Mouse Nibbling On A Cookie - Viennese Bronze, Circa 1900

A rare and particularly amusing polychrome Viennese bronze painted with cold pigments, depicting a mouse nibbling on a cookie.

The animal is rendered with great finesse: the fur is entirely chiseled, while the ears, paws, and muzzle are delicately accented with pink. The long tail follows a supple, natural line. The cookie, already well into being eaten, serves as a decorative element in its own right, with its molded border and raised design.

This composition is fully in keeping with the tradition of Viennese animal bronzes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which are particularly sought after for their naturalism, their humorous character, and the quality of their cold-applied polychromy.

The bisque bears the inscriptions “GESCHÜTZT” and “DEPOSE”, as well as the model number 1084. The “DEPOSE” mark, which is very tightly spaced and partially worn, remains difficult to read.

Viennese work, circa 1900.
Very good overall condition.
Some slight wear to the polychrome decoration, consistent with its age.