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The Gates of Paradise: Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Renaissance Masterpiece
Introduction
"If it seems too good to be true, then it likely is".
Nevertheless, do not let the condition of the marketplace discourage you from owning this beautiful and lasting form of art. Education is key to not getting burned and to building what could be a valuable collection. The most desirable bronzes were created using the lost wax process. Books and auction catalogs are a great starting point to learn about bronze sculpture. As you familiarize yourself with authentic examples you will train your eye to spot forgeries. Learn as much as you can about the artists and the bronzes produced in their lifetime. Most are well documented and size matters when collecting sculpture as well as prints .Learn Useful Information
- French law allows an artist to make only twelve copies and each must be numbered. If more than twelve bronze casts are made, they must be marked "reproduction"
- A bronze made from a finished bronze, unless under the direct
supervision of the artist, even when not prohibited by law and authorized by the
artist's heirs or executors, is a counterfeit as it imitates, resembles, has the
appearance, or is a copy of the original, with or without implying deceit (College Art
Association's ethical guidelines for sculpture reproduction). - Edgar Degas only produced wax models during his lifetime and did not sign his any of them.
- To distinguish, as a quality label, the best cast directly done after the plaster, and the best
work on patina, Barbedienne created a specific seal, known as the gold seal (Barye sculpture). - Don't trust signatures and marks. Some famous sculptors had their own foundries and used no marks.
- Damage affects value.
- The sharpness of detail is an important key to determining if the piece is an original casting.
- Never polish bronzes or expose to water. A coat of wax is the only substance recommended.
- If it is a bronze appropriate for the outdoors, then find a shady spot away from direct sunlight.
- Similarly, when inside keep bronzes away from stoves and fireplaces.
- Later castings are often reduced in size compared to originals.
- There are a lot of white metal (spelter) sculptures on eBay that have a bronze coating. Scratch lightly in an inconspicuous place and the white metal will show through.
- The production of forgeries follows collecting trends. When something is "hot" then expect a flood of fakes. For example, In the late 19th century Japonism was in vogue so forgeries were mass produced.
- Beware of 19th century copies of Renaissance bronzes. They have age on them and may have originally been sold as copies, but today are being passed off as real.
- Bronze sculptures are usually cast in numbered editions. Make sure the numbers match the original issuance.
- Bronze is a copper alloy (a metal created by the combination of other metals). The minimum copper content for bronze is 90% in the United States. In far-eastern countries such as Thailand and China, bronze has a copper content of between 60-70% and that is recycled copper from radiators, pipes and other scrap.
- Geschutzt means Patent or Pending. The Bronze pre-dates 1883 if it is not followed by the words Austria or Vienna.
Learn Through Studying Authentic Examples
ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE
Tiger Surprising an Antelope
model c. 1831, cast after 1855
DIMENSIONS: 34.9 x 55.8 x 22.9 cm (13 3/4 x 21 15/16 x 9 in.)
COLLECTION: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC.
ISIDORE-JULES BONHEUR
Le Jockey a Cheval (Jockey on Horse)
Figge Art Museum, Davenport, Iowa
FERNANDO BOTERO
Man on a Horse, c.2003
64 x 45 x 28 cm
Botero in Singapore Exhibition
PIERRE-JULES MENE
Nedjibe (Arabian Mare), c. 1852
10 1/4 x 16 1/2 inches
Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia
Learn About The Sculptors
Alliot, Lucien (Charles Edouard)
(France,1877-1956) He was the son of sculptor Napoleon Alliot. He studied under Barrias and Couton. He exhibited at the Salon from 1905 through1939 and was a juror from 1934. Awarded a gold medal in 1920 for sculpture. Known for Art Nouveau styling.
Archipenko, Alexander
(Ukrainian,1887-1964) After studying in Kiev he moves to Russia and shortly on to paris where he exhibits with the cubists. He taught art in Berlin for a period and then lived out his life traveling and teaching in American Universities. Known as a Modernist.
