Christ Entering Jerusalem 

Jean-Léon Gérôme made this sculpture, "Christ Entering Jerusalem," from bronze using the lost wax casting method. The warm, lustrous bronze lends a classical feel, referencing ancient statuary. But Gérôme wasn't just aiming for beauty. Look closely at the textures, the subtle tooling marks, and the chasing that defines the drapery and the donkey's musculature. These details evoke a sense of realism, grounding the biblical scene in a tangible world. Bronze casting is an intensive process, demanding skilled labor and careful planning. The original clay model had to be meticulously formed, then cast in wax, refined, invested in a ceramic shell, melted out, and finally filled with molten bronze. This sculpture reflects the rise of industrial methods in the 19th century, which allowed for the replication of such intricate works. By considering the material and the making, we can appreciate how Gérôme used a time-honored craft to convey a powerful message.