Authenticating bronze sculptures is one of the most difficult challenges in fine art appraisal. Because bronzes can be cast repeatedly, both during and after an artist’s lifetime—and because molds may survive for decades—determining originality depends on metallurgical analysis, patina evaluation, foundry history, casting quality, and signature accuracy.
This Master Guide provides the full professional methodology used by museum specialists, forensic analysts, conservators, and expert appraisers to evaluate authenticity, originality, casting legitimacy, and market value.
Inside, you’ll learn how professionals:
Distinguish lost-wax, sand-casting, and centrifugal casting methods
Identify correct bronze-alloy composition and trace-element markers
Evaluate patinas for chemical authenticity, aging behavior, and foundry technique
Separate lifetime casts from posthumous, unauthorized, or fraudulent casts
Authenticate signatures, monograms, inscriptions, and raised vs. incised marks
Verify foundry stamps, typography, placement, and historical foundry-log variations
Identify tool marks, mold seams, chasing patterns, and microtexture clues
Detect recasts, aftercasts, modern reproductions, and artificially aged surfaces
Analyze condition, restoration history, repair work, and structural integrity
Confirm edition numbers, proofs, limits, and artist-foundry documentation
Evaluate provenance, exhibition records, gallery ownership, and catalog references
Apply XRF testing, UV analysis, raking-light imaging, and microscopic examination
Whether you are evaluating a 19th-century French bronze, a Roman Bronze Works piece, a modern limited edition, or a sculpture attributed to a major artist, Volume 307 provides the museum-grade procedure needed to form defensible authentication and appraisal conclusions.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
Authenticating bronze sculptures is one of the most difficult challenges in fine art appraisal. Because bronzes can be cast repeatedly, both during and after an artist’s lifetime—and because molds may survive for decades—determining originality depends on metallurgical analysis, patina evaluation, foundry history, casting quality, and signature accuracy.
This Master Guide provides the full professional methodology used by museum specialists, forensic analysts, conservators, and expert appraisers to evaluate authenticity, originality, casting legitimacy, and market value.
Inside, you’ll learn how professionals:
Distinguish lost-wax, sand-casting, and centrifugal casting methods
Identify correct bronze-alloy composition and trace-element markers
Evaluate patinas for chemical authenticity, aging behavior, and foundry technique
Separate lifetime casts from posthumous, unauthorized, or fraudulent casts
Authenticate signatures, monograms, inscriptions, and raised vs. incised marks
Verify foundry stamps, typography, placement, and historical foundry-log variations
Identify tool marks, mold seams, chasing patterns, and microtexture clues
Detect recasts, aftercasts, modern reproductions, and artificially aged surfaces
Analyze condition, restoration history, repair work, and structural integrity
Confirm edition numbers, proofs, limits, and artist-foundry documentation
Evaluate provenance, exhibition records, gallery ownership, and catalog references
Apply XRF testing, UV analysis, raking-light imaging, and microscopic examination
Whether you are evaluating a 19th-century French bronze, a Roman Bronze Works piece, a modern limited edition, or a sculpture attributed to a major artist, Volume 307 provides the museum-grade procedure needed to form defensible authentication and appraisal conclusions.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
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