Barye, Antoine
(French,1796-1875) He was born as the son of a goldsmith. Barye worked as a apprentice to a metal engraver until he was drafted into the military in 1812. He studied with the sculptor Bosio. In 1832 he established his own studio. In 1848 he became director of a plaster casting establishment in Louvre and in 1854 became the master of zoological drawing in the Musee d'Histore Naturelle where one of his pupils was Rodin. Known as the greatest animal sculptor of all time and "father of the Animalier School".
Bazor, Lucien
(French, 1889-1974). Pupil of his father Albert Bazor, later he attended the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts where he studied under Patey. Bazor exhibited at the Salons of the Société des Artistes Francais and won the Great Prize of Rome in 1923. From 1930 until 1958 he worked as chief engraver for coins at the Paris Mint. Known for Bronze medals.
Bofill, Antoine
(Spanish, 1875-1921) A student of the Academy of Beauz Arts in Barcelona Spain. Exhibited at the Salon of the Societe des Artistes Francais from 1901 to the 1920's. Known for small figures and groups.
Bonheur, Isidore Jules
(French, 1827-1901) Originated from a family of painters where he had early training. Submitted a plaster model of a to the Salon in 1848. Continued to exhibit at the Paris Salon and at the London Academy of Art until 1899 when he won the Gold Medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. Known as an Animalier along with his sister Rosa.
Chiparus, Demetre H.
(Romanian, 1886-1947) Traveled to Paris before World War I to be more engaged in art. He studied both in Italy and at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris. He exhibited at the Salon in 1914 and accomplished his most important works thru 1933. Known for utilizing the technique of chryselephantine, the combination of bronze and ivory to produce dramatic, stylized Art Deco works.
Clara, Juan
(Spanish,1875-1958) Exhibited in the Salons of Paris and at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He was awarded an honorable mention in 1903. Known for use of children as subjects.
Clodion, (Claude Michel)
(French, 1738-1814) Born in Nancy and nicknamed "Clodion". Studied under his uncle Adam Lambert Sigisbert then, after his death, studied with Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, the most successful sculptor of the time. Known earlier for a lighthearted Rococo style and later for Neoclassical works.
Colinet, Claire Jeanne Roberte
(Belgian, 1880-1940) Born in Brussels where she studied under Jef Lambeaux. Moved to Paris and was elected to the Societe des Artistes Francais. Worked from 1910-1940. Known for her series of dancers around the world.
Dallin, Cyrus Edwin
(American, 1861-1944) Born in Utah and became a student of Truman Bartlett in Boston at age 19 where he became friends with John Singer Sargent. Created 260 works.. Known for sculpting the angel Maroni atop Salt Lake Temple along with famous versions of Paul Revere and Native Americans.
Descombs, Jean Bernard
(French, 1872-1948) He was a student at the Falguiere School in Paris. He obtained an honorable mention in 1901 and a third prize. He frequently exhibited at the Salon. Descombs was awarded the Legion d'Honneur as a Chevalier.
Falconet, Etienne Maurice
(French,1716-1791) Appointed director of sculpture at the Seures Porcelain Manufacture in 1757. He produced approximately 30 major sculptures. His pieces were reproduced in various medium, adapted to clocks and furniture.
Fraser, James Earl
(American,1876-1953) Born in Winona Minnesota, moved to the Dakota Territory in 1880 with his family. Moved to Paris in his early 20's to study under master sculptors. He and his wife Laura created many great works of art, one of which was the End Of The Trail.
Fratin, Christophe
(French, 1800-1864). He exhibited in the Salon in Paris, won many medals.
Gardet, Georges
(French,1863-1939) Born in Paris, became a pupil of Aime Millet and Fremiet. His father and brother also were sculptors. Exhibited in the Salon and won many prizes and honors.
Good, John Wills
Lived from 1845 - 1879. Exhibited at the Royal Academy. The well known silversmith firm Elking & Co. cast many of his bronzes, around 1875.
Houdon, Jean-Antoine
(French, 1741-1828) Started sculpting at the age of 9 and trained thru the Academie Royale. He created four different busts of Voltaire. Did a death mask of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in 1785 came to the U.S. to do a statue of George Washington, as well as a life mask. One of his most prized works was a statue of the mythological Diana.
Humphries, Charles
(English, 1867-1934) Came to New York, became a member of the National Association of Sculptors. He exhibited at the Academy of Fine Arts and at the Panama-Pacific Exposition.
