960s
Abraham Palatnik Lucite Elephant Sculpture | Brazilian Op Art 1960s
Small trunk, big energy
When Abraham Palatnik worked with Lucite, he didn't treat it like plastic; he treated it like pure, frozen light. Out of his Brazilian workshop in the 1960s came this fantastic elephant: it’s part optical study and part waking daydream. Though the piece is totally flat in form, it somehow manages to convey a sense of genuine motion.
This specific elephant belongs to Palatnik’s Artemis (or Silon) series, a collection where high modernist discipline was perfectly balanced with playful experimentation. Just look at the details. The optimistic raised trunk, the mesmerising shimmer of the internal patterning, and that incredible illusion of depth he achieved using only layered acrylic. It’s absolutely captivating..
Condition: Excellent
Key Features & Benefits
Era / Movement: Mid-Century Modern, 1960s–1970s
Material / Construction: Layered Lucite
Maker / Provenance: Abraham Palatnik, Brazil
Style / Design Notes: Op Art illusion; black and gold internal pattern; raised trunk motif
Care & Maintenance: Avoid direct sunlight; clean gently with micro-fiber cloth
Dimensions 10 in × 6 in × 1.5 in
Go ahead — make your mantel iconic
Black & Gold Condition Guide
✨ We believe every piece tells a story — here’s how we describe the chapters they’ve lived so far:
Mint / Like New Practically time-traveled. Looks as though it’s never been used. Crisp, clean, and flawless.
Excellent Well-preserved with only the most minor signs of age (think a faint scratch or two, visible only if you squint). Structurally sound and show-stopping.
Very Good Loved and cared for. Some small signs of wear — maybe light surface marks, gentle fading, or a touch of patina — but nothing that distracts from its beauty or function.
Good Has earned its character. Noticeable wear such as scratches, discoloration, or finish loss, all consistent with age and use. Still fully functional and fabulous.
Well-Loved / As-Is This one has stories to tell. Expect visible flaws or wear (chips, cracks, missing parts), but still worthy for display, repurposing, or as a collector’s gem.
All Sales Final on Vintage Scores!
Since these finds are true blasts from the past, we can't offer returns on vintage items. But fret not, treasure hunters! We meticulously curate our collection, so you can be sure you're getting pieces in good to mint condition, with only the coolest signs of wear that tell their unique story. Check out the pics to get a closer look!
