1950-2009, Sculptor

Nikolay Anev. Born in Sofia in 1950 Nikolay Anev belonged to the most famous sculptors of Bulgaria, where he was already anno 1984 and 1986 national awards for his sculptural oeuvre. He got his nickname „The Thracian “ when he worked as a restaurateur of Thracian treasures in the National University of Cultural Monuments in Sofia before his study in the Academy in St. Petersburg. Nikolay Anev died in 2009.

An alloy of copper with other metals (especially with tin) used since ancient times.

Bronze casting:

When casting bronze, artist usually applies the lost-wax technique which is dating back more than 5000 years. It's the best, but also the most complex method of producing sculptures.

Sculpture "The Book Reader" by Ernst Barlachs is shown here as an example:

First, the artist forms a model of his sculpture. It is embedded in a liquid silicone rubber composition. Once the material has solidified, the model is cut out. The liquid wax is poured in the negative mould. After cooling down, the wax casting is removed from the mould, provided with sprues and dipped into ceramic mass. The ceramic mass is hardened in a kiln, and the wax flows out (lost mould).

Now we finally have the negative form, into which the 1400 ° C hot molten bronze is poured. After the bronze had cooled down, the ceramic shell is broken off and the sculpture comes to light.

Now the sprues are removed, the surfaces are polished, patinated and numbered by the artist himself or, to his specifications, by a specialist. Thus, each casting becomes an original work