Icart, Louis Justin Laurent
(French, 1888-1950) His 40 year artistic career delighted people who loved Art Deco, which is characterized by smooth lines, streamlined forms, a fashion directed towards women.
Kauba, Carl (Karl)
(Viennese, 1865-1922) He was the son of a shoemaker and never came to America but was inspired by the stories written by Carl May. Photographs and other illustrations along with a Western saddle and Indian artifacts that an American friend had sent to him, inspired him to work in the Western theme. He worked out of his home and supervised the casting of his clay models in local foundries.
Lanceray, Yevgeni Alexandrovich
(Russian, 1848-1886) His work centered around horses and their relationship with man.
Lecourtier, Prosper
(German,1855-1924). He was a student of Fremiet & Coutan. He exhibited at the Salons winning medals in 1879, 1880 and 1901. He also won a bronze medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris (1901) . Lecourtier specialized in Animalier sculpture and was a good friend of Hippolyte Moreau with whom he worked on at least one bronze group.
LeFaguays, Pierre
(French, 1892-1985) sculptor who influenced the styles of the 1920's and 1930's , whose creations were from powerful looking men to delicate dancing girls.
Madrassi, Luca
(Italian, 1848-1919) Studied in Rome and Paris. A student of Cavalier at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Madrassi exhibited at the Salon of the Societe des Artistes Francais in Paris and the Nationale in 1896. His career spanned the years from about 1869 to 1914.
Mene, Pierre Jules
(French,1810-1871) He came from a prosperous artisan family. His father worked with metal and taught his son the basics of a foundry and the art of sculpture. He received the Cross of the Legion d'Honneur in 1861. He became the most important and influenced animalier of his time.
Moigniez, Jules
(French,1835-1894) Most of his sculptures were of game birds and hunting dogs.
Moreau, Auguste
(French, 1822-1901) He was a French student of Mathurin Moreau and regularily exhibited in the Salons.
Moreau, Hippolyte
(French,1832-1917) A student of Jouffroy. He exhibited at the Salon and winning a third price medal in 1877 and a bronze medal at the 1900 Exhibition.
Moreau, Mathurin
(French, 1822-1912) Son of Jean-Baptiste Moreau (1797-1855), a sculptor in Dijon who was known for his restoration of the medieval tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. Studied in the Ecole des Beaux Arts of Paris in 1841. He exhibited in the Salon in 1848. He received numerous awards, becoming Legion d'Honneur as a Chevalier in 1885. He was basically a sculptor of women in a blend of Classical and Victorian styles.
Preiss, Johann Philipp Ferinand
(German, 1882-1943) He studied in Paris, worked with ivory and bronze.
Remington, Frederic
(American, 1861-1909) A native of Canton, New York he left college and went out West and operated his own ranch in Kansas, gave it up in 1886 and came back East. He started sculpting 14 years before his death and his time on the ranch served him well in getting to know the horse. His first clay sculpture was Bronco Buster, completed in 1885. Among his admirers was Theodore Roosevelt.
Rodin, Auguste
(French, 1840-1917) His style was classic and romantic, his male and female subjects portrayed in their purest emotional form.
Russell, Charles Marion
(American, 1864-1926) A self taught artist drawing from experiences as a cowboy and specialized in the Western way of life.
Valton, Charles
(French, 1851-1918) He was a pupil of Barye and Lebasseur. Exhibited in the Salon and became a member of the Society of French Artists.
Villanis, Emmanuel
(French, 1858-1914) His subjects mostly women. He received an honorable mention at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889.
Zach, Bruno
(German, 1918-1935) He was a Berlin based sculptor, executed some graceful moving bronze sculpture.
Known for his Art Deco work.
(France,1877-1956) He was the son of sculptor Napoleon Alliot. He studied under Barrias and Couton. He exhibited at the Salon from 1905 through1939 and was a juror from 1934. Awarded a gold medal in 1920 for sculpture. Known for Art Nouveau styling.
Archipenko, Alexander
(Ukrainian,1887-1964) After studying in Kiev he moves to Russia and shortly on to paris where he exhibits with the cubists. He taught art in Berlin for a period and then lived out his life traveling and teaching in American Universities. Known as a Modernist.
