Franz Bergman Austrian Cold-Painted Bronze Arab Falconer on Horseback

A large Austrian cold-painted bronze sculpture from the Franz Xaver Bergman foundry of Vienna, circa 1900, depicting an Orientalist Arab falconer mounted on an Arabian horse. The sculpture bears the foundry’s distinctive amphora mark.

The composition captures a richly attired Middle Eastern horseman raising his arm toward the sky, with a falcon perched on his outstretched hand. His traditional garments include a flowing cloak, wrapped headdress and finely decorated tunic. A long rifle, ornamental powder flask and intricately modeled riding accessories complete the figure.

The horse is modeled with attention to anatomy, a sculpted mane, expressive facial features and an elaborate harness with decorative tassels. Rich cold-painted decoration in warm copper, burgundy, gold and earthy tones accentuates the detail throughout the composition.

Franz Xaver Bergman (1861–1936) was a celebrated Viennese bronze manufacturer known internationally for cold-painted bronzes of Orientalist subjects, exotic animals and scenes of Middle Eastern life. The foundry’s finest compositions are distinguished by their casting quality, sophisticated polychrome finishes and realism.

This dramatic equestrian group brings together the scale, craftsmanship and detailed surface decoration associated with Austrian Orientalist bronze sculpture.

Maker: Franz Bergmann / Franz Xaver Bergman foundry, Vienna.
Date of manufacture: circa 1900.
Materials and techniques: cold-painted bronze.
Signature/marks: Bergman foundry amphora mark.
Dimensions: 17 inches high × 15 inches wide × 3 inches deep (43.18 × 38.1 × 7.62 cm).

Condition: Very good overall, with normal wear consistent with age and use and rubbing to gilding in areas. Please review photographs.