Franz Bergmann (Austrian 1838-1894) Erotic “Cold Painted” Bronze of an Egyptian Sarcophagus, Opening to Reveal a Gilt Bronze Female Nude Circa 1900

An early original cold painted bronze, by Franz Bergmann ( Austria 1838-1894), of an Egyptian sarcophagus on a marble base, opening to reveal an erotic female nude in gilt bronze. Bergmann was one of the old masters of cold painted bronze sculptures. ‘Cold-painted bronze’ refers to pieces cast in his foundry in Vienna (opened in 1860) and then decorated in several layers with so-called dust paint; the know-how for the mix of this kind of paint has been lost. The colour was not fired, hence ‘cold painted’. Bergmann was noted for his detailed and colourful work as shown here in the beautiful patina of the cobalt blues and cadmium warm reds and yellows. Look for his distinctive signature markings with either a letter ‘B’ in an urn-shaped cartouche or ‘Nam Greb’ – ‘Bergman’ in reverse. These marks were used to disguise his identity on erotic works, like in this sculptural piece.

Orientalist subjects, from the 17th Century onwards, became a customary or obligatory “Grand Tour of the East” for young Victorian gentlemen as an educational “rite of passage”. Visiting countries and experiencing customs they had only ever heard about in stories, these young men were keen to show their families mementos of their experience, especially the lavish subjects of the Middle Eastern Arab world like the Egyptian mummy. The return trip would usually include a visit to Vienna, and here the ‘souvenir’ shops supplied a plethora of beautifully crafted sculptures with an Orientalist Arab flavour. These were often acquired to show their friends and families images of their travels. Bergman was noted for his detailed and colourful work and he produced these Orientalist subjects to cater for this market.

This piece dating circa 1900 shows historical significance in its craftsmanship detail and quality that are truly remarkable. A prize bronze piece for any collector.

Dimensions: width 2.0″ x depth 2.0″ x height 8.75″