The Intriguing Nature Of Austrian Cold-Painted Bronze Figures

Austrian cold-painted bronze figures were typically hollow. The process of making these bronze sculptures involved casting the metal into a mould, which was often done in sections that were later assembled and welded together. This technique, known as lost-wax casting, is an ancient method that is still widely used today. The bronzes were then decorated with several layers of paint, a technique known as cold-painting, which was often done by women working from home. These figures were popular among the upper-middle classes in Europe, who displayed them in their homes.

The process of cold-painting

The creation of cold-painted bronzes was a labour- and time-intensive process, requiring a high level of skill. Several specialist craftsmen and craftswomen were involved in the creation of each sculpture. The bronzes were cast using either wax or plaster moulds, designed and created by the artists employed at the bronze foundries. They were often cast in sections and then assembled and welded together. With the use of specialist chasing tools, the bronzes were hand-finished, adding depth and texture to the surfaces for greater visual appeal.

While men were involved in the crafting of the bronze, it was typically women who were responsible for the painting and decorating, often working from home. The paint would chip easily, so it was important to handle cold-painted bronzes with care.

The cold-painting technique has now been lost, making original antique cold-painted bronzes very desirable.

The history of cold-painted bronzes

Cold-painted bronzes refer to a specific type of bronze sculpture that originated in Vienna, Austria, during the Biedermeier era (1815-1848). These sculptures became renowned worldwide for their superb finish and interesting designs. The term "cold-painted" refers to the technique of decorating cast bronzes with several layers of unfired paint, resulting in vibrant shades that accentuated the intricate details of the sculptures. The paint, known as "dust paint", was applied by women working from home, and the technique has since been lost.

At the turn of the 20th century, Vienna was a cultural hub, with a plethora of makers producing high-quality goods, including cold-painted bronzes. These sculptures ranged from decorative miniatures to larger functional wares, and they held great appeal for the growing upper-middle classes in Europe, who proudly displayed them in their homes.

One of the most famous names associated with Viennese cold-painted bronzes is Franz Xaver Bergman, who owned a foundry and produced numerous patinated and cold-painted bronzes with Oriental, erotic, and animal themes. Bergman is known for his detailed and colourful work, often featuring whimsical and humorous depictions of animals and humans. Other notable artists from this period include Bruno Zach, Carl Kauba, Alfonso Titze, Anton Chotka, and Stefan Buchinger.

The production of cold-painted bronzes peaked during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the popularity of the Art Nouveau style in Europe and America. This style was characterised by decorative and sensual imagery, exploring the female form, sexuality, and erotic identity. Cold-painted bronzes often depicted sensuous poses of young women in the Art Nouveau style, sometimes with coverings that could be lifted to reveal the figure underneath.

In addition to figurative scenes, cold-painted bronzes also featured Orientalist themes, reflecting a growing interest in the cultures of the Near and Middle East following Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Egypt in 1798. Artists drew inspiration from archaeological discoveries, travels to these regions, and printed materials. Orientalist cold-painted bronzes often took the form of letterboxes, lamps, and decorative sculptures.

Cold-painted bronzes were also popular in the form of small animals and figurines, often under 2 inches tall, which were sold in department stores and are now sought-after collectibles. The creation of these sculptures was a labour-intensive process, requiring the skills of several specialist craftsmen and craftswomen. Today, original antique cold-painted bronzes are highly desirable due to the loss of the complex cold-painting technique.

Artists who made cold-painted bronzes

Cold-painted bronzes were cast in Vienna and then decorated with several layers of paint that was not fired, hence the term "cold-painted". This technique was popular during the Art Deco period, which started in the 1920s. The paint, known as "dust paint", was applied by women working from home. The bronzes were cast using either wax or plaster moulds, which were designed and created by artists employed at the bronze foundries.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, around 50 Austrian bronze foundries were producing Viennese cold-painted bronzes. Here are some of the most well-known artists from this period who specialised in cold-painted bronzes:

Franz Xaver Bergman (1861-1936)

Perhaps the most famous name associated with Viennese cold-painted bronzes, Bergman was the owner of a foundry in Vienna and produced numerous patinated and cold-painted bronzes, including Oriental, erotic, and animal figures. He is known for his detailed and colourful work, often featuring scantily clad women in sensuous poses. He signed his works with either a letter 'B' in an urn-shaped cartouche or 'Nam Greb' (his name spelled backwards) to disguise his identity on more controversial pieces.

