Female statuette 17th century

This female statuette was made by Leonhard Kern in the 17th century, probably in Southern Germany, using bronze. The sculpture's small scale invites you to consider its making. Bronze is a strong material, but it starts as a liquid. This suggests the lost-wax process, which involves creating a wax model, encasing it in clay, melting out the wax, and pouring molten metal into the cavity. After cooling, the clay is broken away to reveal the finished form. You can see the physical properties of the bronze reflected in the artwork's dark metallic color and smooth, cool surface. The weight of the metal gives the small figure a sense of presence and gravity, while the skilled bronze casting and finishing would have been labor-intensive, demonstrating Kern’s virtuosity. Considering the material and making of this statuette allows us to appreciate it not only as a representation of the female form, but also as a testament to the artistry and craft involved in its creation.