Exam 13: Sculpture

Correct Answer:

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Because metal replaces wax during the casting process, many people refer to casting as the "lost-wax method" or "lost-wax casting." This is a process where a duplicate metal sculpture (often silver, gold, brass, or bronze) is cast from an original sculpture. Intricate works can be achieved by this method.

The steps in the lost-wax casting process are as follows:

1. A sculptor creates an original model from wax, clay, or another material.
2. A mold is made from the original model, usually using plaster or another suitable material.
3. Once the mold is set, the original model is removed, and the interior of the mold is filled with wax to create a wax copy.
4. The wax copy is then encased in a heat-resistant investment material that will hold its shape once the wax is melted out.
5. The investment is heated to a high temperature to harden it and the wax is melted out, leaving a cavity in the shape of the original model.
6. Molten metal is poured into the investment cavity where the wax once was.
7. After the metal has cooled and solidified, the investment is broken away to reveal the metal casting.
8. The metal casting is then cleaned, finished, and polished as required.

The term "lost-wax casting" comes from the fact that the original wax model is "lost" during the process, as it is melted out to create the mold for the metal casting. This method is valued for its accuracy and the fine detail it can reproduce.