Bruno Zach (1891-1935)

Zach was born in Ukraine but emigrated to Austria as a young man and studied sculpture at the Vienna Academy. He became famous for both cold-painted and polychromed bronzes, with female figures being his favoured subject. He also created works in other styles, including Orientalist pieces and erotic sculptures that sparked controversy in the early 20th-century market.

Carl Kauba (1865-1922)

Kauba studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and later in Paris. He is known for his figurative depictions of Indigenous Americans and the Old West, which were frequently exported to America between 1895 and 1912.

Other Notable Artists

• Alfonso Titze
• Anton Chotka (1881-1955)
• Stefan Buchinger
• Fritz Bermann

The subjects of cold-painted bronzes

Animals

Animal figures were very desirable, and artists would depict both domestic and wild animals in a variety of sizes, from small cats to larger tigers. Artists would spend extended periods studying the appearance of wild animals at the Imperial Menagerie (later the Schönbrunn Zoo) in Vienna, where the creatures were displayed in individual enclosures.

Anthropomorphic Creatures

Anthropomorphic creatures, or animals with human characteristics, were also popular subjects for cold-painted bronzes. These could include whimsical and humorous depictions of animals, such as mice playing chess.

Erotica

Erotic figures were another common subject, often featuring scantily clad females in sensuous poses. These figures were sometimes concealed within larger objects, such as carefully sculpted animals, which would open to reveal the erotic figure inside. Bruno Zach was known for creating explicit erotic sculptures that sparked controversy in the early 20th-century market.

Orientalist Scenes

Orientalist themes were also prevalent in cold-painted bronzes, reflecting a growing interest in the cultures of the Near and Middle East. This interest was sparked by Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Egypt in 1798 and fuelled by archaeological discoveries in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Artists drew inspiration from their travels to these regions, as well as from indirect sources such as art and printed materials. Franz Xaver Bergman created Orientalist pieces, including a cold-painted bronze letterbox modelled after an ancient Egyptian building.

In addition to these main subjects, cold-painted bronzes could also depict everyday life, including individuals undertaking tasks such as selling jewellery, hunting, or praying.

The value of cold-painted bronzes

Cold-painted bronzes are highly valued for their superb finish, intricate designs, and vibrant colours. The value of these pieces can vary depending on several factors, including their age, rarity, condition, and provenance.

Firstly, cold-painted bronzes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are often the most desirable due to their intricate and complex cold-painting technique, which is now lost. These antique pieces are sought after for their superior surface finish and quality of cast.

Secondly, the quality of the paint and cast significantly impact the value of cold-painted bronzes. As unfired paint chips easily, pieces with a good surface finish and minimal damage are more highly prized. The presence of the original, vibrant colours also adds to their value, as damage and wear reduce the worth of these works.

Thirdly, the subject matter and functionality of the cold-painted bronzes influence their value. Decorative sculptures depicting animals, erotica, and Orientalist scenes were popular and are still sought after by collectors. Additionally, functional pieces such as lamps, inkstands, and storage boxes are considered more valuable.

Lastly, the artist's signature or mark can greatly increase the value of a cold-painted bronze. Pieces by renowned artists like Franz Xaver Bergman, Carl Kauba, and Bruno Zach are highly coveted and can fetch higher prices, especially if they are signed or bear the maker's mark.

When caring for and displaying cold-painted bronzes, it is essential to remember that the paint is soft and vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using metal polish or any chemical cleaners, and instead, gently dust or wipe the piece with a damp cloth.

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