What makes a Bronze Armillary Sphere a preferred choice?
According to Capel, the decision to incorporate bronze into his creations was spurred by client requests, and the enduring popularity of the bronze armillary sphere attests to people’s fondness for its distinctive color. “It was through client demand that I began to work with bronze, people just love the color,” explains Capel.
Bronze, an alloy blending copper and tin, boasts a rich history in both art and industry. Originating around 3300 BCE, its usage flourished in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, yielding iconic artifacts and sculptures. Much of the tin used by these ancient civilizations was sourced from Cornwall. The Bronze Age ushered in a transformative era, enabling advancements in weaponry, tools, and artistic expressions. Classical Greece elevated bronze casting to an art form, exemplified by the renowned Riace Bronzes. Throughout history, bronze has remained a medium for monumental sculptures, experiencing revivals during the Renaissance and modern art movements. Its enduring appeal lies in its durability, malleability, and timeless aesthetic charm.
A distinctive feature of the bronze armillary sphere is the patination that develops on its surface, known as verdigris. Verdigris refers to various copper salts of acetic acid, displaying hues ranging from green to bluish-green. Employed for artistic purposes from antiquity to the late 20th century and beyond, verdigris has found applications in easel painting, sculpture, and map illumination.
Upon receipt, your bronze armillary sphere will exude a delightful blue-green hue. The patination process is natural and organic, ensuring each bronze armillary sphere boasts a unique coloration.
The traditional verdigris color establishes strong connections with iconic sculptures and architectural details of the past. It seamlessly blends with the diverse colors of the garden, standing out against dark evergreens and forming a striking contrast with floral pinks and purples.