19-07-2022BACK
If you want to invest in art, buy or sell a bronze statue, it is vital to know how to determine its value. There are a few factors that you will need to take into account to come up with an accurate estimate. Here, we will cover some factors that will help you determine the value of a bronze statue.
Historically, we have used bronze statues to depict prominent figures, including religiousand political leaders. These brilliant works of art represent various cultures and periods in our history and are therefore highly sought-after by collectors.
Why Bronze Statues Are Good for Investment
Bronze items are some of the most valuable works of art that you can own. Some antique bronze statues, in particular, can be valuable assets due to their age, maker, and condition. These artworks are, therefore, a collector’s pride and joy due to their rarity. You recommend you read ourblog about the most expensive bronze sculptures that have ever been sold.
However, because bronze statues are so valuable, they present an opportunity for forgers to create fakes and replicas to sell to unsuspecting buyers. As such, it is vital that you know how to determine the value of a bronze statue before making a purchase.
To start with, it helps to know:
How Bronze Statues Are Made and Why They Are So Popular
Bronze is an ideal medium favoured by sculptors because of its durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal. The metal is composed of copper and tin (in an 88:12 ratio), which are melted and combined to create the desired alloy.
Bronze statues are typically made through the casting process when molten bronze is poured into a mould and allowed to cool and harden. Once the statue has cooled, it is removed from the mould, and the artist can then add the finishing touches, such as polishingthe surface.
Unlike chiselling a piece of stone or marble, the casting process allows for a much more precise and consistent recreation of the artist’s original design.
Factors That Have made Bronze Statues Popular
The popularity and value of bronze as the preferred medium for sculptures and statues can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, as we have mentioned, bronze is much more durable than other metals and easier to capture every detail in the original design. The casting process also allows for a smoother and more consistent surface. In some cases, sculptors can reuse the same mould to create multiple copies of the same statue – something that would be impossible to do with other materials or techniques.
Another reason for the popularity of bronze statues is that the metal develops a beautiful patina over time, which enhances the sculpture’s appearance. A patina is a thin layer of colour that forms on the surface of bronze when exposed to the elements. This reaction is caused by a chemical process known as oxidation, which occurs when the copper in bronze reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air.
Lastly, the popularity and value of a bronze statue stem from the fact it can be silvered, gilded or enamelled. These processes involve adding a thin layer of silver, gold or coloured glass to the surface of the bronze, which can further enhance the beauty and value of the sculpture.
Now that you know a bit more about bronze, let’s move on to how you can determine the value of a bronze statue.
Factors That Affect the Value of a Bronze Statue
There are several factors that you need to take into account when trying to determine the value of a bronze statue, including:
The Age:
Antique bronze statues are, understandably, more valuable than their more recent counterparts. The statue’s age is often determined by the date it was cast – which can usually be found on the back or bottom of the piece.
The Artist:
The artist who created the bronze statue can also significantly impact its value. More famous and established artists tend to command higher prices for their work. Works of art from deceased artists, in particular, are often considered more valuable since a finite number of their pieces are available.
The Rarity:
The number of copies of a particular bronze statue or pieces from a specific artist can also increase its value. A one-of-a-kind statue or a limited edition piece will be worth more than a mass-produced item with several copies in circulation.
The Size:
The larger the bronze statue, the more valuable it is likely to be. This is because larger pieces need more time, effort and raw materials to create, which drives the price. Note that this feature is not cast in stone, as many small bronze statues are worth a great deal of money.
The Subject:
The subject of a bronze statue can also affect its value. Statues for equality, justice or other causes that are particularly relevant or popular at the time can be worth more than those with more generic themes.
The Condition:
The overall condition is also essential when determining the value of a bronze statue. A piece in good condition with no damage will be worth more than one that is scratched, dented or otherwise damaged.
Now that you know more about bronze statues and the factors that affect their value, you’ll be better positioned to determine the worth of any pieces you come across. Carefully inspecting a bronze statue for stamp marks, date of creation, artist and condition can give you a good idea of its value. However, it’s always best to consult an expert for a more accurate appraisal.
About Florence Bell Art Gallery
Florence Bell Art Gallery is a leading provider of art consultancy services in London. We provide our clients with a comprehensive range of services, from art valuation and appraisal to collection management and curation. Our team of experts has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the art world, so you can rest assured knowing that you’re getting the best advice possible.
If you’re interested in learning more about the value of your bronze statue or any other piece of art, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
