The Rug Merchant from Franz Xaver Bergmann

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Artist: Franz Xaver Bergmann (1861-1936) Title: The Rug Merchant Technique: Painted bronze Size: 13 x 15 x 10.5 cm Marked: … Read more Artist: Franz Xaver Bergmann (1861-1936) Title: The Rug Merchant Technique: Painted bronze Size: 13 x 15 x 10.5 cm Marked: Brand mark in B cartouche Franz Xavier Bergman(n) (July 27, 1861 – January 1, 1936) was the owner of a Viennese foundry known for its detailed and colorful patinated and cold-painted bronzes, including Oriental, erotic, and whimsical animal figures. He signed his work with a 'B' in an urn-shaped cartouche or 'Nam Greb' (Bergman reversed) to conceal his identity on erotic pieces. His father, Franz Bergmann (1838 – 1894), founded the bronze factory in 1860, and Franz Xavier took over, opening a new foundry in 1900. Though often mistakenly called a sculptor, Bergmann was a foundry owner who employed many anonymous artists. Notably, Bruno Zach used Bergmann’s foundry to cast his works, including some erotic pieces under the pseudonym "Prof. Tuch". Cold-painted bronzes were decorated with dust paint, a method whose exact technique has been lost. See less