Creating a pitted surface on bronze sculptures is a popular technique to add texture, depth, and visual interest to metal artwork. Artists and sculptors employ several methods to achieve this effect, each offering unique results.

1. Chemical Etching: This involves applying acids or corrosive solutions to the bronze surface, creating controlled pits and irregularities. Ferric chloride or nitric acid solutions are commonly used, with the depth of pitting adjusted by exposure time.

2. Manual Tooling: Using chisels, punches, or specialized texturing tools, artists manually create pits and indentations. This method allows for precise control over the pattern and depth of the texture.

3. Sandblasting: High-pressure sand or abrasive particles are blasted onto the bronze surface, creating a uniform pitted texture. The coarseness of the abrasive determines the final finish.

4. Heat Texturing: Applying controlled heat with a torch can cause the bronze to bubble and pit, especially when combined with rapid cooling techniques.

5. Natural Oxidation: Allowing the bronze to oxidize naturally over time can create organic pitting, especially in outdoor sculptures exposed to environmental elements.

Each technique can be used alone or combined with others for more complex textures. The choice depends on the desired aesthetic, the scale of the sculpture, and the artist's preferred working methods. Proper finishing with patinas or protective coatings is essential to preserve the textured surface.