How to identify authentic Antique Bronze Sculpture

What is bronze?

Bronze is an alloy composed of copper and tin. Using this as a base, other elements such as zinc, lead or silver can also be added. There are several techniques to make a bronze sculpture, such as sand casting or more commonly, lost-wax casting. Bronze artworks can represent very diverse scenes, from animals to busts, and can be made by famous artists like Giacometti or Hans Arp.

Bronze was widely used thanks to its main qualities, which are good resistance to both erosion and corrosion. Even if it tends to oxidise, it is possible to restore the piece to its original colour by cleaning it.

The golden age of bronze

The use of bronze goes back to antiquity, it is found in everyday objects, weapons, ritual and funeral works.

During the Italian Renaissance, there was considerable bronze production. Indeed, a part of this production was used to meet create copies of an antique model for an individual’s personal collection. The first bronze statues that could be dated are those made by Donatello whose inspiration came from mythology, reflecting the taste of an era. One of his major works being the Condottiere of Gattamelata.

During the period of Mannerism, bronze would be abandoned in favour of marble. Its return would be marked by Cellini and his taste for the antique.

During the 17^th and 18th centuries, bronze was mainly used in France as an ornament to emphasize the preciousness of a piece of furniture. Some famous names dating from this area are Caffieri and Gouthière.

At the beginning of the 19th century, bronze would be adapted to the style of the First Empire with an exceptional quality both in cast iron and carving with Thomire being one of the foremost artists. After the fall of the Empire, bronze would be adapted to suit the industrial era and evolved with the changing trends. Two main styles would go on to emerge: Romanticism, embodied by Charles d’Angers and the Bestiary, represented by Antoine-Louis Barye.

Today, bronze is rarely used, but it remains useful for the manufacture of bells or some artistic creations.

The difference between bronze and regulus

The regulus is a metal alloy that appeared at the end of the 19th century, it has the advantage of being economical and not using copper it its make-up. It consists of tin and antimony. This metal alloy would also be used in the fabrication of ammunition. It has allowed the art of sculpture to become more accessible by making it accessible to as many people as possible. It is not uncommon to cross a sculpture made of regulus in a sales room, due to the large-scale production of objects in this material. However, it remains more fragile than bronze and as a result objects made from regulus objects typically sell at a lower price than those made out of bronze.

One of the important differences between these two materials is the weight, the bronze being heavier. However, be careful because some fabricators have injected heavier metals into the composition to create confusion. The weight of marble can also be misleading.

A bronze piece will present a natural patina that will evolve over time. The Regula has not as reflective, but it can be painted to imitate bronze.

How can I test if my piece is made of bronze?

It is possible to make a test to distinguish bronze from regulus, in fact, if you discretely scratch a part of the statue with a metallic object and a yellowish tint appears, the object is made of bronze. However, if by doing so a colour verging on white appears, it is likely made of regulus.

Bronze also stands out from regulus thanks to the detail in the piece. Indeed, bronze is easier to work than regulus there it is important to be attentive to the finesse of the work of the artist. Finally, for those who have a fine ear, it is even possible to distinguish the resonance of bronze compared to regulus.

An authentic bronze

For a bronze to be considered an original work, it must have been created during the lifetime of the artist and there must be limited number to a number of copies, that is to say, eight and four artist proofs. Posthumous or additional copies are considered reproductions.

Our experts and auctioneers are at your disposal to appraise your bronze piece.

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