Busacca Gallery

Presenting a captivating wildlife sculpture by the renowned artist Joseph L. Boulton. Born in 1896, Boulton, the son of a carpenter, developed a fascination for the creative aspects of his father's craft. In 1915, he enrolled in the National Academy of Design, where sculptor Herman MacNeil, one of his instructors, profoundly influenced his sense of design. Excelling in his art, Boulton is revered as one of the most influential sculptors of his era, with his work reflecting a profound love for wildlife and Native American culture. This substantial bronze masterpiece, weighing over 5 pounds and measuring nearly a foot in length, showcases exquisite detail, evident in the accompanying photos. The foundry mark is discreetly placed just beneath the tail of the cat on the rear of the piece. Remarkably preserved, the sculpture bears no damage, exhibiting only the faintest signs of wear. The bronze displays a splendid natural patina. Although the original felt liner has deteriorated and become soiled, the essence of this remarkable piece remains unmarred.

The 19th century was a pivotal period for sculpture, witnessing significant changes in styles, techniques, and subject matter. Bronze sculpture, in particular, flourished during this era, leaving a lasting impact on the art world. Let's delve into the history of 19th-century sculpture and explore the historical value of these remarkable bronze artworks. 19th Century Sculpture: A Historical Overview Neoclassicism: At the beginning of the 19th century, Neoclassicism dominated the art scene. Sculptors drew inspiration from classical Greek and Roman art, focusing on idealized forms and themes from mythology. Prominent sculptors like Antonio Canova and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux exemplified this classical revival. Romanticism: As the century progressed, Romanticism emerged as a reaction against Neoclassicism. Sculptors embraced emotion, individualism, and nature in their works. Auguste Rodin, a sculptor synonymous with Romanticism, created dynamic and expressive pieces that departed from the strict classical norms. Realism: In the mid-19th century, Realism gained prominence. Sculptors sought to portray everyday life and the struggles of the common man. Honore Daumier's socially conscious sculptures and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux's "Ugolino and His Sons" exemplify the Realist movement's influence. Symbolism: Toward the end of the century, Symbolism emerged, emphasizing allegory and metaphor in art. Sculptors like Auguste Rodin continued to explore new forms of expression, challenging traditional boundaries and paving the way for modern sculpture. Bronze Art in the 19th Century Bronze became a favored medium for sculptors during the 19th century for several reasons: Durability: Bronze is resistant to corrosion and degradation, ensuring the longevity of sculptures. Versatility: The malleability of bronze allows for intricate detailing, capturing the nuances of expression and form. Casting Techniques: Advances in casting techniques, such as the lost-wax method, facilitated the production of detailed and complex bronze sculptures. Historical Value of 19th-Century Bronze Sculptures Cultural Reflection: Bronze sculptures from the 19th century serve as cultural artifacts, reflecting the prevailing ideologies, values, and societal changes of the time. Artistic Innovation: The period witnessed a dynamic evolution in sculptural styles, showcasing the innovative spirit of artists who pushed boundaries and experimented with new forms. Legacy of Masterpieces: Iconic sculptures from this era, such as Rodin's "The Thinker" and "The Kiss," have become timeless masterpieces, influencing generations of artists and shaping the course of art history. Market Value: 19th-century bronze sculptures are highly sought after in the art market, with some pieces fetching substantial prices at auctions and contributing to the economic history of art. In conclusion, the history of 19th-century sculpture, particularly in bronze, is a rich tapestry of artistic movements and innovations. These sculptures not only encapsulate the aesthetic sensibilities of their time but also carry profound historical and cultural significance, making them invaluable treasures in the world of art.

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_sculpture

Bronze is the most popular metal for cast metal sculptures; a cast bronze sculpture is often called simply a "bronze".



Common bronze alloys have the unusual and desirable property of expanding slightly just before they set, thus filling the finest details of a mould. Then, as the bronze cools, it shrinks a little, making it easier to separate from the mould. Their strength and ductility (lack of brittleness) is an advantage when figures in action are to be created, especially when compared to various ceramic or stone materials (such as marble sculpture). These qualities allow the creation of extended figures, as in Jeté, or figures that have small cross sections in their support.



But the value of the bronze for uses other than making statues is disadvantageous to the preservation of sculptures; few large ancient bronzes have survived, as many were melted down to make weapons or ammunition in times of war or to create new sculptures commemorating the victors, while far more stone and ceramic works have come through the centuries, even if only in fragments. As recently as 2007 several life sized bronze sculptures by John Waddell were stolen, probably due to the value of the metal after the work has been melted.