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MONOGRAMS, SIGNATURES & DATES
The dating and marking of fine art casts is common, but again, by no means obligatory. Indeed on some smaller artworks, marking is not always possible without disrupting the overall quality of the sculpture’s surface. Dating and signing an artwork helps identify the it’s provenance [ref] and in some special cases a catalogue reference may also be inscribed into the surface of the wax. There is no set form or style for indicating this information, though traditionally the various markings of provenance are found discreetly positioned on a cast’s base (where one exists), usually towards the rear of the top surface, or otherwise on the vertical face of the rear facing return edge. Any other markings peculiar to the artist, such as symbols, initials and so on are usually added at this stage as well.
FOUNDRY MARKS
In many foundries it is usual practice to place an identifying mark or embossed stamp inconspicuously on the wax pattern’s surface - provided doing this does not interfere with the overall quality of the work. Foundry marks are usually applied with the approval of the sculptor and located in the vicinity of the artist’s own marks. In a lost wax process, foundry identification is usually formed by a metal stamp, similar in type to those used to seal ceremonial letters and legal documents. Metal stamps are specifically designed for the individual foundry, and may imprint a combination of marks, symbols and/or lettering which identifies the workshop. These stamps often include wording such as CIRE PERDUE (Fr. ‘lost wax’) FONDUE (Fr. ‘cast’), BRONZIER or FONDUER(S), often with the name of the town, city or country of origin.
Foundry marks are not generally considered ‘free advertisements’ for foundries, rather they are seen as a reference to assist in the identification of a work and it’s provenance. Stamped casts can be later cross-referenced by a researcher, provided detailed foundry records have been retained in an archive. There is no obligation on the part of an artist to accept the inclusion of foundry marks on their work, indeed a good many contemporary foundries no longer maintain the practice as standard.
WEIGHING WAXES >
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