Object Description
Large Viennese cold-painted bronze lamp by Titze
Austrian, c. 1910
Height 47cm, width 20cm, depth 17cm
Alfonso Titze, a skilled Austrian artist working in the early 20th century is the artist behind this superb cold-painted bronze lamp.
The scene is created with a bronze construction imitating wood, stone, textile and straw in front of which two people are present. A tall pillar acts as the main support while the bamboo construction supports the roof made from a rug and straw. A faint depiction of a mosque can be seen on the vivid red panel of the rug. A crescent moon, an important symbol of Islam, is surmounting the whole piece.
In front of the construction sits an Arab man with a gun, while a lady is standing against the large pillar. Both are dressed in vibrant clothing, however, the lady’s torso has been left naked. Surrounding them are several objects such as an open chest or a fallen vase and a pedestal.
The piece is marked ‘TITZE’.
Made using the complex cold-painting technique, this sculptural lamp would be a wonderful addition to one’s collection.
Literature: A very similar example is featured in Joseph Zobel, Antique Vienna Bronzes, page 203.