If gold is the king of metals and silver its lesser sibling, then that leaves bronze as the red-headed stepchild – an also ran in the world of fine materials. And yet the simple, unpretentious beauty of bronze is irresistible. There is something subtly magical about the soft glow of bronze. Its warm patina – only fully developing over the course of many decades – comes in captivating shades ranging from deep chocolate brown to rich verdant green to velvety powder blue.
Bronze is copper mixed with approximately 12% tin. The resulting alloy is far superior to pure copper, with greater hardness and corrosion resistance. In addition to these enhanced properties, bronze is renowned for both its ductility and ease of casting.
When the proportion of tin used in the alloy is raised to 20%, bronze acquires highly desirable resonant qualities. This makes it the perfect material for bells, cymbals or other musical instruments.
Because of these many virtues, bronze has been an indispensable companion to humanity ever since its discovery in the Near East during the 4th millennia BC. Both ancient and modern men have used it for myriad purposes – everything from deadly weapons, to corrosion-resistant fittings on oceangoing vessels, to stunning sculptures.
Bronze has been the preeminent metal for art throughout history. Unlike costly precious metals, bronze is inexpensive enough for the artist to use generously, in whatever way he sees fit. Bronze features prominently in art of all kinds – sculptures, architectural ornamentation, religious icons and innumerable others.
Whether it is a pre-revolution 18th century French candelabra, a stately mid 20th century address plaque, or the pulls on an early 19th century Federal style walnut slant-front desk, bronze bewitches us with its mellow allure. Bronze beckons to us across the ages, tempting us to delight in its restrained, yet beguiling charms.
Bronze has always been used when a finer, more corrosion-resistant material was desired. The modern age, with its ubiquitous use of cheap electroplating and hideous plastics, has helped reinvent bronze from a utilitarian metal into a borderline luxury material. The golden metal possesses an understated ambiance which is largely absent from modern design. No wonder its appeal is timeless.
