What are the implications of metal’s strain hardening for repoussé techniques in animal sculptures?

Strain hardening, a phenomenon where metals become stronger and harder as they are deformed, plays a crucial role in repoussé techniques used for creating animal sculptures. This process involves hammering or pressing metal from the reverse side to form intricate raised designs. As the metal undergoes strain hardening during repoussé, it gains increased resistance to further deformation, allowing for finer details and sharper contours in the sculpture. However, this also means the metal becomes less ductile, requiring careful annealing (heating and cooling) to restore workability without compromising the design. Artists must balance the benefits of strain hardening—such as enhanced structural integrity and crisp detailing—with its challenges, like reduced malleability. Mastering this balance is key to producing lifelike, durable animal sculptures in metal. The interplay between strain hardening and repoussé techniques highlights the blend of artistry and metallurgy in sculpting.