Spotting a reproduction bronze sculpture requires a keen eye, knowledge of the materials and techniques used, and careful attention to detail. By examining the patina, seams, weight, signs of wear, and provenance, you can increase your chances of identifying an authentic piece. When in doubt, consult with experts or seek advice from reputable dealers and auction houses.
A quick quiz: A print is to a painting as a blank is to a sculpture?
If you said “bronze,” you’re right. Both prints and bronzes are multiples of original works.
Because each one isn’t unique, bronzes aren’t as expensive as many original sculptures. And since they’re multiples, the auction market has never been very strong for most pieces. However, interest in bronzes has steadily risen in the last few decades. Prices for some bronzes have gone from hundreds to thousands of dollars. We explore the potential dangers in bronze collecting — given the level of investment.
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Understanding Bronze Sculpture
Before diving into the details of spotting reproductions, it’s important to understand what makes bronze sculptures unique. Bronze is an alloy made primarily of copper, with tin and other metals added to enhance its properties. Artists have favored bronze for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine details.
The process of creating a bronze sculpture often involves the lost-wax casting method, where the artist first creates a wax model of the sculpture, which is then encased in a mold. Once the wax is melted away, molten bronze is poured into the mold to create the final piece. This process allows for intricate details and a high level of craftsmanship.
Watch for spelter
There is bronze and then there is spelter, which is zinc with a bronze finish. It’s usually not as well detailed or finished, but many people mistake it for bronze. Real bronze sculpture weighs more and is richer in detail, color, and sheen. Unfortunately, buyers don’t always have a real bronze to compare the spelter to.
It’s analogous to when someone has a silver-plated teapot and thinks it is a sterling silver teapot. It looks like silver, but it’s not silver. Spelter looks like bronze, but it’s not bronze.
Check the patina
Vintage bronzes can have a patina which is the result of artificial and natural processes. When a bronze is cast, artificial coloring is applied through a chemical process. Then over the years, chemicals in the air and the touch of human hands can alter this surface to create a natural patina.
Contemporary fakes are painted instead of having a true patina. Eventually the paint flakes off — a real patina doesn’t flake or scratch off easily.
The patina is the surface finish that develops on a bronze sculpture over time. It can vary in color, from green to brown, depending on the environmental conditions and the type of patina applied by the artist.
Authentic bronze sculptures often have a rich, nuanced patina that adds depth and character to the piece. Reproductions, on the other hand, may have an artificially applied patina that looks flat, uniform, or too new. Pay attention to any signs of uneven or inconsistent patina, as this can be an indicator of a reproduction.
Learn the history
The worst part of the bronze business is the enormous number of reproductions of works by the most popular sculptors, such as Frederic Remington. A recast reproduction of a Remington might sell in an antiques shop for $2,000, while the original might bring $250,000 at auction.
An original “Off the Range (Coming Through the Rye)” a circa 1902 classic bronze sculpture by Frederic Remington, sold for $11.2 million at Christie’s New York.
Heritage Auctions ethically labelled a reproduction “Coming Through The Rye” as such, and it sold for $550 in 2019.
If you know about sculpture, you no doubt know that Remington’s were made exclusively in the Roman Bronze Works in Brooklyn, and only on a commission basis.
You know that $2,000 is too good to be true, and you’re not going to fall for it. Most people don’t find that out until after they buy the sculpture.
Know the age
Authentic bronze sculptures that are several decades or centuries old will naturally show signs of wear and aging. These may include slight discoloration, minor scratches, or areas where the patina has worn away due to handling.
Technological innovations during the 19th-century allowed many original wax models to survive the casting process. Consequently, foundries were able to issue editions of bronzes even after the artists died.
The more a mold is used, the more likely the details of a sculpture will change. Delicate pieces break and are reattached, and worn areas are recarved.
In some versions of Remington’s “Mountain Man,” the trapper’s trigger finger is extended, while in others it isn’t. Often there are records of a well-known artist’s work that indicate which details have changed.
Some fakes are made by forgers who sculpt their own versions. Still others are cast directly from an authentic bronze, rather than a mold. They’re usually smaller and less detailed.
Reproductions, especially those made to look like antiques, may artificially distress the surface to mimic these signs. However, upon close inspection, this artificial aging often appears exaggerated or inconsistent with the sculpture’s overall condition.
Inspect the Signature and Foundry Marks
Many bronze sculptures are signed by the artist and may also bear the mark of the foundry where they were cast. Authentic signatures and foundry marks are usually finely detailed and consistent with the style and period of the sculpture.
Reproductions may feature poorly executed or crudely stamped signatures, or they may lack these markings altogether. Research the artist and foundry to compare the signature and marks with known authentic examples.
Original Remington bronzes were cast by several foundries, including Roman Bronze Works and Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company. Authentic pieces often bear the foundry mark along with Remington’s signature. The signature should be clear and consistent with known examples. Remington’s name is typically inscribed on the base of the sculpture.
Fernando Botero, a prolific Colombian painter and sculptor was the most celebrated and successful living Latin American artist of the 21st century.
His sculptures are widely recognized and collected, but like Remington’s, they are also frequently reproduced. Originals by Botero are held by art galleries and museums and sell for close to a million dollars at auction.
Botero’s sculptures are typically signed “Botero” and include the foundry mark. Common foundries for his works include Fonderia Artistica Mariani in Italy.
Fernando Boteros‘ Reclining Woman in the well known ‘boterismo’ style.
Remington and Botero’s sculptures are often produced in limited editions. Original works are usually numbered, and the edition number should be in line with known series.
Check for Seams and Mold Marks
Authentic bronze sculptures are typically cast in sections and then carefully assembled, resulting in minimal visible seams. Reproductions, particularly those made using less sophisticated techniques, may exhibit noticeable seams or mold marks where the different sections were joined together. Run your fingers along the surface of the sculpture to feel for any rough or uneven areas, which could indicate a reproduction.
Assess the Weight
Bronze is a dense and heavy material, so genuine bronze sculptures should feel substantial when held. Reproductions made from resin or other lightweight materials may be hollow or feel significantly lighter than expected. While weight alone is not a definitive indicator, it can be a useful factor when combined with other signs of authenticity.
Research Provenance and Documentation
Provenance, or the documented history of a sculpture, can provide valuable information about its authenticity. Reputable dealers and auction houses will often provide provenance documentation, including previous ownership records, exhibition history, and any certificates of authenticity.
Be wary of sellers who cannot provide this information or who offer vague or incomplete documentation. While provenance alone cannot guarantee authenticity, it is an important factor to consider when evaluating a bronze sculpture.
Bronze sculptures have captivated art lovers and collectors for centuries, admired for their beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance. However, with the increasing popularity of bronze art, the market has seen a rise in reproductions, some of which are difficult to distinguish from the originals.
See also: The market for 20th-Century Latin American Art
Where is Marina Finlay now? Portrait of an Artist
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