Bronzen standbeelden in de Hofkerk in Innsbruck, Oostenrijk before 1893

These bronze statues in the Hofkirche in Innsbruck are captured here by Otto Schmidt, rendering visible the weight and texture of the bronze in monochromatic tones. Bronze casting is an ancient technology, requiring not only expertise in metallurgy, but also skills in pattern-making and mold-making. The process involves creating a negative space, into which molten metal is poured. Once cooled, the mold is broken away to reveal the final form, often requiring further finishing and polishing. These are not the readymade materials of modernism, but materials transformed through labor. These memorial statues are powerful not only because of their regal appearance and the wealth they represent, but also due to the sheer amount of work involved in their production. Bronze is associated with high art, a perceived contrast with everyday crafts. However, when we look at the way these statues are made, and the skills involved, this distinction between high and low begins to dissolve.