Decorative ornament
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Annick van Itallie
Graduated in art history with over 25 years' experience in antiques and applied arts appraisal.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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Description from the seller
Technical Analysis and Nature of the Item
Typology: Relief or three-dimensional print plate.
Material: Aluminum casting, a lightweight yet very durable metal that precisely preserves skin details.
Dimensions: 20 centimeters x 20 centimeters x 2 centimeters.
Key Authorship Note: It is essential to clarify that Thomas Gottschalk is not the artist (sculptor) who modeled the plate. He is the celebrity who pressed his hand into it. The inscription read in the lower-right corner ("Gottschalk") is his own autograph signature, permanently engraved during the casting process.
How was this object manufactured?
The usual technical process for these memorabilia pieces consists of three steps:
Original impression: The celebrity pressed their hand directly onto a soft clay board, putty, or wax, leaving a negative imprint. At that very moment, they signed with a punch next to the handprint.
Casting mold: That signed clay block was used in a workshop or art foundry to create a refractory mold.
Pouring in aluminum: Molten aluminum was poured into the mold to obtain this final positive-relief plate.
2. The Person: Thomas Johannes Gottschalk
To understand the piece’s value, it is essential to know the magnitude of the figure who left his imprint:
Who is he?: Born in Bamberg (Germany) in 1950, Gottschalk is one of the greatest and most iconic legends in the history of European television, especially in the German-speaking cultural sphere (Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
His big milestone (Wetten, dass..?): He was the star presenter for decades of Wetten, dass..? (What Do We Bet?), the most successful and massive entertainment and variety program of Central European television. The show’s studio hosted the biggest global stars of Hollywood (such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tom Cruise, or Arnold Schwarzenegger).
Pop status: In Germany he is an absolute pop culture icon, comparable to the great late-night TV hosts in the United States (highly dynamic charisma, extravagant outfits, and a great closeness to the audience).
3. Era and Creation Context
Estimated period: Late 1990s.
Broadcast context: In Germany there are several "Walk of Fame" projects (such as the famous Fernweh-Park theme park in Oberkotzau or the Starmeile in Velden) where celebrities leave their imprints on metal plaques for public display.
Origin of this particular piece: Given its domestic, manageable size, this type of plaques were often made for charity auctions: It is extremely common that at German public television galas (ZDF) unique pieces signed by the stars are melted down to be auctioned for charity at the network’s special events.
4. Valuation and Market (Appraisal)
The value of this piece is not governed by traditional contemporary art channels (it is not priced as a sculpture by a cutting-edge artist), but by the television memorabilia and autograph collecting market.
Factors that determine its price:
Market location (Critical): Its value is highest in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Outside these borders, the general public does not recognize the figure, so its commercial interest markedly declines if one tries to sell in markets such as Spain or the United States.
Estimated price range:
Official charity auction markets at a television charity gala, local bidders (businesspeople or hardcore fans) can pay up to 1,500 euros since the value is boosted by the donor status and the obsessive collecting interest.
Seller's Story
ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES
Where art finds a new story
Welcome to ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES, a space dedicated to the search, selection, and presentation of works of art, antiques, and collectible objects with character, history, and authenticity.
Our passion arises from the belief that every piece tells a unique story. We do not simply sell objects; we offer fragments of culture, design, craftsmanship, and memory that deserve to be preserved and appreciated by new generations.
Inspired by the spirit of the great international art and collecting platforms, where thousands of buyers seek special and hard-to-find pieces, we carefully select each item to ensure it possesses aesthetic value, historical interest, or collectible singularity.
Our philosophy
At ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES we believe that the true value of a work is not measured solely by its age or price, but by its ability to move, inspire, and connect with people.
Therefore, our selection focuses on:
• Old, modern, and contemporary painting.
• European and Oriental antiques.
• Decorative and collectible objects.
• Sculptures and decorative arts.
• Engravings and graphic works.
• Vintage pieces with personality.
• Historical curiosities and singular objects.
Each lot is studied and described with maximum honesty and transparency, providing all available information about its provenance, conservation status, and relevant characteristics. Rigorous and truthful description is one of the fundamental pillars of any professional art and antiques seller.
Commitment to quality
Our objective is to offer a shopping experience built on trust.
Thus:
• We carefully select the pieces we put up for sale.
• We document the objects with detailed photographs.
• We describe possible signs of use or antiquity precisely.
• We respond to buyers’ and collectors’ inquiries in a personalized manner.
• We pack each shipment with the utmost care to ensure safe delivery.
We know that many of our customers are experienced collectors, decorators, art lovers, or people seeking a special piece for their home. That is why we work to offer items that stand out for their artistic, historical, or decorative interest.
A passion for discovering treasures
The world of art and antiques is full of unexpected finds. From a forgotten painting to a decorative piece with decades or centuries of history, each object has a unique journey.
At ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES we enjoy researching, discovering, and sharing those special pieces that transform a collection or add personality to any space.
Our mission is to bring authentic, interesting, and carefully selected objects to buyers around the world, following the tradition of art and collecting markets that connect sellers and international collectors.
Personalized attention
We believe that buying art and antiques should be a close and satisfying experience.
Therefore we are always available to:
• Resolve doubts about any lot.
• Provide additional information.
• Provide complementary photographs when possible.
• Advise on transport and conservation of the pieces.
Buyer satisfaction and the building of long-term trust-based relationships are our best calling card.
Our promise
Authenticity, transparency, professionalism, and a passion for art.
These are the values that define ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES and accompany us in every piece we select and make available to our clients.
Thank you for visiting our page and for sharing with us the pleasure of discovering unique objects.
ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES
Because every object has a story, and every story deserves a new home.
