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Franz Bergmann Vienna Cold Painted Bronze Figure of Snake Charmer

About the Item

A highly coveted Franz Bergmann Vienna Cold Painted Bronze Figure of an Arab Snake Charmer on an alluring carpet of alluring colors and patterns. One arm raised for holding the needle which still retains the original string. Skillfully crafted of heavy bronze. This sought after piece has exquisite detail and is decorated with aged cold paints. Circa early 20th century, Art Nouveau / Art Deco era. Marks: Signature B-amphora (Bergmann amphora factory mark) GES.GESCH AUSTRIA; stamped on underside corner of carpet. B-amphora and AUSTRIA stamped on the back of the snake charmer's coat. Dimensions (approx): 3.25" W, 5" L, 3" H. Provenance: acquired through a private estate through Heritage Auction. Condition Report: Excellent condition with old patina. Retains original painted surface with some later paint. Wear/tear consistent with age and use. Artist Franz Bergmann: The famous Viennese bronze manufactory Bergmann was founded by Franz Bergmann (1838 - 1894), the elder, having come from Gablonz (Bohemia), where he had learned the artistic handcrafts of an engraver/chaser. He produced numerous patinated and cold-painted bronze Oriental, erotic and animal figures, the latter often humanized or whimsical, humorous objects d'art. Noted for his detailed and colorful work, he would sign either a 'B' in an urn-shaped cartouche or amphora, 'Nam Greb' - 'Bergman' in reverse, or occasionally inscribed 'Gesch' or 'Geschutzt' referring to the model/design being 'registered' or copyrighted. Cold-painted bronze pieces were cast in Vienna and then decorated in several layers with dust paint (the know-how for the mix of this kind of paint has been lost). The color was not fired; hence 'cold painted'. The painting was carried out mainly by women working at home, a typical cottage industry. Franz Xaver Bergmann, the younger (1861 - 1936), inherited the company after his father's death in 1894 and opened a new foundry in 1900. Many of the bronzes from the 1900s were still based on designs from his fathers workshop. He, too, was successful in management of his re-established bronze manufactory so that high quality of Bergmann bronze items could be kept.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Nouveau (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Paint,Cold-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent condition with old patina. Retains original painted surface with some later paint. Wear/tear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Forney, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5977226997252

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