Medival Bronze Sculpture
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20th Century German Figurative Sculptures
Silver
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Bahraini Sculptures
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Finding the Right sculptures for You
Styling your home with vintage, new and antique sculptures means adding a touch that can meaningfully transform the space. By introducing a sculptural work as a decorative finish to any interior, you’re making a statement, whether you tend toward the dramatic or prefer to keep things casual with modest, understated art.
A single, one-of-a-kind three-dimensional figurative sculpture mounted on your dining room wall is a guaranteed conversation piece, while a trio of abstract works arranged on your living room bookshelves can add spontaneity to the collection of first-edition novels or artist monographs you’re displaying as well as draw attention to them. Figurative sculptures are representational works that portray a specific person, animal or object. And while decorating with busts, which are sculpted or cast figurative works, hasn’t exactly topped the list of design trends every year, busts are back. According to designer Timothy Corrigan, “They give humanity in a way that a more abstract sculpture can’t give.” Abstract sculptures, on the other hand, are not meant to show something specific. Instead, they invoke a mood or scene without directly stating what they are portraying.
Busts made of stone or metal may not seem like a good fit for your existing decor. Fortunately, there are many ways for a seemingly incongruous piece to fit in with the rest of your room’s theme. You can embrace a dramatic piece by making it the focal point of the room, or you can choose to incorporate several elements made out of the same material to create harmony in your space. If an antique or more dramatic piece doesn’t feel like you, why not opt for works comprising plastic, fiberglass or other more modern materials?
When incorporating sculpture into the design of your home — be it the playful work of auction hero and multimedia visionary KAWS, contemporary fiber art from Connecticut dealer browngrotta arts or still-life sculpture on a budget — consider proper lighting, which can bring out the distinctive aspects of your piece that deserve attention. And make sure you know how the size and form of the sculpture will affect your space in whole. If you choose a sculpture with dramatic design elements, such as sharp angles or bright colors, for example, try to better integrate this new addition by echoing those elements in the rest of your room’s design.
Get started on decorating with sculpture now — find figurative sculptures, animal sculptures and more on 1stDibs today.
- Are bronze sculptures cast?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, bronze sculptures are indeed cast. The sculptures are made by pouring the molten metal into a cast or mold, and leaving it to set. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of bronze sculptures from top sellers around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Many artists are famous for bronze sculptures. Some well-known works include L’Homme Au Doigt by Alberto Giacometti, The Thinker by Auguste Rodin, the Baldachin of San Pedro by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the Bronco Buster by Frederic Remington and David by Donatello. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of bronze sculptures from some of the world's top galleries.
David Brooker Fine ArtMay 13, 2021It means that the sculpture is made from bronze and not a resin- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023No one knows who produced the first bronze sculpture. The oldest known bronze statue, Dancing Girl, dates back to approximately 2500 BCE and was created in lost-wax casting by an unknown artist. It is said to have originated from the Indus Valley Civilization in what is now Pakistan. Shop a selection of bronze sculptures from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To tell if a bronze sculpture is real, start by scratching the dark coating on the metal called the patina. If the mark appears reddish-gold to yellow in color, you likely have an authentic bronze piece. Black or gray indicates a replica. When you strike a bronze statue, it should produce a ringing sound. A thud or knocking sound likely means the piece is another type of metal. Find a collection of expertly vetted bronze sculptures on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Bronze will begin to patina as it ages, and is a great way to check the age of a bronze piece. Bronze generally uses copper as an alloy, which captures an underlying and beautiful pink color. You can also have a professional determine the age of your bronze sculpture. Shop a collection of antique bronze sculptures from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Nataraja is the most famous of the Chola bronze sculptures. These pieces depict the god Shiva dancing joyfully. Shiva was the deity believed to protect the Chola dynasty. As a result, many artisans produced works depicting the god. Shop a range of bronze sculptures on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To make his bronze sculptures, Alberto Giacometti first created the form and shape with clay and plaster. He would often revise his model many times before producing the final mold for the bronze. You'll find a collection of Alberto Giacometti art on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023The South Indian dynasty that was the most famous for bronze sculptures was the Chola dynasty, which lasted from the 300s BCE to 1279 CE. Artisans of the time produced sculptures for impressive temples like the Great Living Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu, which were constructed during the period. Find a range of bronze sculptures from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One of the most famous bronze sculptures by Auguste Rodin is “The Thinker,” a depiction of a male figure sitting on a rock, leaning over with his head resting on his chin in contemplation. Auguste Rodin was a French sculptor who many consider the founder of modern sculpture. Many of his pieces are popular in today’s art world. Browse a range of Auguste Rodin art from reputable sellers on 1stDibs.
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