Object Description
Large antique Austrian cold-painted bronze and alabaster sculpture
Austrian, c. 1910
Height 19cm, width 52cm, depth 33cm
Crafted using the complex technique of cold-painting bronze, the early 20th century Viennese sculpture depicts an interesting scene.
Four animals stroll along the large alabaster piece in a line formation. Two large camels, both ridden by male figures are on either end of the line, as if protecting the women in the middle. The man in front holds a gun in his hand further emphasizing the idea of protection. A woman holding a child rides a smaller camel led by a boy. Behind another woman rides a donkey which is led by a colourfully dressed lady.
All figures are wearing loose clothing in a traditional Orientalist style. The use of the cold-painting technique enabled Viennese artists to add several colours to the bronze and bring the figures to life.
The scene is unusual for pieces of this type and stands on a wooden base wrapped in a painted bronze sheet.
A display of exquisite skills, the sculpture would make a magnificent addition to one’s collection of cold-painted bronzes, and could act as, for example, a table centrepiece.