How do I clean bronze?

Dust the sculpture gently with a soft, dry brush to remove particles. Avoid water, soap, and commercial metal polishes, which strip the patination. Apply a very thin coat of microcrystalline wax if the surface appears dry. Buff lightly with a clean cloth to restore the subtle lustre.

Where should I display my sculpture?

Place the piece on a stable surface away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Heavy marble bases require firm support on a desk, shelf, or cabinet. Keep bronze sculptures clear of heat sources to protect both the metal patination and the stone base from thermal shock.

How do I date a bronze?

Examine the style of the base, the casting seams, and the patination. Art Deco pieces from the 1920s and 1930s often feature stepped geometric marble plinths. Nineteenth-century Animalier bronzes typically display naturalistic casting signatures and deeper, darker patinas. Foundry marks provide further clues to the period of production.

What is the difference between bronze and spelter?

Bronze is a copper alloy prized for its strength, weight, and ability to hold fine detail during casting. Spelter is a softer zinc alloy that feels lighter and was used as an economical alternative. Inspect the underside or areas of wear to see the base metal colour. Spelter often shows a greyish metal beneath chips in the paint or patina.