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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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There 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.
- Are bronze statues valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Depending 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024To 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.
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