Object Description
Large antique Austrian cold-painted bronze figural lamp
Austrian, c. 1910
Height 48cm, width 17cm, depth 17cm
This early 20th century bronze lamp epitomises Austrian Orientalist design.
The lamp displays a lone Arab soldier standing beneath a palm tree, his tense expression and raised arm suggesting that he is on guard. He wears typical Orientalist clothing, rendered in muted tones. The technique of cold-painting is used to full effect to add vibrant red and gold contrasts which complement the bronze palette.
The figure is shielded by a tall and elegant palm tree, the trunk and leaves of which are delicately etched into to evoke the natural textures. Further texture is created through the base of the sculpture, where the bronze has been sculpted with remarkable detail to evoke the rocky outcrop on which the soldier stands guard. A small lamp fitting is hidden amongst the overlapping palm leaves, which would beautifully illuminate the figure below.
A later etched mark of ‘AUSTRIA’ can be seen on the underside of the lamp.
A wonderful celebration of Viennese cold-painted bronze design, this superb lamp would make a fabulous addition to the home of an Orientalist collector.