Translated by Google TranslateTechnical Analysis and Nature of the Item
Typology: Relief or three-dimensional print plate.
Material: Aluminum casting, a lightweight yet very durable metal that precisely preserves skin details.
Dimensions: 20 centimeters x 20 centimeters x 2 centimeters.
Key Authorship Note: It is essential to clarify that Thomas Gottschalk is not the artist (sculptor) who modeled the plate. He is the celebrity who pressed his hand into it. The inscription read in the lower-right corner ("Gottschalk") is his own autograph signature, permanently engraved during the casting process.
How was this object manufactured?
The usual technical process for these memorabilia pieces consists of three steps:
Original impression: The celebrity pressed their hand directly onto a soft clay board, putty, or wax, leaving a negative imprint. At that very moment, they signed with a punch next to the handprint.
Casting mold: That signed clay block was used in a workshop or art foundry to create a refractory mold.
Pouring in aluminum: Molten aluminum was poured into the mold to obtain this final positive-relief plate.
2. The Person: Thomas Johannes Gottschalk
To understand the piece’s value, it is essential to know the magnitude of the figure who left his imprint:
Who is he?: Born in Bamberg (Germany) in 1950, Gottschalk is one of the greatest and most iconic legends in the history of European television, especially in the German-speaking cultural sphere (Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
His big milestone (Wetten, dass..?): He was the star presenter for decades of Wetten, dass..? (What Do We Bet?), the most successful and massive entertainment and variety program of Central European television. The show’s studio hosted the biggest global stars of Hollywood (such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tom Cruise, or Arnold Schwarzenegger).
Pop status: In Germany he is an absolute pop culture icon, comparable to the great late-night TV hosts in the United States (highly dynamic charisma, extravagant outfits, and a great closeness to the audience).
3. Era and Creation Context
Estimated period: Late 1990s.
Broadcast context: In Germany there are several "Walk of Fame" projects (such as the famous Fernweh-Park theme park in Oberkotzau or the Starmeile in Velden) where celebrities leave their imprints on metal plaques for public display.
Origin of this particular piece: Given its domestic, manageable size, this type of plaques were often made for charity auctions: It is extremely common that at German public television galas (ZDF) unique pieces signed by the stars are melted down to be auctioned for charity at the network’s special events.
4. Valuation and Market (Appraisal)
The value of this piece is not governed by traditional contemporary art channels (it is not priced as a sculpture by a cutting-edge artist), but by the television memorabilia and autograph collecting market.
Factors that determine its price:
Market location (Critical): Its value is highest in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Outside these borders, the general public does not recognize the figure, so its commercial interest markedly declines if one tries to sell in markets such as Spain or the United States.
Estimated price range:
Official charity auction markets at a television charity gala, local bidders (businesspeople or hardcore fans) can pay up to 1,500 euros since the value is boosted by the donor status and the obsessive collecting interest.
Seller's Story
ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES
Where art finds a new story
Welcome to ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES, a space dedicated to the search, selection, and presentation of works of art, antiques, and collectible objects with character, history, and authenticity.
Our passion arises from the belief that every piece tells a unique story. We do not simply sell objects; we offer fragments of culture, design, craftsmanship, and memory that deserve to be preserved and appreciated by new generations.
Inspired by the spirit of the great international art and collecting platforms, where thousands of buyers seek special and hard-to-find pieces, we carefully select each item to ensure it possesses aesthetic value, historical interest, or collectible singularity.
Our philosophy
At ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES we believe that the true value of a work is not measured solely by its age or price, but by its ability to move, inspire, and connect with people.
Therefore, our selection focuses on:
• Old, modern, and contemporary painting.
• European and Oriental antiques.
• Decorative and collectible objects.
• Sculptures and decorative arts.
• Engravings and graphic works.
• Vintage pieces with personality.
• Historical curiosities and singular objects.
Each lot is studied and described with maximum honesty and transparency, providing all available information about its provenance, conservation status, and relevant characteristics. Rigorous and truthful description is one of the fundamental pillars of any professional art and antiques seller.
Commitment to quality
Our objective is to offer a shopping experience built on trust.
Thus:
• We carefully select the pieces we put up for sale.
• We document the objects with detailed photographs.
• We describe possible signs of use or antiquity precisely.
• We respond to buyers’ and collectors’ inquiries in a personalized manner.
• We pack each shipment with the utmost care to ensure safe delivery.
We know that many of our customers are experienced collectors, decorators, art lovers, or people seeking a special piece for their home. That is why we work to offer items that stand out for their artistic, historical, or decorative interest.
A passion for discovering treasures
The world of art and antiques is full of unexpected finds. From a forgotten painting to a decorative piece with decades or centuries of history, each object has a unique journey.
At ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES we enjoy researching, discovering, and sharing those special pieces that transform a collection or add personality to any space.
Our mission is to bring authentic, interesting, and carefully selected objects to buyers around the world, following the tradition of art and collecting markets that connect sellers and international collectors.
Personalized attention
We believe that buying art and antiques should be a close and satisfying experience.
Therefore we are always available to:
• Resolve doubts about any lot.
• Provide additional information.
• Provide complementary photographs when possible.
• Advise on transport and conservation of the pieces.
Buyer satisfaction and the building of long-term trust-based relationships are our best calling card.
Our promise
Authenticity, transparency, professionalism, and a passion for art.
These are the values that define ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES and accompany us in every piece we select and make available to our clients.
Thank you for visiting our page and for sharing with us the pleasure of discovering unique objects.
ENJOY THE ART & ANTIQUES
Because every object has a story, and every story deserves a new home.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Material
Aluminium
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
200 mm
Width
200 mm
Depth
20 cm
Estimated period
1990-2000
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