Technical Process

The realization of a sculpture in bronze has been approximately the same since 1500 BC. Few modern techniques could make the process simpler, faster, or cheaper

For every sculpture, which is cast in bronze (specifically those who are produced in series) two forms are needed. The casting, polishing and the making of the patina is handwork. From start - forming the sculpture in wax or clay - to finish - placing the piece on a pedestal - is a long process. It can take up to half a year, also due to waiting-lines at the caster.

A silicon mould is made form the original in wax or clay, which mould is supported by an outer form in hard material or plaster (see slideshow).

This form will produce series of wax models who are hollow. In advance is decided how many pieces will be casted. A tree-like structure of up to tens of wax pipes is attached to the wax model, to make sure that the bronze will reach every part of the sculpture. Nails will be pushed through the wax model to assure that the inner and outer form is connected. The bronze will only be 5 mm thick, a larger piece is always hollow.

The inner form is made of porous material so that the heat can disappear. The outer form is made of very fine material to preserve every single detail. The wax pipes are sticking out of the final form.

This casting form is placed into an oven and after three days all the wax has melted away, and due to the nails, the inner form and outer form are still in place fixated relatively to each other. Now the form can be used for bronze casting.

Once the bronze is cooled down the outer and inner forms are cut away. The bronze sculpture looks awkward now because of all the mounted pipes which used to be wax are now bronze as well. They all have to be removed by hand as has to be done with the nails. The damage will be repaired, and the sculpture is ready for its patina and can be placed on a pedestal.