Barye, Antoine
(French,1796-1875) He was born as the son of a goldsmith. Barye worked as a apprentice to a metal engraver until he was drafted into the military in 1812. He studied with the sculptor Bosio. In 1832 he established his own studio. In 1848 he became director of a plaster casting establishment in Louvre and in 1854 became the master of zoological drawing in the Musee d'Histore Naturelle where one of his pupils was Rodin. Known as the greatest animal sculptor of all time and "father of the Animalier School".
Bazor, Lucien
(French, 1889-1974). Pupil of his father Albert Bazor, later he attended the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts where he studied under Patey. Bazor exhibited at the Salons of the Société des Artistes Francais and won the Great Prize of Rome in 1923. From 1930 until 1958 he worked as chief engraver for coins at the Paris Mint. Known for Bronze medals.
Bofill, Antoine
(Spanish, 1875-1921) A student of the Academy of Beauz Arts in Barcelona Spain. Exhibited at the Salon of the Societe des Artistes Francais from 1901 to the 1920's. Known for small figures and groups.
Bonheur, Isidore Jules
(French, 1827-1901) Originated from a family of painters where he had early training. Submitted a plaster model of a to the Salon in 1848. Continued to exhibit at the Paris Salon and at the London Academy of Art until 1899 when he won the Gold Medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. Known as an Animalier along with his sister Rosa.
Chiparus, Demetre H.
(Romanian, 1886-1947) Traveled to Paris before World War I to be more engaged in art. He studied both in Italy and at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris. He exhibited at the Salon in 1914 and accomplished his most important works thru 1933. Known for utilizing the technique of chryselephantine, the combination of bronze and ivory to produce dramatic, stylized Art Deco works.
Clara, Juan
(Spanish,1875-1958) Exhibited in the Salons of Paris and at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He was awarded an honorable mention in 1903. Known for use of children as subjects.
Clodion, (Claude Michel)
(French, 1738-1814) Born in Nancy and nicknamed "Clodion". Studied under his uncle Adam Lambert Sigisbert then, after his death, studied with Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, the most successful sculptor of the time. Known earlier for a lighthearted Rococo style and later for Neoclassical works.
Colinet, Claire Jeanne Roberte
(Belgian, 1880-1940) Born in Brussels where she studied under Jef Lambeaux. Moved to Paris and was elected to the Societe des Artistes Francais. Worked from 1910-1940. Known for her series of dancers around the world.
Dallin, Cyrus Edwin
(American, 1861-1944) Born in Utah and became a student of Truman Bartlett in Boston at age 19 where he became friends with John Singer Sargent. Created 260 works.. Known for sculpting the angel Maroni atop Salt Lake Temple along with famous versions of Paul Revere and Native Americans.
Descombs, Jean Bernard
(French, 1872-1948) He was a student at the Falguiere School in Paris. He obtained an honorable mention in 1901 and a third prize. He frequently exhibited at the Salon. Descombs was awarded the Legion d'Honneur as a Chevalier.
Falconet, Etienne Maurice
(French,1716-1791) Appointed director of sculpture at the Seures Porcelain Manufacture in 1757. He produced approximately 30 major sculptures. His pieces were reproduced in various medium, adapted to clocks and furniture.
Fraser, James Earl
(American,1876-1953) Born in Winona Minnesota, moved to the Dakota Territory in 1880 with his family. Moved to Paris in his early 20's to study under master sculptors. He and his wife Laura created many great works of art, one of which was the End Of The Trail.
Fratin, Christophe
(French, 1800-1864). He exhibited in the Salon in Paris, won many medals.
Gardet, Georges
(French,1863-1939) Born in Paris, became a pupil of Aime Millet and Fremiet. His father and brother also were sculptors. Exhibited in the Salon and won many prizes and honors.
Good, John Wills
Lived from 1845 - 1879. Exhibited at the Royal Academy. The well known silversmith firm Elking & Co. cast many of his bronzes, around 1875.
