How Much Does a Bronze Statue Cost in 2020?

Purchasing bronze statues can feel daunting, particularly for those making their first acquisition. However, we aim to encourage you to enhance your living room, office, or garden with these stunning pieces. Thus, we present this comprehensive Bronze Statue Buying Guide.

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A persistent question among buyers is: what is the actual cost of a bronze statue? Generally, prices for bronze statues range from a few thousand dollars for smaller versions to well beyond tens of thousands for larger, more detailed pieces.

This broad price spectrum exists because bronze statues are multifaceted creations, and several factors influence the cost of each individual statue.

In this guide, we will outline these influences to better equip you in selecting your first or next bronze statue with confidence.

Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Bronze Statues

There are several elements that affect the pricing of bronze statues. For the purpose of this article, we will concentrate on those that are most relevant to newcomers in the market.

1. Dimensions of the Statue

The cost of a bronze statue increases with size, as larger pieces require more time, raw materials, and labor to construct. Consequently, larger bronze statues tend to be pricier than their smaller counterparts.

However, keep in mind that this serves more as a general guideline than a strict law. In some instances, smaller bronze sculptures can surpass larger ones in price, particularly if they are commissioned or exhibit exceptional detail.

You can find small bronze figures for under $1,000 — sometimes even starting around $500. In contrast, life-size bronze representations of animals or humans typically range from $4,000 to $10,000, though this figure can climb significantly based on complexity.

2. Complexity and Detail

If you've ever closely examined a high-caliber bronze statue, you'll recognize the remarkable detail that skilled artisans can achieve. Those bronze foundries that employ traditional casting techniques can mimic even the most intricate designs, capturing details like fabric patterns and personal traits.

However, this attention to detail demands a higher price. Elaborate bronze sculptures with extensive detail can average between $4,000 and $10,000, often exceeding $15,000.

3. Casting Methods

Numerous foundries may cut costs, especially on mass-produced statues, to lower the final price—though this is not ideal for buyers. Novice purchasers can find it challenging to differentiate between lower-quality bronze statues due to their lack of expertise in casting.

The solution to this dilemma is to purchase exclusively from reputable foundries. For instance, Bronzeman® collaborates with some of the oldest and most respected bronze foundries in the nation, using the ancient technique known as the “Lost Wax Process,” which yields lifelike detail and exquisite patinas.

Moreover, it is crucial to understand that well-crafted bronze statues are long-lasting, while others may not be.

Commissioning Versus Buying Ready-made

Another significant consideration for bronze statue buyers is whether to commission a new piece or to buy a ready-made one. Commissioning entails ordering a bronze statue tailored to your specifications from start to finish, but this route often incurs much higher costs than purchasing a stock item.

Commissioned bronze statues can range from $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on your specific needs.

On the other hand, buying ready-made is a more popular choice. Bronzeman® has an extensive collection of over a thousand meticulously crafted bronze statues available at reasonable prices.

Feel free to reach out to us about your needs regarding a Bespoke bronze statue. Our knowledgeable sales team is ready to assist you in identifying the ideal options for your desires.

Where to Acquire Quality Bronze Statues

Bronze statues can be sourced from numerous places online, ranging from general platforms like eBay to specific Facebook groups. However, out of all potential sources, only a select few are trustworthy for purchases.

Your best approach would be to locate a trusted local foundry and browse their available statues in person, though this may limit your options in terms of styles and pricing. If you lack access to reputable foundries in your area, consider exploring Bronzeman®’s vast collection of high-quality bronze sculptures.

Securing the Best Price for Bronze Statues in 2020

With the information outlined in this guide, you should have a clearer understanding of the price expectations for your desired bronze statue. Regrettably, finding competitive prices, particularly for custom designs, can be challenging. What steps can you take to ensure you receive the best deal?

One strategy is to purchase directly from a credible seller. For example, Bronzeman® prides itself on offering the best prices by sourcing bronze statues directly from the most esteemed foundries.

With over 25 years of experience, Bronzeman® supplies high-quality bronze statues, fulfilling all of the criteria mentioned above. If you're interested in purchasing bronze statues for your garden, contact us today! We possess a diverse selection of statues that can truly elevate your space.

Why Are Bronze Sculptures Priced So High?

Costs Incurred by Galleries

A significant portion of the expense associated with bronze statues can be attributed to gallery fees. Many established sculptors either collaborate with galleries and adjust their prices accordingly or do not, which can lead to less exposure.

Online art marketplaces have made it easier for sculptors to reach art enthusiasts directly, but they also come with their own costs that impact prices. Due to the value of these items, many clients would prefer to see a bronze sculpture up close before making a purchase. Physical galleries play a crucial role in showcasing bronze sculptures and generating interest among their clientele. Typically, two-dimensional artists, like painters, might part with 30% to 55% of their artwork price to galleries. Sculptors generally face a commission of about 25% to 40%, given their production costs are generally higher.

This may seem negligible, but let us examine how this affects bronze statue pricing:

Assuming a sculptor charges £8,000 for a statue, after a 35% gallery commission, they would have £5,200 left. After paying the foundry's fee of £3,500, and distributing the £1,500 molding cost across 8 statues, they would only retain £1,513.

Additionally, overhead costs for the sculptor are not included in these calculations. When the artist increases the price from £8,000 to £10,000, they will have £6,500 after the gallery takes their commission, £3,000 for the foundry, and £2,812 attributed to the molding cost.

This question also draws attention back to whether the sculptor is affiliated with galleries—indicative of the likelihood of higher prices. If you recognize the sculptor's name, it is very likely they are represented by a gallery, including the associated fees in their prices.

If you have read through this section, this may work in your favor if you made your purchase outside a gallery. You can inquire about potential better pricing. Conversely, if you sourced the statue through a gallery, it is worth acknowledging their significant role in connecting you with your favorite sculptor, so do not expect a discount. Rest assured, sculptors understand the gallery's importance and will prioritize ensuring they receive their commission to maintain their gallery's operations!

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