Antique Austrian Orientalist cold-painted bronze sculpture

Antique Austrian Orientalist cold-painted bronze sculpture
Austrian, Early 20th Century
Height 33cm, width 19cm, depth 11cm
 
Showcasing the elaborate cold-painting technique, this Viennese sculpture is a striking example of the decorative arts that flourished in Austria during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
 
The sculpture presents a man standing next to a woman. Dressed in traditional Middle Eastern garments, the man’s bright red shoes are particularly eye-catching. He embraces the nude woman, whose body is modestly covered by a flowing red cloth. She wears a long necklace, and her hair is neatly arranged in a bun. The two figures stand upon a bronze rug, beautifully cast with intricate details. The cold-painting technique has been masterfully used to bring attention to specific details, such as the textured fabrics and the man’s expressive facial features.
 
The sculpture is mounted on a rectangular marble base.
 
A superb find for any collector with an interest in Orientalist art, this antique would be a standout addition to any collection.
 
A very similar example is featured in Joseph Zobel, Antique Vienna Bronzes, page 179.