Large Austrian figurative cold-painted bronze sculpture

Large Austrian figurative cold-painted bronze sculpture
Austrian, c. 1910
Height 25cm, width 17cm, depth 9cm
 
This cold-painted bronze sculpture depicts an Arab soldier in a defensive position, dressed in typical Orientalist robes. The vibrant colours of this bronze are a stand-out feature, with the rich yellows and reds of the soldier’s robes made possible by the cold-painting technique, a frequent for bronzes of this time. The bright green sash around the figure’s waist holds two ornately decorated daggers, further creating the impression that this figure is ready against any oncoming dangers.
 
Excellent carving skill can be seen throughout the piece, in particular the drapery of the robes and the texture of the rock on which the figure stands. The bronze sits on top of a stunning red marble pedestal which is octagonally shaped and provides a wonderful textural contrast to the carved bronze.
 
The sculpture is stamped ‘ARGENTOR WIEN’, who were one of the largest metal manufacturers of the Viennese Jugendstil Movement.
 
This sculpture shines with its expressive figure and beautiful detailing, and is an excellent piece for any collectors of Orientalist art.