Portrait of Voltaire 

Jean-Baptiste Pigalle created this bronze portrait bust of Voltaire sometime in the 18th century. Bronze is an interesting material, because it takes such force to coax it into being: mining the raw materials from the earth, smelting at high temperature, alloying with other metals, pouring into a mold, and then chasing and finishing the surface. Look closely, and you can almost see the liquid origins of this hard, dark material. Notice the contrast between the roughly modeled face and the polished surface of the chest. The way the artist worked the metal gives the sculpture its character. Voltaire was a controversial figure known for his wit. Pigalle captured his personality, but also his high status. Bronze sculptures like this were luxury objects, pure demonstrations of wealth. They were also ways of ensuring fame, both for the sitter and the sculptor. So, the next time you see a bronze, remember it is not just a pretty face, but a record of skill, labor, and social aspiration.