Large Viennese cold-painted bronze figure of an Arab by Bergman

Crafted in the early 20th century Austria, this cold-pained bronze sculpture showcases an unusual composition for objects of this type.

Franz Xaver Bergman (1961-1936), the artist behind this antique, depicts an Arab man looking to the side in shock at what he has just witnessed. His eyes are looking up and are wide open just like his mouth. His body posture with both arms extended outwards and an uneasy stance could suggest that perhaps something scary has just taken place. The cold-painting technique is employed to highlight fine anatomical details such as teeth and eyes.

The figure is dressed in traditional Orientalist-style clothing where muted shades of cream, grey and brown predominate. Around the Arab’s waist is a vibrant polychrome belt adding a pop of colour to the piece. A rocky ground acts as the base on which he stands. This is mounted on a round bronze plinth.

On the reverse, the sculpture is stamped with the following marks: a ‘B’ in an urn-shaped cartouche, ‘GESCHUTZ’, ‘BERGMANN’ and ‘2607’.

Showcasing an intriguing design by Bergman, this figurative sculpture would make an outstanding addition to one’s collection of Austrian antiques.