What historical events spurred the decline of wrought iron figurative sculptures in the 20th century?
The decline of wrought iron figurative sculptures in the 20th century was influenced by several pivotal historical events. The rise of industrialization shifted focus from handcrafted metalwork to mass production, reducing demand for labor-intensive wrought iron art. Additionally, the advent of modernist movements like Bauhaus and Abstract Expressionism prioritized minimalism and new materials over traditional figurative forms. World Wars I and II further disrupted metal supply chains, diverting resources toward military needs. Finally, the growing popularity of cheaper, more versatile materials like steel and aluminum marginalized wrought iron's role in art. These factors collectively contributed to the fading prominence of this once-celebrated craft.
