Bronze sculpture has evolved dramatically from classical to modernist approaches, reflecting shifts in artistic philosophy, technique, and cultural context. Classical bronze sculpture, rooted in ancient Greek and Roman traditions, emphasizes realism, idealized human forms, and mythological or historical subjects. Artists like Donatello and Michelangelo perfected techniques such as lost-wax casting to create lifelike figures with precise anatomical detail. These works often served commemorative or decorative purposes, adhering to strict proportional systems like the Golden Ratio.

In contrast, modernist bronze sculpture emerged in the late 19th century as artists began rejecting traditional norms. Pioneers like Auguste Rodin introduced expressive distortion, fragmented forms, and abstract concepts. Modernist works prioritize emotional impact over realism, experimenting with texture (leaving tool marks visible) and unconventional poses. The subject matter expanded to include psychological themes, industrial critiques, and pure abstraction, as seen in works by Giacometti or Brancusi.

Technologically, both approaches use bronze casting but differ in execution. Classical sculptors meticulously polished surfaces to perfection, while modernists often celebrated the raw materiality of bronze. The modernist movement also incorporated new techniques like welding and assemblage, breaking from classical single-pour methods. Ultimately, these differences highlight how bronze sculpture transitioned from representing external ideals to expressing internal realities, mirroring broader artistic revolutions.