Franz Xaver Bergmann
Austrian, 1898 - 1970
Artist Bio: Franz Xavier Bergmann
Franz Xavier Bergmann (July 27, 1861 – January 1, 1936) was a distinguished figure in the world of bronze sculpture, known for his Viennese foundry that specialized in exquisite patinated and cold-painted bronzes. His diverse body of work included everything from Oriental and erotic figures to whimsical animal sculptures, all imbued with humor and charm.
Born into a family of artisans, Bergmann inherited his father's bronze factory in Vienna, established in 1860. Under his stewardship, the foundry flourished, and in 1900, he expanded operations by opening a new facility. While Bergmann was not a sculptor himself, he played a crucial role in overseeing a talented team of artisans who transformed his designs into remarkable works of art.
His creations often bore a distinctive signature, marked by a letter 'B' within an urn-shaped cartouche or the reverse spelling 'Nam Greb,' particularly on his erotic pieces. Bergmann was not just an administrator; he collaborated with prominent sculptors, such as Bruno Zach, who trusted him with casting and editing their works.
Bergmann’s foundry was notable for pioneering the cold-painted bronze technique, which involved layering paint onto cast bronze sculptures. This intricate process, known for its vibrant hues and detailed designs, was typically carried out by skilled female artisans working from home.
His legacy is defined by the mastery of sensuous Art Nouveau designs that frequently concealed provocative elements beneath seemingly innocent exteriors. Many of his pieces featured hidden mechanisms, such as buttons or levers, that revealed concealed figures or compartments when activated.
The Bergmann foundry ceased operations in 1930 due to the economic challenges of the Great Depression. Although it was briefly reopened by his son, Robert Bergmann, it ultimately closed permanently after Robert's death in 1954. The remaining stock and molds were later acquired by Karl Fuhrmann & Co., preserving a significant chapter of Bergmann's artistic legacy.
Franz Xavier Bergmann (July 27, 1861 – January 1, 1936) was a distinguished figure in the world of bronze sculpture, known for his Viennese foundry that specialized in exquisite patinated and cold-painted bronzes. His diverse body of work included everything from Oriental and erotic figures to whimsical animal sculptures, all imbued with humor and charm.
Born into a family of artisans, Bergmann inherited his father's bronze factory in Vienna, established in 1860. Under his stewardship, the foundry flourished, and in 1900, he expanded operations by opening a new facility. While Bergmann was not a sculptor himself, he played a crucial role in overseeing a talented team of artisans who transformed his designs into remarkable works of art.
His creations often bore a distinctive signature, marked by a letter 'B' within an urn-shaped cartouche or the reverse spelling 'Nam Greb,' particularly on his erotic pieces. Bergmann was not just an administrator; he collaborated with prominent sculptors, such as Bruno Zach, who trusted him with casting and editing their works.
Bergmann’s foundry was notable for pioneering the cold-painted bronze technique, which involved layering paint onto cast bronze sculptures. This intricate process, known for its vibrant hues and detailed designs, was typically carried out by skilled female artisans working from home.
His legacy is defined by the mastery of sensuous Art Nouveau designs that frequently concealed provocative elements beneath seemingly innocent exteriors. Many of his pieces featured hidden mechanisms, such as buttons or levers, that revealed concealed figures or compartments when activated.
The Bergmann foundry ceased operations in 1930 due to the economic challenges of the Great Depression. Although it was briefly reopened by his son, Robert Bergmann, it ultimately closed permanently after Robert's death in 1954. The remaining stock and molds were later acquired by Karl Fuhrmann & Co., preserving a significant chapter of Bergmann's artistic legacy.
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Viennese cold-painted Orientalist bronze group by Franz Bergman
H 4.72 in W 5.91 in D 3.54 in
$ 7,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
A very large bronze model of a Bengal Tiger, Viennese, stamped for Franz Bergman
H 24.41 in W 45.28 in
$ 43,750
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Large antique cold-painted bronze lamp of a minaret scene by Bergman
H 14.57 in W 7.87 in D 4.72 in
$ 12,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Orientalist cold-painted bronze sculpture of a boy and a donkey by Bergman
H 11.81 in W 11.02 in D 6.69 in
$ 9,500
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Figurative cold-painted bronze lamp by Franz Xaver Bergman
H 18.11 in W 7.48 in D 11.42 in
$ 9,500
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Large Orientalist bronze group by Bergman
H 11.02 in W 7.09 in D 10.63 in
$ 7,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Large antique Viennese cold-painted bronze lamp of a princess by Bergman
H 16.54 in W 9.45 in D 5.12 in
$ 15,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Antique cold-painted bronze of a pulled rickshaw by Bergman
H 7.48 in W 14.57 in D 7.87 in
$ 9,500
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Viennese cold-painted bronze by Bergman depicting Rebecca at the well
H 11.81 in W 11.81 in D 11.81 in
$ 12,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Viennese cold-painted bronze lamp of an Arab by a campfire by Bergman
H 16.54 in W 3.94 in D 8.27 in
$ 15,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Large Viennese cold-painted bronze lamp of a mandolin player by Bergman
H 15.35 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
$ 15,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Viennese Orientalist cold-painted bronze lamp by Bergman
H 7.48 in W 9.06 in D 5.51 in
$ 10,750
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Large Austrian cold-painted bronze lamp of a palace guard by Bergman
H 12.99 in W 5.91 in D 5.12 in
$ 12,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Bronze lamp in the form of a townhouse by Bergman
H 11.81 in W 6.69 in D 3.94 in
$ 15,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Viennese cold-painted bronze and marble figurative sculpture by Bergman
H 9.84 in W 12.2 in D 3.94 in
$ 9,500
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Large antique Austrian cold-painted bronze figurative sculpture by Bergman
H 12.99 in W 7.48 in D 5.51 in
$ 9,500
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Large Austrian cold-painted bronze lamp of a palace guard by Bergman
H 12.99 in W 5.91 in D 5.12 in
$ 12,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Viennese cold-painted bronze and marble inkstand by Franz Xaver Bergman
H 8.66 in W 15.75 in D 6.69 in
$ 15,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Antique Viennese cold-painted bronze sculpture with a camel by Bergman
H 15.35 in W 12.2 in D 7.87 in
$ 15,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Austrian cold-painted bronze figure by Franz Xaver Bergman
H 12.2 in W 8.27 in D 5.51 in
$ 9,500
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Large Austrian cold-painted bronze sculpture by Franz Xaver Bergman
H 5.91 in W 11.81 in D 5.91 in
$ 15,000
Franz Xaver Bergmann
Cold painted bronze lamp with Orientalist subject by Bergman
H 18.11 in W 8.27 in D 4.72 in
$ 9,500
Loading...