Original Bronze Sculptures Even though there may be numerous casts done of a bronze edition each one is considered an original - not a reproduction.  The original model or “makette” is never intended to go into your home. It could not withstand the everyday hazards of people touching it and could not even be lightly feather dusted without damage. During the casting process sometimes the clay makette is damaged or destroyed when the mold is made. Each bronze is unique and one of a kind even though there are obvious similarities. After the mold has been made from the clay model a wax copy is produced.  Each wax copy must be worked on individually and a new wax cast is necessary for each sculpture. The wax surfaces are reworked and sometimes alterations and additions are made. Any work, including the smallest of changes on the surface will be seen in the final bronze. After the work is cast each bronze it is then “metal chased.” Skilled artists grind, weld, sand and polish the surface of the metal to perfect the artists work. Finally, a patina is applied to the surface of the bronze to change its color. Because metal in each bronze (95% copper) accepts the patina in its own way, no two can be the same even if done stroke for stroke, side by side at the exact same time.  Collector’s often enjoy comparing bronzes to discover out how there piece is unique and differs from others. There are two different types of patina. Chemical patinas effect the surface of the bronze causing it to patina or change color. There is also a painted patina that use artists pigments. Painted patinas can be as intense as any color a that comes from the tube or is mixed. Chemical patinas look differently than painted patinas because you are not covering the surface but rather altering the surface. Painted and chemical patinas can, and often are used in the same sculpture. The bronze shown directly below on the right with the man holding the Adirondack Guide Boat is an example of both patinas being used on the same bronze. The hull of the boat is a painted patina while the rest of the work is a chemical patina. Using the Lost Wax process to produce a bronze is a time consuming endeavor involving many steps by skilled craftsman. Depending on the foundry, generally speaking the creation of a bronze takes 2 - 4 months. American artist Frederic Remington’s (1861-1909) bronze Bronco Buster was cast in an edition of two hundred and seventy six for collectors. Each of those bronzes is considered a “one of a kind original” and are extremely valuable.  Bronco Busters cast later by others (after Remington’s death and copyrights ran out) are reproductions, not originals.  Reproductions have little monetary value when compared to the originals. The life expectancy of a modern bronze sculpture is in excess of 10,000 years. They are extremely durable and can withstand out-of-doors climate changes. If displayed outside, wood bases should be removed. Note to the Collector: Occasionally a bronze is immediately available from the gallery but more often, it will be cast especially for you and takes between 3 - 4 months for delivery.

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