The Modernist period marked a radical departure from traditional bronze sculpture, as artists embraced abstraction, asymmetry, and experimental techniques. Unlike classical works that prioritized realistic representation, Modernist sculptors like Constantin Brâncuși and Henry Moore stripped forms to their essence, creating simplified, often geometric shapes that emphasized emotion over literal depiction.

Traditional bronze casting methods were challenged through innovative surface treatments—rough textures, intentional imperfections, and oxidized finishes replaced polished perfection. The very concept of the pedestal was reimagined, with some works designed to interact directly with their environment.

Modernist sculptors also broke from narrative traditions, creating works that invited personal interpretation rather than telling prescribed stories. This shift reflected broader cultural changes, as artists sought to express the dynamism and fragmentation of modern life through radical new forms in enduring bronze.