Antiques are becoming more and more popular every day. Not only collectors are interested in them, but also connoisseurs of retro aesthetics in the interior. Especially appreciated antique bronze ware. Casting from this material has a long history, so sculptural masterpieces are considered a great gift idea.
History
During the period The middle ages the bronze sculpture was mainly of a mythological orientation. In addition to small statuettes, monumental works of art were created. In the era Renaissance products have become more sophisticated and romantic. With coming baroque figurines began to appear in the form of people engaged in some business, dancing, sports, playing musical instruments, composing, etc. Neoclassicism was marked by the transition to the production of plot works from metal. Also, bronze began to be actively used in the interior: candlesticks, watches and other elements were made from it.
In tsarist Russia in the 18th-19th centuries, items on the theme of hunting, folk life, and military affairs were popular. In Austria, the "Vienna bronze" was widespread during this period. Miniature figures with non-standard subjects conquered at first sight. Chess frogs, a cat on skis, a stickman and other funny figurines were sent to stores in Paris, New York, and London. Arab theme was also popular.
In Russia, in the 19th century, a tendency appeared to decorate bronze gizmos with gilded, multi-colored enamel.
Features
In today's world, where production is in full swing, the value of exclusive antiques is increasing. They can talk about the features of a particular era, design and architecture trends, moral values.The metal itself is beautiful. Modern bronze is different from the old. Its composition includes aluminum, zinc, silicon. Antique metal is an alloy of tin and red copper. This is what gives the products a bewitching reddish-brown tint with a golden tint.
The metal has high strength. That is why the masters of the past created various products from it, including large elements of the interior, and miniature decor. Even jewelers resorted to the use of this material.
Also, bronze is resistant to corrosion. If you store the item in normal conditions, do not expose it to high humidity and regularly clean it with a soft cloth (for example, a flannel), it retains its shine and color for a long time.
Variety of products
Antique bronze objects can conditionally be divided into several categories:
- interior elements (candelabra, chandeliers, table lamps, mantel clocks, etc.);
- dishes (jugs, bowls, dishes);
- household items (inkwells, writing sets, pens, pens, ashtrays, bells, etc.);
- sculptural compositions, figurines.
Each item has its own zest. For example, candle holders can be made in the form of angels holding flowers, or winged griffins. These are elegant small models that can be placed on a table or fireplace, and massive floor options reaching a height of 1 meter or more. Pitchers and watches, as a rule, are decorated with complex ornaments and patterns, and sometimes with sculptural elements. Even ashtrays differ in beauty and charm.
There are also whole metal sets, for example, cabinet and fireplace sets, consisting of watches, candlesticks and other elements made in the same style.
Figurines are diverse. These are muses, mythical heroes, representatives of various professions of the past (blacksmiths, steelworkers, etc.), poets, musicians, dancers and simply beautiful girls in elegant poses, children. Many models depict dogs and wild animals (deer, wolves, bison). Often you can find figures of men on horseback.
There are products telling whole stories. For example, an ink device in the form of a box on which stands a circus clown with a hoop. Next to him on a whatnot is a trained dog in a cocked hat. Other pets watch a furry artist complete tasks.
The master worked with jewelry precision all the smallest details: a drawing on clothes, details of a drum, a hat casually thrown.
The composition of "churning oil" presents to the audience the everyday scene of a peasant farm. Next to the cow is a boy who holds a large container of oil. The girl sitting on the bench pours milk to whip it with a wooden mortar, which is also made with maximum realism.
A pair of lovers who ride in a stroller - romantic sculpture. We see a man hugging his companion around the waist and looking at her with tenderness. Amazingly talented details of faces, costumes of people are worked out. The image of a horse carrying a cart is also admirable.
And here is an example for severe men. The battle scene is striking in its dynamism. The feeling is that the participants in the duel will come to life and continue the fight.
Antiques
Today, bronze antiques have not lost their artistic value. On the contrary, some products are estimated at hundreds of thousands of rubles. These are mainly museum items with great historical and collection value. As a rule, they have documents certified by art historians and confirming the authenticity of their origin.
The works of masters of past years with the original signature of the author are most highly rated.
These days, the market can be found antique products from France, Austria, England. However, the masterpieces of Russian masters are also recognized as one of the best. Gilded and silvered objects look luxurious. There are interesting options in which pure metal is combined with enameled parts.
Items made entirely from uncoated material are also good in their own way. Over time, the natural oxidation of the material occurs. He is covered patina (light golden coating). It is this natural coating that gives the products a special charm, being a testament to their antiquity.
An overview of antique bronze items can be found in the next video.
