The Fascinating Technique of Lost Wax Casting
What is lost wax casting?
a. A technique for modeling in which wax is carved then heated after a mold is made, then heated so that the wax melts, leaving an impression.
b. A technique for staging in which wax is carved then heated after a mold is made, then heated so that the wax melts, leaving an impression.
c. A technique for carving in which wax is carved then heated after a mold is made, then heated so that the wax melts, leaving an impression.
d. A technique for sculpture in which wax is carved then heated after a mold is made, then heated so that the wax melts, leaving an impression.
What is the correct answer?
The correct answer is A. (1) Lost wax; (2) casting.
Lost wax, or lost-wax casting, is a technique in which a sculpture is made as a duplicate of an original piece. This process has been used for centuries by artists and craftsmen to create intricate and detailed sculptures.
Although there are many different processes to cast a sculpture in lost wax, the principles remain the same:
1. Model Making: A model is made, often in clay or wax, to create the desired sculpture.
2. Mould Making: A mould is made around the original piece to capture its shape and details.
3. Wax Casting: The mould is partially filled with wax to create a hollow copy of the original sculpture.
4. Metal Casting: A second mould, made with fire-resistant materials, is created around the wax model. Liquid metal, such as silver, gold, brass, or bronze, is poured into the mould.
5. Final Result: The wax evaporates, liquifies, or burns during the heating process, leaving room for the metal to cast inside the mould. Once the metal cools and hardens, the mould is removed, revealing the final sculpture.
Lost wax casting allows artists to replicate intricate details and textures in their sculptures, making it a popular and versatile technique in the art world.