Bronze sculptures exude the majesty and timelessness that people covet in a work of art. It is no wonder that bronze is the most requested metal commissioned for statues and sculptures. Bronze is durable, easy to work with, and provides a strong cast foundation for even the most detailed creation.

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Unlike most metals, bronze actually becomes more illustrious after exposure to the elements. Sun rays cause the bronze sculptures to absorb and radiate light from itself, making bronze statues ideal for garden settings at home or in public art parks. Purchasing a bronze statue can be a great investment, especially for people who love to receive compliments and admire beauty.

There are several ways to purchase bronze statues. Customers can approach a sculptor personally to request a specific piece from an existing collection or they can commission one or more metal sculpture through a third party or directly from the sculptor or his agent.

What Is A Commissioned Statue?

A commissioned statue is one that is available for sale through a third party, such as a gallery or a museum of art. This term can also be used in reference to a particular art piece that was requested for a specific reason, event, or theme.

The concept of commissioning statues and sculptures actually dates back for centuries. Bronze was the preferred metal for status symbol sculptures and works of art even then. A specific celebration or sacrifice may require an alter or sacred sculpture to be used in reverence for the event. These specialty items would have been commissioned by the community leaders and ordered from a specific and well reputed sculptor.

How To Commission A Statue

Individuals can commission a statue through a few different avenues. Metal sculptures are available in a number of different genres and can be commissioned through a third party art collector, reseller, museum of art curator, or auction house. The commissioning process will vary depending on the method of procurement chosen.

Public auctions and some galleries have pre scheduled sale dates and times when pieces can be commissioned. Specific artists may have contracted with these venues and are required to submit a portion of the proceeds to the management. Some artists protect their work from duplication or track pieces through the resale process by adding a unique and easily identifiable foundry mark on all their pieces.

Collectors look for these marks when adding to their collection because they know what makes one piece especially more valuable than another. Novice collectors and first time buyers should learn the different trademarks of artists so they recognize the value in commissioned pieces.

Important Things To Consider When Commissioning A Statue

The type of casting used is an important consideration when commissioning a statue because this could impact the longevity and overall value of the sculpture. For example, some duplications are made using the lost-wax process. In this method, a duplication of an existing sculpture or statue can be created by recasting the clean product in a new cast. This painstaking process requires the original mold and must be dipped quickly and with a steady hand for maximum effectiveness.

The hot, molten metal is essentially wrapped around the original figure and dipped into a new cast using the lost-wax casting method. These duplications can then be improved upon by the new artist in a number of different ways. An emblem or other detailed engravings can be added, including a new artist signature. While this is most commonly done in honor of the original design, this method could potentially be used to counterfeit the artwork of another creator.

It is important to know a little about the bronze engraving systems before planning to commission a piece. This will ensure that only original pieces or recast but improved pieces are purchased. Reputable industry experts like the staff at Big Statues can help create unique custom and elusive specialty pieces.

Types Of Statues Most Commonly Commissioned

Large custom bronze statues are typically commissioned by public agencies and political parties for use in publicly used or common areas. Mold making for bronze statues such as horses or soldiers is generally a time consuming process and these are likely to be commissioned several years in advance. These larger works are typically placed in memorial areas and are often debuted during holidays or specially recognized religious days.

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Smaller bronze statues and states may have been made using the sand casting method. This process relies on the addition of a mixture of sand in the mold material. The amount of sand added will decrease the cost of production, but may not impact the final price of the statue or sculpture. There are a variety of reasons to use sand or a mixture of sand and other products in the casting process. The end result is a durable and attractive product ready for sale with minimal setting time. Although the sand cast sculptures may be less likely to withstand harsh sea air, most other elements are no challenge for these sculptures made with sand casting.

The purpose of adding sand to the mixture is for the lower price of production in mass quantities. A popular design such as one featuring animals, people, or vehicles can be quickly replicated using a sand cast. The special foundries used to produce this type of cast are highly specialized and efficient at creating multiple versions of sculptures using the same cast.

Best Time To Commission A Sculpture

Having been made privy to the information about casting and commissioning a bronze statue, many customers are ready to make their first purchase. Depending on a particular market area, there may be a more preferred time of year to commission a sculpture. The factors related to this decision may include, weather, events, neighborhood renovations, and the individual preferences of the third party offering the commissioning.

Bronze Figure Sculptures – What to Know Before You Buy

• Posted on 12th May
• in antique bronze
• by Alan

Bronze figure sculptures are a beautiful addition to your fine art collection. Bronze sculptures have long been recognized by collectors as the gold standard for durable fine art, especially when it comes to pieces that have survived through the centuries. However, bronze sculpture buyers would be well-advised to consider a few more things before taking the plunge and buying a piece. Here is what you need to know.

Bronze sculptures can be duplicated

If you are looking for a unique piece, you should be aware that it’s possible to reproduce a sculpture. As you may know, bronze sculptures are created using a rubber mold that was fashioned off an original sculpture (usually the original is created using a softer material such as wood).

Usually, the rubber mold is destroyed after a run of sculptures is completed. However, if more than one version of your piece was cast, you never know whether the owner of the other piece may use it to create another rubber mold—and then begin pumping out duplications of the piece.

Because of this, if you are truly looking for something that is unique, you will need to acquire a sculpture that was created as a one-of-a-kind piece. That way you can control access to it, and ensure that nobody ever uses it to create a rubber mold.

Don’t skimp on the appraisal process

If you are serious about acquiring a piece that is valuable, original, and unique, you absolutely must have an appraiser closely inspect whatever piece you are considering. This is not a step to skimp on, as only a qualified appraiser can truly give you an accurate idea of a given piece’s worth. Plus, a trained professional knows what to look for to ensure that the piece you are looking at is an original and not a reproduction that was fashioned at a later date.

Bronze is a great investment

In spite of the initial concerns you may have, rest assured that adding a bronze piece to your collection is a great way to add life and variety. Bronze holds its value very well and you won’t have to worry about trying to limit its exposure to light or the environment.

Also, if you are not concerned with obtaining an original, you may want to think about obtaining a smaller replica of an original. There are some very detailed and high-quality replicas of famous pieces available; consider adding one of these to your collection for a nice change-up in the feel.

Finally, remember that bronze pieces can have a high degree of utility, too. Some art pieces are so fragile that they can only be put on display—and then only in a protected environment. Fortunately, this is not the case when it comes to bronze. Bronze has the strength and durability necessary to stand up to the rigors of everyday use. To this end, you may want to consider something that will actually become a useful part of your setting, such as a lamp base or the body of a clock.