The art of bronze sculpture dates back to the highest antiquity (over 2800 years BCE). Initially used to make everyday objects and weapons, bronze began to be used to create artistic objects circa 2000 BCE in Mesopotamia. The Greek and Roman civilisations produced a huge number of statues and monumental works in bronze.
For centuries, the art of bronze sculpture was exclusively used for the ornamentation of churches. The Renaissance was marked by masterpieces by Donatello. Beyond religious representations, the art of bronze sculpture was also inspired by classical art and mythology. Thanks to developments in chasing and bronze patinas, sculpture cultivated a quest for excellence and perfection. The golden age of bronze sculpture flourished during the reign of Louis XIV.
