Bronze Figure Sculptures – What to Know Before You Buy

• Posted on 12th May 2017
• 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.