Sculpting is an art form that has retained its popularity for centuries. Many people are drawn to the beauty and detail that can be found in a well-crafted sculpture. Here, we will look at the top 6 of the most expensive bronze sculptures that have ever been sold.
In the art world, paintings tend to take the lion’s share of the attention (and money). However, from the dawn of civilisation, various sculptors from different parts of the globe have gifted the world with some incredible works of art, many of which have been cast in bronze. Some of these bronze sculptures are imbued with a rich cultural heritage and historical significance that have contributed to their high price tags.
While many of the most expensive bronze sculptures in the world are located in museums, a few of them have been put up for sale at auction houses. So, if you are wondering how much money the top 1% of art collectors are willing to spend on a bronze sculpture, below is a list of the six priciest ones that have ever been sold.
1. L'homme Au Doigt (1947) – $141.3 million
This iconic work of art holds the record for the most expensive bronze sculpture ever sold. L’homme au doigt (the pointing man) was created by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti and sold for an incredible $141.3 million in May 2015, a reflection of both the high esteem in which the artist is held and the significance of his work.
Giacometti was a leading figure in the Surrealist art movement and is renowned for his unique style that often featured elongated and emaciated human figures. This particular sculpture was created in 1947 and is one of the artist’s most famous works. The life-size bronze sculpture depicts an elongated human figure with a pointing finger.
2. L'homme Qui Marche I (1961) – $104.3 million
This work of art is one of the most expensive bronze sculptures by Alberto Giacometti. L’homme Qui Marche I (the walking man) was created in 1961 and is widely considered to be one of the artist’s most important works, to such an extent that it appears on the 100 Swiss Franc banknote.
The sculpture depicts a striding human figure and is cast from bronze. In February 2010, this work of art was sold at Sotheby’s for an impressive $104.3 million, and this bronze sculpture currently stands as the second most expensive ever sold.
3. Chariot (1950) – $101 million
This artwork by Alberto Giacometti is slightly different from his other famous sculptures in that it is much larger. According to the artist, Chariot derives from a souvenir he had while recuperating from an accident in a hospital in 1938.
This bronze sculpture depicts a woman in a commanding stance on an immobile chariot. This work of art was sold for $101 million in 2014, making it the third most expensive bronze sculpture ever sold.
4. La Jeune Fille Sophistiquée (1932) – $71.2 million
Romanian artist Constantin Brâncuși created this polished bronze sculpture in 1932. Inspired by Nancy Cunard, a wealthy English heiress, political activist, and publisher, Brâncus designed this unique piece in Paris in 1928 but completed it in 1932.
The polished bronze statuette featured the head of a woman with a ponytail and was sold at Christie’s for $71.2 million. Although Cunard never posed for the sculpture, the Romanian sculptor still managed to superbly capture her likeness and create an iconic work of art.
5. La Muse Endormie (1913) – $57.4 million
This beautiful patinated bronze sculpture by Constantin Brâncuși sold for $57.4 million at an auction held by Christie’s in 2009. The sculpture, also known as the Sleeping Muse, was made in 1913 and featured a woman’s head with closed eyes. Brâncuși’s work of art sold for almost twice its original estimate, showing how highly collectors regard him.
La Muse Endormie was initially made in marble in 1910 and was later cast by the artist in six bronze versions. The remaining five versions are located in various art museums worldwide, including Chicago, New York, and Paris.
6. Grande Tête Mince (1955) – $53.3 million
Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti created this work of art in 1955 and is one of six casts he made of the sculpture. Grande Tête Mince sold at Christie’s for $53.3 million in May 2010. The bronze sculpture was modelled after the artist’s brother Diego.
These are six of the most expensive bronze sculptures ever sold. As you can see, many of them were created by renowned artists such as Alberto Giacometti and Constantin Brâncuși. Moreover, the fact that they fetched such high prices at auctions shows how valuable and sought-after some artworks can be.
Although these prices might be out of reach for most art lovers, there are several other bronze sculptures that are more affordable. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of class to your home or start your art collection, then why not consider investing in a bronze sculpture?
About Florence Bell Art Gallery
Florence Bell Art Gallery is the perfect place to start your search, as we have a wide range of bronze sculptures, including artworks from renowned sculptors like Barry Flanagan and Lynn Chadwick; you’re sure to find the perfect piece for your home or art collection.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
