End of the Trail Solid Bronze Sculpture Statue by James Earl Fraser Jumbo Size 32"H

Made in USA - Shipping included

This piece by James Fraser was first shown at the Pan-Pacific Exposition in 1915. A powerful and beautiful work of art that will enhance any space, this stunning bronze was created in the lost wax bronze casting process and hand finished. Mounted on a gorgeous solid marble base and with a Certificate of Authenticity, each one is one of a kind and 100% bronze. 32"x33" This Fraser edition has outstanding detail. Artistic Solutions shipping quote is for the contiguous USA only. Note: This item is made to order. Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

American versus Imported Bronze

In the United States we have a minimum standard for bronze of at least 90% copper.  There are even name-brand bronze metals such as Everdur used for very high-end sculpture that is 98% copper.  Most imported bronze sculptures are 55% copper or less.  The uninformed might say, "so what."  So let's explore why this semi-precious metal is so important to bronze sculpture.

First and foremost, it is the copper content in bronze that gives it its resistance to corrosion.  This is extremely important especially if the sculpture will be displayed outdoors or in a humid environment.   The metal develops this white flaky corrosive material on the surface that resembles the corrosion on an old car battery.  Also, rust spots can develop which is an indication of iron compounds in the metal.  This is not good and a sign that the sculptures may eventually break down.

The copper content in bronze is also what allows bronze to develop a patina or color.  In its raw state, bronze is gold in color.  Imported bronze is actually silver in color.  When the sculpture is cast and assembled, the artist colorizes the bronze by reheating it and applying chemicals that react with the copper in the bronze and literally changes the surface color of the bronze.  Different chemicals result in different colors. The most common patina is achieved with liver of sulfur that results in a brown patina. 

On quality sculptures, the patination process is done by hand by skilled artist that have a lot of experience with patina chemicals and how to achieve the best effect.  However, on many imported bronzes they cut corners on this process by reheating the bronze sculpture and dipping it into the patina solution.  This results in a uniform, lifeless coloration.

Because imported bronze is so low in copper content, it does not accept a patina the same way.  Instead of a rich dark color you will often get a light faded color.  As a result, many of their foundries apply chemical dyes to the surface of the bronze to give it the desired color.  That is not a permanent patina and will fade and come off over time leaving the original faded color.

Sometimes imported bronze sculptures are coated with a clear coat lacquer to preserve the finish.  However, any lacquer, regardless of the quality, will eventually begin to crack and peel.  Once this happens, you will be faced with a very difficult decision to live with it or make the investment in removing the old lacquer and applying new.  A quality bronze sculpture should not need a lacquer finish.

Finally, one should avoid imported bronze statues because of the art itself.  There are reproductions of Frederic Remington's work that barely even resemble the original sculptures. That's probably because the reproductions are made from photographs rather than having the original sculpture to work from.  Also, to be competitive on price they often take shortcuts in the details.

Many Asian foundries employ their own in-house artists to create new sculptures.  These people are paid slave wages with little or no concern for workplace safety.  I have seen pictures from the foundries with people with bare feet and no protective clothing.  This is an industrial environment with extremely heavy machinery and molten bronze metal in use.  This would be unimaginable in the United States.  Moreover they are not allowed to sign their work or take credit for their creations.  That's why they arrive in this country with no name at all or a fictitious Americanized name.

A significant problem with imported sculpture is that their Picture of a reproduction of Frederic Remington's Bronco Buster imported from Asia there been  many instances where Asian artists have copied the work of living artists (usually American artists) that is still protected by copyright.  This can cause significant legal problems for the buyer.

In conclusion, let me just say that people do buy and enjoy imported statues and sculptures all the time. There are a lot of nice designs (especially in the larger outdoor sculptures and statues) and the prices are affordable.  However, one needs to proceed with caution and make sure you are not buying something that is complete junk.

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