Lifetime or Later? Dating Bronze Sculptures

Bronze sculptures have long captivated collectors, celebrated for their blend of artistic mastery and durability. However, the identity of a bronze is not always obvious to the untrained eye. Properly identifying and dating a bronze sculpture accurately is a key component of determining its value and authenticity. One artist whose work provides an excellent case study is Frederic Remington, the famed American Western artist.  His bronzes are highly sought after by collectors, in which case it’s vital to determine date of casting. Lifetime castings of “Coming through they Rye” pictured above, have sold for as high as $11.5 million at auction, however a late post-humous casting might bring only a few hundred. So, how do experts tell the difference? 

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The Casting Process and Its Role in Dating Bronzes

Bronze sculptures aren’t created in a single step. Instead, they’re the result of intricate casting techniques, most notably the lost-wax process and sand casting. Remington’s early bronzes, for example, were cast during his lifetime using the lost-wax method, ensuring a high degree of detail and fidelity to the artist’s vision.

However, after Remington’s death in 1909, posthumous casts of his works were produced by various foundries, and continue to be produced into the late 20th and early 21st centuries. These later castings, while still technically considered authentic in many cases, differ drastically in quality and value from lifetime castings. Understanding these differences is critical when dating and appraising a bronze.

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Lifetime vs. Posthumous Casts

One of the first questions to ask when dating a Frederic Remington bronze is whether it was cast during the artist’s lifetime or after his death. Lifetime casts are considered more valuable due to their direct connection to the artist’s supervision and intent.

For Remington, the majority of lifetime casts were produced by the Roman Bronze Works in New York. These early pieces often bear foundry marks that provide clues to their origin. Posthumous casts, on the other hand, were produced by a variety of foundries, including the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company and, even later recasts will bear no foundry marks at all. 

Key indicators to look for:

• Foundry marks: Roman Bronze Works marks indicate lifetime casts, while other foundries or lack of foundry mark often signal later reproductions.
• Patina and finish: Lifetime casts typically display a rich, nuanced patina that reflects the artist’s original vision. It takes years of experience to recognize the hallmarks of a lifetime casting: crisp lines, sharp details, and the deliberate touch of the artist’s vision

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Provenance and Documentation

Dating a Remington bronze also involves examining its provenance and supporting documentation. Original bills of sale, exhibition records, or correspondence with the foundry can provide invaluable clues about when and where a piece was cast.

For example, Remington’s famous “The Broncho Buster” was first cast in 1895. Knowing whether a specific piece is from that initial run—or from a posthumous casting decades later—can dramatically affect its appraisal value.

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Why Dating Matters

For collectors and heirs, understanding the timeline of a Remington bronze is crucial. A lifetime cast of “The Broncho Buster” can fetch six figures at auction, while a posthumous cast might command only a fraction of that price. This disparity underscores the importance of expert analysis when appraising bronzes.

Beyond monetary value, dating a bronze helps preserve its historical and artistic integrity, ensuring that collectors and institutions can accurately represent its story.

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Conclusion

Frederic Remington’s bronzes are a testament to the artistry of the American West, but their value depends on much more than their visual appeal. By understanding the casting process, identifying key foundry marks, and leveraging modern appraisal techniques, it’s possible to unlock the history and true worth of these remarkable works.

Whether you’re a collector, heir, or simply curious about bronze sculptures, remember: it’s all in the casting.On lifetime castings, the lines and details are crisp, sharp, and intentionally crafted