What metals were used for bronze figures?

Bronzes were cast primarily in copper and tin alloys, sometimes finished with silvering or cold-painted pigments. The quality of the alloy affects the weight and the ability of the metal to hold fine chased details.

How do I care for cold painted bronze?

Keep painted bronze away from direct sunlight and moisture to protect the fragile surface pigments from flaking. Dust the surface gently with a dry, soft brush rather than using liquid cleaning products.

Where were Staffordshire figures made?

Staffordshire figures originated in the pottery district of England during the nineteenth century for domestic display. Potters shaped these earthenware pieces using simple moulds before applying hand-painted glazes.

What is an Animalier sculpture?

Animalier sculptures depict animals in dynamic or naturalistic poses, a style popularised in nineteenth-century France. These pieces often bear the signature of the sculptor on the bronze base or body.