Where have all the Bronzes GoneBronze sculptures were cast in the tens of thousands by scores of foundries in Paris in the 19th century. What has happened to the thousands of bronzes that were made? This is an interesting question and there is not one single answer. France experienced many political and social upheavals in the 19th century. Two Monarchies were overthrown, Napoleon III ruled before being removed. Several Republics were established and failed. Financial collapse and revolution occurred during each of these changes. France was invaded in 1870 and a short but bloody conflict erupted between her and her neighbor Germany. War would have to rank as the greatest destroyer of bronze sculptures. In the mid 19th century the cartridge rifle was issued to the armies of Europe and shelled artillery was introduced. Both of these modern weapons required brass casings. Bronze became a strategic metal, something that had not happened since the making of bronze swords and weapons 4000 years earlier. With the outbreak of World War I the demand for brass became insatiable. Monuments in many cities of Europe were taken to the furnaces along with the small bronzes in peoples homes. The Second World War saw an even greater demand for metals. Not only the rifles and artillery casings required it but bearings, shafts, and all of the other modern implements of madness. In countries far removed from the continent, scrap metal drives devoured bronze sculptures as naive but well meaning citizens did what they thought was right. It is estimated that between 40 and 60 percent of all the bronze sculptures cast during the great century of sculpture have now been destroyed.
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