CUSTOM BRONZE STATUE COST
HOW MUCH IS A CUSTOM MADE SCULPTURE ?
Below is a breakdown of what to expect to pay in the USA for a Bronze Statue made by a skilled artist/sculptor depending on the size (small statuette 1/12 scale to life-size+), color effects (Patina techniques) and fine detail (accessories and textures).
When considering the cost of a bronze statue, it is essential to understand the various factors that contribute to its price tag. Custom bronze statues can range from a few thousand dollars for smaller pieces to tens of thousands for larger and more elaborate sculptures. Ready made statues are far cheaper due to the design & mold already existing, there is no option for customizing plus there is usually a large quantity that are made. The complexity of bronze casting, size, intricacy of design, artist reputation, and customization all play a significant role in determining the cost of a bronze statue. By familiarizing yourself with all of these factors, you can make a more informed decision when shopping for your next custom bronze statue or sculpture.
Bronze Value
Commissioning a bronze statue can cost anywhere between $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the specifications requested.
We work along side a highly experienced foundry to cast the art work using quality 100% American bronze and a lost wax casting process that has been used for thousands of years
A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT YOU ARE PAYING FOR
The average price of bronze is around $2.50/lb in 2024 which soon adds up when you need a large amount of it to cast a large statue
A life size dog weighs around 100lb in bronze that is 1/4inch thick & a life size adult human would weigh roughly 200lb. The cost to melt down the metals and the work hours involved in setting up everything to carry out the lost wax process by a reputable foundry is expensive due to the facilities needed and the danger they undertake.
The amount of clay used to mold and sculp a life size dog would average at around 200lb of high quality clay which is used to get the best results. There is a cost of making the armature frame out of steel for the clay to be molded onto using welding equipment & skills normally performed by the artist. The time taken to create a sculpture with a true likeness of the subject can be many weeks liaising with the customer during different stages making sure every detail is met. Another cost to consider is the amount of casting wax used to invert the mold which is then covered in refractory plaster to allow for the wax to be melted away ready for the pouring of the molten bronze.
Here is a simple breakdown of what you will be paying for
Armature materials (steel rods & welding rods)
Time needed to create the armature (by our highly skilled artists)
Clay materials (high quality molding clay)
Time needed to sculpt the clay (by our highly skilled artists)
Liquid silicone materials
Time needed to make a silicone mold of the clay sculpture
Wax materials
Time needed to make a wax sculpture using the silicone mold & refining it
Refractory plaster materials
Time needed to apply refractory plaster over the wax sculpture
Time needed to melt out the wax from the plaster
Bronze materials (88% copper rods, 12% tin rods & phosphorus)
Foundry time and skill to produce the bronze statue/sculpture
Delivery (Safe transportation of artwork from foundry to customer)