Object Description
Large Austrian cold-painted bronze sculpture by Franz Xaver Bergman
Austrian, Early 20th Century
Height 15cm, width 30cm, depth 15cm
Sculpted and made by Franz Xaver Bergman (Austrian, 1861-1936), this magnificent piece is an example of the highest quality Viennese cold-painted bronze sculpture.
A horse-driven two-wheeled carriage is controlled by a male figure dressed in traditional Orientalist clothing. Behind him on the carriage stand two adorable sheep looking into the distance as they journey through unknown lands. The man is sitting on a vivid red cloth, while his clothing is coloured in deep green, white and black.
The bronze is mounted on a white marble rectangular slab. The grey veining gives the illusion of a rocky road on which the carriage drives on.
The artist has achieved a beautiful, colourful bronze sculpture due to the employment of the cold-painting technique. A technique now largely forgotten focused on applying layers of unfired dust paint to the bronze. Bergman is one of the most renowned artists creating pieces using this technique.
A ‘B’ in an urn-shaped cartouche, alongside ‘GESCHÜTZT.’ and an inventory number ‘3693’ is stamped on the underside, testifying to the piece’s important provenance.
The unusual scene, equestrian theme and renowned Austrian maker make this decorative piece a very desirable addition to one’s collection of sculptures.