Austrian cold-painted bronze and marble inkstand by Bergman

This unusual cold-painted bronze inkstand was expertly crafted by one of the best Austrian artists of the time. Franz Xaver Bergman (1861-1936) is famed for his exceptional work in cold-painted bronze such as this stunning piece in Mayfair Gallery’s collection.

Standing on a black and brown marble slab is an Arab woman dressed in Orientalist clothing. In her hands she holds the chains and a stick, taming the two leashed panthers beside her. The colours of the bronze beautifully match the naturally occurring colouration of the marble base. Shades of brown, deep green and bronze predominate creating a mysterious allure around the figures.

On either end of the marble base stands an inkwell.  Once the hinged lids are open, removable porcelain liners are revealed. The bronze inkwells are decorated with floral designs, their colours matching the aesthetics of the main figures. A shallow niche is carved in the stone for one to place a pen.

The piece is signed ‘Namgreb’ alongside a ‘B’ in an urn-shaped cartouche. Both marks have been used by Bergman to identify his works.

The atypical design demonstrates aesthetically pleasing as well as functional qualities making this inkstand a magnificent addition to one’s desk space.