Panda Statue - Panda Bear Statue - by Milo

The Panda – A Captivating Bronze Sculpture - Signed Milo

Miguel Fernando Lopez was born in Lisbon in 1955, his earliest memories steeped in the vibrant colors of Portuguese tilework and the rhythmic lapping of the Tagus River. As a child roaming Alfama’s winding alleys, he sketched street cats and children at play, nurturing a profound connection between observation and creation. By the time he signed his first cast “Milo,” he had already committed his life to transforming bronze into living form.

Conception in the Atelier

In his serene Lisbon atelier, Lopez conceived “The Panda” as a study in duality: strength softened by gentleness. The panda bear sculpture emerged from his hands in meticulous wax modeling, each contour carefully proportioned. Over weeks of refinement, the panda’s pose crystallized—seated comfortably, one paw raised in a subtle greeting, its gaze both inquisitive and serene.

Mastery of Bronze

Lopez chose high-grade bronze for its enduring warmth and tonal richness. Through the lost-wax process, every fur tuft was preserved, lending the panda bear statue an uncanny lifelike texture. After casting, the surface received a delicate patination, achieving a blend of deep umber and subtle highlights that accentuate the creature’s round limbs and soft muzzle. Each polishing stroke reveals new facets of the panda’s playful spirit.

Harmony of Form and Material

Resting upon a polished green marble plinth, “The Panda” finds harmony between organic form and geometric base. The smooth stone’s veining mirrors the gentle arcs of the panda’s body, while its solidity underscores the sculpture’s presence. As a panda statue or a refined accent in a study or living space, this work draws the eye with its graceful balance and invites extended contemplation.

Symbolism and Inspiration

Beyond its decorative allure, the panda bear sculpture embodies themes of resilience and tranquility. In Chinese lore, the panda symbolizes peace and gentle strength, qualities Lopez deeply admired. By rendering these ideals in bronze, he offers viewers an object of quiet reflection—an invitation to pause and appreciate the beauty of stillness amid life’s bustle.

Lopez’s Signature Touch

At the base of the sculpture, the engraving “Milo” marks not only authorship but also the culmination of Lopez’s lifetime of study. Born to an artistic family, he traveled from Lisbon’s galleries to global biennials, yet always returned to his studio’s calm. Each piece, including this panda bear statue, bears the imprint of his relentless pursuit of harmony between form, feeling, and finish.

A Lasting Legacy

Since its unveiling, “The Panda” has found homes in private collections and boutique galleries, admired for its warmth and character. As a panda statue it evokes childlike wonder; as a study in bronze it demonstrates craftsmanship at its finest. In its gentle presence, one feels the echo of Lopez’s early Lisbon wanderings, the whisper of artistic discovery that first led him to shape the world in bronze.

Height: 21 cm
Width: 8 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Weight: 2,8 kg
100% Bronze