Bronze is one of the most ancient and widespread material art
forms, for more than 4000 years. In the 10th and 11th centuries bronze working
continued in countries such as China, Egypt, India, France, Germany, Greece and
Italy.
Bronze is a hard, durable, metal alloy made by melting a copper
and tin in varying proportions. Bronze melts readily and is easily
worked, molded, and tooled. It does not rust when exposed to moisture,
and it takes a fin smooth finish. These properties, combined with
its ability to take on artistic and beautiful coloring make it
a valuable material to the artist. In their natural state these
raw materials remain static, but once processed, blended into
the hands of the artist, the copper ore becomes an artistic statement
for all time- Bronze Sculpture.
Over
the years bronze has been used for statues, coins and decorative articles and
much more. In China bronze was a prominent metal in their art. Most Chinese bronzes
were produced by the lost-wax method and inlay work was customary.
Today, cast
bronze is unchallenged in the fine arts as a medium especially for freestanding
sculpture. The durability and lightness of bronze make it preferable to stone
or wood in many types of work. Bronze sculpture offers a freedom of conception,
which is impossible in stone