General Information about Bronze Sculpture:

LIMITED EDITIONS: In the USA, to be considered "Fine Art", a "Limited Edition" has to be 15 sculptures or less. Europe is more conservative: a limited edition is comprised of no more than 9 sculptures, maximum. I chose to make an edition of 12 for the classical figure sculptures and 15 for the equine (horse) sculptures.

SIZES: All height measurements DO NOT include the height of the base. The height of the bases may vary from 1' to 3.5" depending on the sculpture's esthetic need.

MOLDS: Unlike some people believe, bronze is not sculpted. The original sculpture is usually made in clay, wax, or plaster. I prefer working in clay. The clay is fired in a kiln, which heats it up to 2000 degrees. Once it is fired, the clay sculpture is preserved and a mold can be made of it. You may also cast an “unfired” clay sculpture but the original will be destroyed during the mold making process. Mold making and casting is a very complicated and specialized field so I take my sculptures to a reputable local foundry. Once all twelve editions have been cast in bronze, the mold is destroyed to ensure the exclusivity of the limited edition—sine qua non for the serious collector.

BRONZE: Bronze, heated for several hours at about 2200 degrees, liquefies and is poured into the sculpture's mold. The mold, itself, is pre-heated so it does not explode on contact. The bronze is poured slowly, and impurities skimmed off the top. This is a fascinating process to watch. After witnessing it you will understand why bronze sculptures are so expensive and complicated to make.

PATINA: A bronze sculpture's coloring is referred to as its Patina. The patina can be changed as many times as you wish—it is a very interesting process to watch. The application of the patina is done at a foundry with acids, colorless liquids applied to the bronze sculpture after it has been heated with a hand torch. The colors reveal themselves as the bronze cools—pure magic!

 

Purchasing Information

TAXES: California sales tax is 8.5% and will be added to the purchase price.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING: Shipping and packaging fees are not included in the sale price. The cost and method of shipping depend on the size, shape and weight of the piece being purchased; its destination and the specific time requirements. An estimate can be provided at the time of purchase along with crating fees for the larger pieces. All shipments will be insured for replacement cost.

AVAILABILITY FOR PURCHASE AND DELIVERY: If the sculpture is in stock it can be delivered immediately. If it is not in stock, a new piece from the limited edition must be ordered from the foundry. Foundry time for most pieces is approximately eight to twelve weeks (two to three months). A minimum deposit of one-third (1/3) of the purchase price is required to secure your order. All sculptures must be paid in full prior to the delivery to the purchaser.

METHODS OF PAYMENT AVAILABLE: Cash, Money Order, Check, Visa or MasterCard.

M. Rodríguez with African Kudu.