Viennese cold-painted bronze and marble inkstand by Franz Xaver Bergman

Viennese cold-painted bronze and marble inkstand by Franz Xaver Bergman
Austrian, c. 1910
Height 22cm, width 40cm, depth 17cm
 
Crafted by the renowned Franz Xaver Bergman (1861-1936), the inkstand is of an unusual design making this a very desirable Austrian cold-painted bronze piece.
 
On a dark marble base stands an elegant Arab woman dressed in Orientalist style clothing. In her hands she is holding a chain and a stick, both used to tame the two leashed panthers walking beside her. The woman and the animals are rendered in a refined colour palette where shades of gold predominate.
 
The central scene is flanked by bronze inkwells. Each one includes a removable porcelain liner. Their design plays cohesively with the rest of the piece. A pen niche is carved in the front part of the marble.
 
Showcasing an interesting scene and the highest quality craftsmanship, this inkstand would be a magnificent addition to one’s office space.
 
Artist/Maker: Franz Xaver Bergman