Fred Davis (American, 1880-1961)

Sculptures

Who is silversmith Fred Davis?

Fred Davis was an American art collector and silversmith whose work in Mexico helped to popularize Mexican Art in the United States. In addition to being a renowned silversmith, Davis was among the first Americans to exhibit work from Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and Jose Clemente Orozco. Most of this happened while Davis was head of the department of antiques and fine crafts in Frank Sanborn’s Mexico City store. Davis is famed for championing Mexican artists and craftsmen.

That said, Davis’ silversmithing was equally as popular. His pieces were heavily influenced by the art of Mexico. Davis wanted these pieces to feel authentic, collector’s items rather than the typical tchotchkes that were sold to American tourists at that time. The public responded in a big way, elevating Mexican silversmithing to an artform that soon had followers across the globe. Even now, nearly 60 years after his death, Davis pieces are still highly sought after by art collectors and jewelry fans around the world. He was a singular figure in the art world, both because of his work as an artist and as an art dealer.

What kind of art does Fred Davis make?

Fred Davis is best known for his silver jewelry and objects. Well schooled in pre-Columbian art, Davis was heavily interested in the jewelry worn by the indigenous people of Mexico. He worked tirelessly during the years of the Mexican revolution to procure artifacts and antiques that surfaced due to civil unrest. These influences found themselves front and center when Davis began to make jewelry. His pieces were ornamental, but not trite -- very different from other Mexican-inspired art from that time. Davis helped to elevate folk art, making it a valued and serious addition to the high art community. He championed several prominent Mexican artists, most famously Diego Rivera, whose work he displayed prominently in his store. By the end of his life, Davis was celebrated for his contribution to the Mexican art community.

How did silversmith Fred Davis get started?

Fred Davis was born in 1877 in Chicago, Illinois. As a young adult, Davis enjoyed pre-Columbian and Mexican Folk Art. In 1910 he moved to Mexico. To pay his way there, he took a job selling guidebooks and souvenirs along the Southern Pacific Railway. It was during this time that his interest in Mexican Folk art was piqued. He became enamored with the jewelry worn by the women of Mexico. After his arrival in Mexico City, he became the head of the Sonora Company’s arts and crafts showroom. Davis became invaluable to the company as he procured many artifacts and antiques that had surfaced during the Mexican Revolution. He soon cultivated relationships with many of the artists living in Mexico during that time, allowing him to be among the first to exhibit Jose Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera.

How much are Fred Davis jewelry pieces worth?

A Fred Davis piece can be worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $6,000 on the high end. Fred Davis was an expert designer employing the best silversmiths of his era, and his work often commands top prices at auction. The most ever paid for a Fred Silversmith object at a Heritage Auction sale is $5,750 on April 20th, 2017. It was a two-piece silver and turquoise necklace. Davis has several pieces that have sold in the same range.

Where to buy Fred Davis pieces for sale?

See the works for sale below. Why buy from Heritage? Art buyers feel confident because our experts know the market and put careful valuations on the artwork for sale. We make the bidding process easier to help you expand your art collection.

How to value Fred Davis pieces?

The best way to value art is to compare past auction prices for similar works. View past sale prices below. When you’re ready to sell, contact Heritage Auctions to request an auction estimate of the likely selling price at auction. If you need a formal written appraisal for estate planning or insurance, please contact our Appraisal Services Department.