Object Description
Antique cold-painted bronze of a pulled rickshaw by Bergman
Austrian, c. 1910
Height 19cm, width 37cm, depth 20cm
This unusual cold-painted bronze depicts a running Arab man, who pulls an old-fashioned rickshaw cart behind him. The figure is dressed in a typical Orientalist fashion with a tunic and turban, his torso left exposed. The vibrant gold of the figure’s clothing expertly complements the dark colour of bronze. The man is clearly in motion, deftly balancing on his front foot, and this delicate modelling shows Bergman’s skill as a maker.
The empty rickshaw which the figure pulls is also crafted from bronze. Situated between two very large wheels is a single seat, which is simulated to look like leather. The footwell of the cart is particularly detailed, with colourful engraved decoration in a foliate, geometric pattern.
Both of the bronze elements are situated atop a slab of marble, which is cream-coloured with brown veining. The shining marble provides an interesting textural contrast against the bronze, as well as complementing the colours of the sculpture itself.
A ‘B’ in an urn-shaped cartouche, alongside ‘GESCHÜTZT’ and other markings, can be seen on the back of the cart. The marks signify the maker to be the Austrian artist Franz Xaver Bergman (1861-1936), one of the most important artists working with the complex cold-painting technique at the turn of the 20th century.
Exemplifying Bergman’s ingenuity as an artist, this bronze has a charming character that would make a superb addition to any interior space.