Large antique Austrian cold-painted bronze lamp by Alfonso Titze

Crafted in the early 20th century, using the complex cold-painting technique, this large lamp is by the Austrian maker, Alfonso Titze.

An Arab man with a gun is portrayed seated on a rug, while behind him stands a nude woman, only her lower body covered by clothing. Both of their garments are in vibrant shades of cream, gold, and red. Surrounding the figures is an open chest as well as a vase, which most likely fell from the pedestal beside it.

The bronze construction imitating wood, stone, straw, and textile acts as the background for the main figures. Bamboo sticks are arranged to form the support for the colourful and ornate rug and straw mat creating a form of protection against the elements and hiding the light fixture. A faint depiction of a mosque can be observed on the vivid red panel of the rug. Surmounting the whole piece is a crescent moon, an important symbol of Islam.

On the base, the piece is signed ‘TITZE’.

Depicting fine details such as the figures’ faces or the carpet texture, this Viennese cold-painted bronze would be a superb addition to one’s collection of Vienna bronzes.