La sculpture monumentale en zinc

Abstract

The monumental sculpture in zinc. Discovered and employed in its state of metal at a very late date in Europe, the zinc has been brought to artistic use only since the beginning of the 19th century. The three-fold production of zinc sculpture includes : zinc sculpture as architectural decoration, independant monuments and sculptures and zincs of art. Several consecutive technical improvements allowed the success of this light and cheap metal which served as substitute for more noble and expansive materials. Germany was the international center of monumental sculpture, while France was specialized in the zinc of art. This metal was also specially promoted in the United States of America. The numerous Universal Exhibitions played a crucial role for the realization of sculptures in zinc. Thus the most important ensemble of zinc sculptures known and presevered in France, was realized for the roof of the Petit Palais during the Universal Exhibition in 1900 in Paris. Nevertheless, unable to grant everlastingness, zinc fell into discredit about 1930.