Antique Sculptures FAQs

What are the 4 basic types of sculpture?

Sculptures are categorised into four basic types including moulded, cast, assembled, or carved. A typical moulded sculpture would be hand-cast with wax, clay, Papier-Mache, or plaster usually using a wooden mould. Antique cast sculptures were typically cast in Bronze, Brass or Spelter (a combination of zinc and lead). The model would first be carved and created from wax which was then encased in clay. The wax is melted off and the mould is then filled with the hot metal. Carved art is produced by cutting or chipping away a piece of stone, wood, or other solid material until the sculpture is created. Assembled sculptures involve combinations of different materials to create a three-dimensional style. Sculptures in glass are created by manipulating the molten glass into the shape desired or filling a mould with the glass.

Where to buy Bronze statues?

There are many places where you can buy Bronze Statues but when looking for genuine antique examples it is important to purchase them from reputable dealers like ours on LoveAntiques. This is because bronzes are still being produced new today so can easily be confused as being old if you don’t have the relevant skills to tell the difference. There are also sadly many fakes and copies out there usually of the more desirable makers and statues. These have been produced for many years so may have begun to acquire some of its own genuine patina (as well as the faux patina given to it when made). Most new bronzes are given a coat of patinating fluid which is brushed on and will darken the metal to a deep brown/black. There is no depth or variation to this finish but over time it will wear and soften. Therefore with a bit of skill it is possible to spot new from old bronzes, but a skilled professional will also give you the peace of mind necessary and point out the features which make their items genuine.

How to date antique statues?

Dating an antique statue will depending on several factors and sadly often years of experience. The main things to consider are the materials used and how it has aged, the overall artistic quality and detail of the piece, as well as how accurate the poses or details are. All materials and finishes age over time and understanding how the main material used ages will help a lot. Wood will not only crack but will also attract dust to give a unique look, paintwork will chip and details will wear if handled. The timber will also darken. Stone and marble left outdoors will weather in different depending on how soft it is, and metal will usually oxidize. Kept indoors these materials won't weather much but an accumulation of dust and particles in the atmosphere may darken the finish. Once you have ascertained the degree of aging then it is important to understand the fine details and attributes of that statue. Many modern statues tend not to be as detailed because they are more interested in creating movement and abstract forms, but also copies of older pieces will usually lack the necessary attention to detail because time is money. If you have an antique statue which you believe is old then it is a good idea to show it to a reputable dealer who should be able to confirm its age and authenticity.

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