Question 1

Who is The Thinker statue supposed to be?

Accepted Answer

The Thinker statue is supposed to be Dante Alighieri. Born in Florence, Italy, in 1265, he was a poet and philosopher. Today, he is best known as the author of The Divine Comedy. Through his statue of Dante, Auguste Rodin intended to portray the writer gazing down into the circles of Hell as part of a larger work called The Gates of Hell. Find a diverse assortment of Auguste Rodin art on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Why are there so few bronze Greek statues?

Accepted Answer

There are so few surviving bronze sculptures because many of the works of art were melted down to create weapons. In addition, some others became lost over the centuries. You can find a variety of antique bronze statues on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Are bronze statues valuable?

Accepted Answer

Whether bronze statues are valuable depends on the piece. Statues may be worth something due to their age, maker and theme or subject matter. The condition of statues, how rare works similar to it are and the current demand for pieces like it will also impact the value. You may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser who can evaluate the specific statue and give you an estimate of how much you could expect to receive if you sold a particular statue. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of bronze statues.

Question 4

What do bronze statues symbolize?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the time frame and place they were created, bronze statues can symbolize many aspects of society and culture. For centuries, artists created stunning bronze sculptures to honor gods and leaders. You’ll find a broad selection of bronze sculptures from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How can you tell if a statue is real bronze?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a statue is real bronze, try striking it with the handle of a butter knife. Bronze will typically produce a sustained ringing sound. Other metals will usually produce a duller, more muffled or shorter-lived sound. Researching the artist can also be beneficial. By learning what types of materials they worked with, you may be able to determine whether your piece is likely to be bronze. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer inspect your statue for you. On 1stDibs, explore a range of bronze statues.

Question 6

How do you tell the age of a bronze statue?

Accepted Answer

To tell the age of a bronze statue, search the back or bottom for the maker's markings or an artist’s signature. Some makers have stamped the year or date of production right onto the metal, making it easy for you to calculate the age of a statue. Research the maker using trusted online resources if your piece doesn't have a date stamp. By exploring maker catalogues, you may be able to determine when they produced statues similar to yours. For an artist’s signature, you can use a reverse image search or compare it to images of work by the artist published by trusted online resources. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer to date your statue. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of bronze statues.

Question 7

Are bronze statues worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some bronze statues are worth something. Many well-known sculptors have worked with the metal. Among them are Constantin Brancusi, Auguste Rodin, Alberto Giacometti, Thomas Schütte and Kiki Smith. Bronze pieces by these and other famous artists may be worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. Sculptures by lesser-known artists and those mass-produced for display in homes and gardens will typically be worth less. Valuations depend on the artist, age, style, type, condition and other factors. To learn how much a particular piece may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of bronze sculptures.

Question 8

How can I tell if a bronze statue is real?

Accepted Answer

To verify if a bronze statue is real, first check the metal by gently scratching the patina. If it is a reddish-brown color, or a color in the yellow to onyx range, it is likely real. Anything too black or matted could indicate a fake. Find a collection of expertly vetted bronze statues from some of the world’s top reputable sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How can you tell how old a bronze statue is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old a bronze statue is, first check the base or back for markings. Some pieces may be stamped with the year of production. Others may display a brand or artisan's name. You can research the maker by consulting trusted online resources to learn when they produced statues like yours. Alternatively, you can seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. Explore a wide range of bronze statues on 1stDibs.

Question 10

Can I put bronze statues outside?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bronze statues can be displayed outside as long as they are properly cared for. To best maintain bronze statues, it is recommended that a paste wax is applied twice annually to ensure the statue can be enjoyed for many years. Shop a selection of bronze statues on 1stDibs.

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