Object Description
Viennese cold-painted bronze of an Arab merchant
Austrian, c. 1910
Height 19cm, width 11cm, depth 14cm
This exceptional figurative sculpture depicts an Arab merchant selling his wares. The figure stands holding a piece of jewellery, with an inquisitive expression as if he is trying to entice potential buyers. He is expertly cast, with the ruffled texture of his beard a particularly fine detail.
The viewer’s eye is drawn to the figure’s vibrant clothing: a shimmering gold robe is complemented by a green-toned cloak which hangs loosely off his shoulder in an impressive show of drapery. Vibrant reds appear in the figure’s shoes and turban, the latter of which features further decorative coloured bands and dotted motifs.
Two tables display the items which the merchant is selling, the larger of which includes delicate leaf decoration in the centre of the skirt on each side. An eclectic mix of items are for sale, including jewellery, musical instruments, and weaponry, and each item is rendered with impeccable detail despite being on the miniature scale.
The underside of the figure is stamped ‘AUSTRIA’.
This fantastic bronze showcases the vibrant colours that cold-painting creates, and this piece would be a wonderful addition to any collection of Orientalist antiques.