Object Description
Austrian Orientalist cold-painted bronze lamp of a shoe cobbler
Austrian, Early 20th Century
Height 23cm, width 21cm, depth 16cm
The story presented by the makers of this sculptural lamp is set at a shoe cobbler’s workshop. Made in the traditional Viennese manner of cold-painted bronze, the piece is an outstanding example of high quality Orientalist design.
Three shoe cobblers are depicted working together in a traditional Orientalist building, one covered by textiles to protect them from the elements. The wall is decorated with a large pair of scissors, a tool often used by shoe cobblers.
In the foreground is a male figure reaching towards a wooden bench on which shoes needing repair are displayed. Behind him, sitting on a bamboo-supported table sit two other male figures. The first one is caught mid-speaking, in a pose suggesting he is excited. On his legs is a piece of textile. The man next to him is seen holding threads in both hands, repairing a vibrant red shoe. All figures are dressed in loosely fit clothing cold painted in vibrant shades of red and gold, their heads adorned with head coverings. Particularly bright are the red headpiece and the eye-catching red feet coverings.
The lamp is stamped ‘AUSTRIA’.
Depicting an unusual and charming Orientalist scene, this sculptural lamp is a testament to the impressive skills of early 20th century Viennese makers.