Rare Viennese cold painted bronze Orientalist lamp by Alfonso Titze

Wrought in the typical Viennese manner from cold-painted bronze, this outstanding lamp was made by an Austrian maker, Alfonzo Titze in the early 20th century.

The lamp is cast in the shape of a camel carrying a canopy. Inside it are three female figures, all sitting and looking out to observe the views during their journey. Two females are older clothed in gold-toned garments with turbans on their heads. The third figure is a young girl wearing a more ornate head ornament. Her facial expression suggests she is amazed by the views she is seeing.

The carriage is decorated with bright green, red and black Orientalist symmetrical patterns. A large piece of vivid red textile is draped over it acting as protection against the elements. A sea of red tassels attaches the carriage to the camel as well as decorates his neck.

In front of the camel stands a male figure leading the animal. He is clothed similarly to the female figures, his turban brightly coloured in shades of gold, green, red, and black.

Cold painting is a process whereby multiple layers of unfired dust paint are applied to the patinated bronze pieces. The results are vividly coloured and superbly detailed items like the lamp in Mayfair Gallery’s collection.

This Orientalist lamp portrays an unusual and charming scene of young ladies travelling and admiring their surroundings. The exemplary attention to detail, superb quality and interesting topic make this cold-painted patinated bronze figure a very desirable addition to one’s collection.