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Cire-perdue

"Cire-perdue" is a French term that translates to "lost wax." It's commonly used to refer to the lost-wax casting process, a method of metal casting in which a molten metal is poured into a mold that has been created by means of a wax model. This technique has been used for thousands of years and is still used for sculpture and jewelry today.

Process

  1. Model creation: An artist creates an original model from wax, often composed of beeswax, microcrystalline wax, or paraffin. This model is extremely detailed, as it will be directly recreated in the final metal casting.
  2. Mold creation: The wax model is then covered in a heat-resistant material, often clay, plaster, or another type of investment. This material is applied in layers until it's thick enough to withstand the heat of molten metal.
  3. Wax removal: Once the mold is dry and hard, it's heated to melt and drain out the wax, leaving a hollow mold. Hence the name "lost wax."
  4. Casting: Molten metal is then poured into the mold. Commonly used metals include bronze, gold, silver, and brass.
  5. Mold breaking: After the metal cools and solidifies, the mold is broken away, revealing the final cast metal object.
  6. Finishing: Any casting flaws are corrected, and the object can be polished, treated, or otherwise finished as desired by the artist.

Historical Facts

The lost-wax casting method has a long history, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. The technique was used in the making of exquisite works of art by many ancient civilizations, including those in Egypt, Greece, China, and India. It's believed to have originated in the Middle East and spread throughout the ancient world.

Notable Examples

Several famous works of art have been created using the lost-wax casting process. For example:

  • The Great Buddha of Kamakura, a massive outdoor bronze statue in Japan, was cast using this method in the 13th century.
  • In the Renaissance, Donatello and other artists used the lost-wax method to create bronze sculptures.
  • Many modern artists, including jewelry and fine-art sculptors, continue to use the technique today.

In conclusion, the lost-wax casting or "cire-perdue" process is an ancient and still vital part of metalworking and sculpture, allowing for the creation of highly detailed and intricate works of art.