Artists masterfully create the illusion of tension or compression in static bronze sculptures through several sophisticated techniques. The strategic positioning of limbs plays a crucial role - outstretched arms or legs suggest tension, while tightly crossed limbs imply compression. Facial expressions become powerful tools, with furrowed brows or clenched jaws conveying internal strain. The careful manipulation of musculature enhances these effects, with exaggerated veins or taut muscles suggesting pent-up energy. Compositional techniques like asymmetrical balance or off-center weight distribution create visual tension that draws the viewer's eye. Surface treatment adds another dimension - polished areas might suggest strain, while rough textures could imply compression. Some artists employ negative space strategically, leaving voids that create a sense of impending collapse or constriction. The permanence of bronze paradoxically enhances these dynamic effects, freezing what appears to be a momentary state of tension in eternal stillness. Through these methods, sculptors transform cold metal into emotionally charged works that seem to pulse with contained energy.