Houdon, Jean-Antoine
(French, 1741-1828) Started sculpting at the age of 9 and trained thru the Academie Royale. He created four different busts of Voltaire. Did a death mask of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in 1785 came to the U.S. to do a statue of George Washington, as well as a life mask. One of his most prized works was a statue of the mythological Diana.
Humphries, Charles
(English, 1867-1934) Came to New York, became a member of the National Association of Sculptors. He exhibited at the Academy of Fine Arts and at the Panama-Pacific Exposition.
Icart, Louis Justin Laurent
(French, 1888-1950) His 40 year artistic career delighted people who loved Art Deco, which is characterized by smooth lines, streamlined forms, a fashion directed towards women.
Kauba, Carl (Karl)
(Viennese, 1865-1922) He was the son of a shoemaker and never came to America but was inspired by the stories written by Carl May. Photographs and other illustrations along with a Western saddle and Indian artifacts that an American friend had sent to him, inspired him to work in the Western theme. He worked out of his home and supervised the casting of his clay models in local foundries.
Lanceray, Yevgeni Alexandrovich
(Russian, 1848-1886) His work centered around horses and their relationship with man.
Lecourtier, Prosper
(German,1855-1924). He was a student of Fremiet & Coutan. He exhibited at the Salons winning medals in 1879, 1880 and 1901. He also won a bronze medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris (1901) . Lecourtier specialized in Animalier sculpture and was a good friend of Hippolyte Moreau with whom he worked on at least one bronze group.
LeFaguays, Pierre
(French, 1892-1985) sculptor who influenced the styles of the 1920's and 1930's , whose creations were from powerful looking men to delicate dancing girls.
Madrassi, Luca
(Italian, 1848-1919) Studied in Rome and Paris. A student of Cavalier at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Madrassi exhibited at the Salon of the Societe des Artistes Francais in Paris and the Nationale in 1896. His career spanned the years from about 1869 to 1914.
Mene, Pierre Jules
(French,1810-1871) He came from a prosperous artisan family. His father worked with metal and taught his son the basics of a foundry and the art of sculpture. He received the Cross of the Legion d'Honneur in 1861. He became the most important and influenced animalier of his time.
Moigniez, Jules
(French,1835-1894) Most of his sculptures were of game birds and hunting dogs.
Moreau, Auguste
(French, 1822-1901) He was a French student of Mathurin Moreau and regularily exhibited in the Salons.
Moreau, Hippolyte
(French,1832-1917) A student of Jouffroy. He exhibited at the Salon and winning a third price medal in 1877 and a bronze medal at the 1900 Exhibition.
Moreau, Mathurin
(French, 1822-1912) Son of Jean-Baptiste Moreau (1797-1855), a sculptor in Dijon who was known for his restoration of the medieval tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. Studied in the Ecole des Beaux Arts of Paris in 1841. He exhibited in the Salon in 1848. He received numerous awards, becoming Legion d'Honneur as a Chevalier in 1885. He was basically a sculptor of women in a blend of Classical and Victorian styles.
Preiss, Johann Philipp Ferinand
(German, 1882-1943) He studied in Paris, worked with ivory and bronze.
Remington, Frederic
(American, 1861-1909) A native of Canton, New York he left college and went out West and operated his own ranch in Kansas, gave it up in 1886 and came back East. He started sculpting 14 years before his death and his time on the ranch served him well in getting to know the horse. His first clay sculpture was Bronco Buster, completed in 1885. Among his admirers was Theodore Roosevelt.
Rodin, Auguste
(French, 1840-1917) His style was classic and romantic, his male and female subjects portrayed in their purest emotional form.
Russell, Charles Marion
(American, 1864-1926) A self taught artist drawing from experiences as a cowboy and specialized in the Western way of life.
Valton, Charles
(French, 1851-1918) He was a pupil of Barye and Lebasseur. Exhibited in the Salon and became a member of the Society of French Artists.
Villanis, Emmanuel
(French, 1858-1914) His subjects mostly women. He received an honorable mention at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889.
Zach, Bruno
(German, 1918-1935) He was a Berlin based sculptor, executed some graceful moving bronze sculpture.
Known for his Art Deco work.
Guide created: 12/17/07 (updated 08/24/08)
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