How do I distinguish bronze from spelter?

Bronze is heavier, rings with a clearer tone when tapped gently, and shows a warm reddish or golden hue where the metal is exposed beneath the patina. Spelter is lighter, softer to the touch, and tends to reveal a dull grey metal beneath any worn surface finish. Examining the underside or areas of friction often reveals the true nature of the material. Spelter is also more brittle than bronze and prone to snapping under stress.

What is the significance of foundry marks?

Foundry stamps and artist signatures validate the origin and period of a sculpture, connecting the piece to specific workshops in Paris, London, or Italy. They provide evidence of professional production standards. Unsigned pieces remain common and can still possess high artistic merit, but signed works by documented makers carry clearer historical attribution.

Why do some figures have marble bases?

Marble plinths added stability to tall or top-heavy compositions while elevating the status of the bronze figure. They were standard additions in nineteenth-century display pieces. The stone chosen often complemented the colour of the patination, ranging from black Belgian marble to variegated red and green varieties.