Following the traditional methods of sculpting in clay with handmade tools, Michael Alfano brings a portrait to life. The finished work is beautifully rendered, capturing not only the likeness, but also the presence of the individual.

A commissioned portrait sculpture of an esteemed leader or a loved one makes a unique and timeless gift.

Wyatt, Hydrostone

Portrait Sculptures
by
Michael Alfano

Michael's portraits have been accepted into many juried shows, earning numerous awards.

Anwar Sadat, Bonded Bronze
Peace Studies Institute, Maryland

[Portrait sculpture of Arnie Snider III]

Arnie Snider III, Bronze
Unveiling at the Met

Lt. Maxwell, Bronze

(Left) Commissioned by Camilla Sadat, daughter of the late Egyptian leader, the sculpture was created based on photos and her memories.
(Center) Snider received this surprise gift at his retirement gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from Deerfield Management, the hedge fund group he founded.
(Right) The sculpture of the heroic Lt. Maxwell was commissioned for Maxwell AFB.

About the Process

Michael typically requires three to five sittings to complete a portrait, although it can be done from good-quality photographs if necessary. Sittings are at his studio, or at the subject's home or office.

At the first session, Michael takes photographs and measurements of the subject's head and face to ensure the accuracy of the life-size portrait. During the three to four hours at each sitting, Michael will get to know the subject, which helps him incorporate their personality into the portrait. Between sessions, Michael works on the sculpture in his studio.

When the subject and Michael are satisfied with the clay sculpture, it is ready for casting. The choices of casting material are hydrostone (plaster), bonded bronze (polyresin with bronze powder), or bronze. The entire process usually takes three to six months, but if necessary, shorter timeframes are negotiable.

Bill, Clay, Before Casting

Options and Pricing Guidelines

Freeman John, Bronze Paulina, Bronze	Poses	Hydrostone	Bonded Bronze	Bronze
	Head and neck, life-size	$3,500	$4,000	$5,200
	Head and shoulders, life-size	$4,500	$5,500	$7,000
	Head and shoulders, over life-size (120%)	$5,000	$6,000	$8,000
	Full length, life-size adult	$17,500	$20,000	$35,000

Although the prices listed here are for standard portrait sizes, quotes for other sizes, from miniature to monumental, are available upon request. Duplicates can be made at a reduced price. These prices are approximate, in part due to the fluctuating prize of bronze. An exact quote will be provided based on the details of your commission.

Wyatt, Hydrostone

Portrait Sculpturesby Michael Alfano

Anwar Sadat, Bonded Bronze Peace Studies Institute, Maryland

Lt. Maxwell, Bronze

About the Process

Bill, Clay, Before Casting

Options and Pricing Guidelines

Freeman John, Bronze

Paulina, Bronze

Poses

Hydrostone

Bonded Bronze

Bronze

Head and neck, life-size

$3,500

$4,000

$5,200

Head and shoulders, life-size

$4,500

$5,500

$7,000

Head and shoulders, over life-size (120%)

$5,000

$6,000

$8,000

Full length, life-size adult

$17,500

$20,000

$35,000

Portrait Sculptures
by
Michael Alfano

Anwar Sadat, Bonded Bronze
Peace Studies Institute, Maryland