Vienna bronze is the name given to the small, finely detailed cold-painted bronze figures produced in Vienna from the later nineteenth century into the early twentieth century. Cast in bronze and then painted in naturalistic colours without firing, these miniature sculptures depict animals, birds, insects, Orientalist subjects and amusing scenes with remarkable precision.
Vienna had many foundries and workshops making these pieces, and the best known is that associated with Franz Bergman, whose work often carries an impressed mark, sometimes including an urn-shaped stamp; some of his more risqué pieces were signed with the name Nam Greb, his surname reversed. Popular subjects include dogs, cats, birds, game, camels and Arab traders, carpet sellers, and animals dressed and behaving like people. Many pieces were made as functional objects such as inkwells, pen wipes, lamps, match holders and paperweights. Collectors value fine casting, crisp detail and especially the survival of the original cold painting, which is easily worn and is the main factor in value. Repainting reduces desirability, and modern reproductions are common, so careful inspection of casting quality, paint and marks is recommended.
