John Paul Jones c. 1780 - 1921

Jean-Antoine Houdon captured John Paul Jones in bronze, using the lost wax casting method. A subtractive approach would have been used to carve the original model in clay or wax, before the mold-making process. Houdon was a master of capturing likeness and character, but here, the inherent qualities of the metal also contribute to the sculpture’s impact. Bronze is known for its durability and the way it conveys weight and permanence; this would have been very attractive for a sculpture representing a military hero. The casting process itself is labor-intensive, requiring skilled artisans to create the mold, pour the molten bronze, and then chase and finish the surface. In this case, the bronze would have been heated to over 1000 degrees Celsius. The final patination, or surface coloring, is also carefully controlled, to enhance the play of light and shadow across the form. Considering all the stages of production reminds us that even seemingly straightforward sculptures like this one are the result of extensive collaborative work.