Unknown Maker, Roman

To produce large bronze objects that were not exceedingly heavy and expensive, craftsmen used a process known as the hollow lost-wax technique. There are several types of hollow lost-wax casting; this Roman bust is an example of the direct method. First a clay core approximating the intended size and shape of the bronze is made. Then the core is coated in wax, and modeled into the desired form. Once the model is complete, tubes of wax (gates) are applied, and iron dowels (chaplets) are inserted through the wax layer and into the clay core. This assemblage is coated in fine clay and heated. As the wax melts it leaves behind a hollow matrix. The channels created by the gates are then used to fill the mold with molten bronze. After the bronze cools, the mold is broken and the clay core is scraped away. Finally, the chaplets and gates are cut off and any casting imperfections are removed. The four small punctures on this bust were most likely caused during the chaplet removal. As these holes were never filled and the surface never finished, it is reasonable to assume that this piece was flawed in casting and discarded.