Metal art can be defined as any work of art that is crafted from ores of the earth, including bronze, gold, tin, lead, silver and iron. Metal art can be decorative or useful. For example, in the Early Bronze Age, cups and bowls were hammered for a decorative effect. Over time, metalwork became more decorative and metal sculptures demonstrate this most clearly.
The history of metal art can be traced as far back as 7000 B.C. The Early Bronze Age reveals crude artistic endeavors primarily through hammering metal. Artifacts found at Troy include copper, bronze, iron, silver, gold and lead. Knives, cups, bowls, vases and jewelry sculpted with decorative figures and patterns are present from some of the earliest civilizations. The Bronze Age demonstrates artwork that dates back as far as 2000 B. C. Tracing metal art distinguishes the artistic development of mankind.
Some of the earliest metal art According to Richard Tansey, author of Gardner's Art Through the Ages, researchers have dated metal art back to the Neolithic Age. Mesopotamia was "ahead of Egypt" (Tansey 35) in many areas, including metalwork. Other early geographical findings place crude metalwork in Mesopotamia, Mycenae and the Aegean age. Egypt is perhaps one of the most popular areas noted for metal art with its elaborate masks, jewelry, pottery and ornaments. Greece, Africa and European metal art developed and spread as man developed a sense of art and a desire to create.
The significance of metalwork is vital to understanding human history. Mankind is born with a desire to design and create things not only for practical uses, but also for aesthetic value. Ancient cups and bowls reveal an interest in design, and allow us to see the many stages of art. History also allows us to appreciate art when we see how it has developed.
Early metal art included objects of daily life. As man and his appreciation for art has evolved, metal art became more decorative. Sculpture and jewelry are perhaps the most popular and recognizable form of metal art today. Bronze, gold and copper statues are as popular as they are beautiful. Perhaps one of the most impressive pieces of metal art is the Statue of Liberty, located in New York Harbor. This statue is created from copper and wrought iron. Metal art is one of the most versatile of the arts because there are various types of metals and even more ways to be creative with them.