The Basics – What Bronze Is Made Of

As with any type of statue, the price of the raw materials needed to make a bronze statue has a significant impact on the final price of each piece. Bronze is an alloy – a metal that is made by combining different metals to make a metal that is much stronger than either one of the source elements.

Bronze is made from a combination of mostly copper and tin. This alloy has been traced back to approximately 3000 BC, making it one of the oldest known alloy metals used by man. Because bronze is significantly stronger than both stone or marble and it can be cast into highly detailed pieces, bronze quickly became a popular medium for artists.

Like all metals, the price of copper fluctuates based on international supply and demand. When the raw materials needed to make bronze rise, that cost is passed along to the foundries, and in turn, results in a rise in the market price of bronze statues.

The Size of the Piece

Bronze statues range in size from relatively small, desktop pieces to massive, life-size replicas of majestic animals and historical figures. Generally speaking, the larger the statue is, the higher you can expect the price to be, especially if you are shopping for a custom-made piece. Larger statues require more molding material, more labor, and a greater volume of metal.

The Detail of the Statue

Bronze statues are created by pouring liquid bronze into a mold that is made by hand. The more detail there is in the design, the more skill and time it takes to create the mold – that’s why highly-detailed pieces are often priced much higher than similarly-sized statues with simple designs.

The Casting Technique Used

Here at Bronzeman, we specialize in selling bronze statues that are made using ancient, labor-intensive casting methods. Although these methods cost more than some of the newer techniques, we believe the life-like details and stunning patinas in our pieces is worth the price.

Custom vs. Ready-Made

If you are looking for the most affordable way to invest in a bronze statue, you’ll appreciate the value offered by a ready-made piece. These quality statues are available in a wide range of sizes and styles here at Bronzeman where we have over 1,000 pieces in stock.

Of course, if you are in the market for a unique bronze statue, our network of highly skilled bronze artists can create a stunning, one-of-a-kind statue using the ancient “Lost Wax Process” – a labor-intensive process that delivers exceptional results.

Since custom ordered bronze statues involve a great deal of time and a highly experienced artist, the cost of customized statues, memorial plaques, and commissions are greater than what you would pay for a similarly-sized stock piece.

Have Questions? We’re Here To Help

Remember, a quality bronze statue is truly an investment that’s designed to last forever. If you have any questions about the information in our bronze statue price guide, our in-stock bronze statues, or ordering a custom bronze statue, contact us by calling 1-877-528-2531 or complete our online inquiry form.

We have over 25 years of experience in supplying premium-quality bronze statues to discerning buyers worldwide, and we take pride in providing you with hand-crafted pieces at very affordable prices.

Updated 03/31/2024 8:23 AM   By Guo, Judy

One question has been plaguing buyers: What is the actual price of a life-size bronze statue? Most life-size bronze statues reproduced and customized at YouFine Foundry cost between $2,000 and $15,000. Of course, there are also life-size bronze sculptures that cost over $100,000, often by famous artists. Furthermore, the main reason for such a large price difference is the structural complexity of the statues.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the factors that influence the pricing of life-size bronze statues to help you better understand how they are priced so you can choose your first (or next) life-size bronze statue with more confidence.

What Determines The Price of Bronze Statues?

When deciding to purchase a life-size bronze statue, there are many factors that influence the price. However, in this article, we will focus on a few factors that are most important to first-time buyers.

1. Design and Level of Detail

The level of detail that master craftsmen can achieve is truly remarkable, especially when it comes to high-quality life-size bronze statues. Even the most intricate designs, such as patterns on clothing and birthmarks on figures, can be faithfully replicated by bronze foundries using traditional casting techniques.

However, it’s important to note that these intricate details come at a higher cost. On average, detailed and lifelike bronze sculptures range between $4,000 and $10,000. For more elaborate and intricately detailed life-size bronze sculptures, the price can exceed $15,000.

2. Traditional Casting Techniques

To reduce the final price, many foundries often take shortcuts, especially when it comes to ready-made statues. However, this compromises the quality and is not ideal for buyers, especially those who are new to purchasing bronze statues and lack professional casting knowledge.

So what’s the best solution? It is highly recommended to only purchase from reputable foundries. For instance, at YouFine Foundry, we have our own historic and renowned foundry dedicated to crafting bronze sculptures. We employ the ancient Lost Wax Process, a casting technique that ensures exquisite detail, and we utilize a chemical color method that results in lifelike and beautiful patinas.

It is worth noting that a well-crafted bronze statue will stand the test of time, while others may not. Furthermore, there are several other factors that can contribute to the price of a bronze statue, such as acquiring a life-size sculpture directly from a renowned artist’s foundry or purchasing a sculpture designed by a famous artist.

3. Commissioning a Custom Sculpture or Opting for a Ready-made One?

When it comes to purchasing bronze statues, buyers often face the dilemma of choosing between commissioning a custom sculpture or buying a ready-made life-size bronze statue. Commissioning a custom statue involves ordering a bronze sculpture built from scratch according to your specific requirements. However, there is one significant drawback – it comes at a much higher cost compared to purchasing a pre-existing statue.