Bronze was the medium of choice during the art deco period. Often gilded, bronze gave sculptures richness not found in other mediums. Sculptors preferred working with bronze because it allowed them to create the graceful, flowing lines found in art deco without fear of the sculpture breaking. Sculptors also added a patina to their work by placing an outer layer of chemicals that react to the copper and tin within the bronze. Depending on the chemicals, sculptures change colors from black, brown, to reddish brown, light orange or green.
The female form is the most recognized art deco subject in sculpture. Graceful lines, long, sleek bodies, and mythical or exotic characters exemplified the work of this period. Often, in addition to the female form, slender and elegant creatures such as gazelles, gray hounds, and dolphins accompanied the subject of the sculpture. Lithe and nubile, the women portrayed in art deco sculptures were often nude or semi-nude with diaphanous drapes flowing over their bodies.
The sculptors of the art deco period found inspiration in Greek mythology as well as Asian and Egyptian cultures. The flowing or draped clothing along with the elongated or stylized forms of props within the sculpture remind the viewer of Greek goddesses and Egyptian hieroglyphs. Japanese, but especially Chinese art highly influenced the artists of the art deco period due to the clean, fluid lines as well as the subject matter of their artwork.
While large sculptures fill public places, gardens and mansions, the sculpture of the art deco period found its way into homes for creative uses through the marketplace. Small bronze sculptures, replicas of larger works of art, formed the bases for lamps that added beauty to a common household item. In addition, art deco sculptures, usually women, held clocks, glass candy dishes, ashtrays and cigarette lighters in their outstretched arms or cradled on their laps.