Large Bronze Horse In A Saddle From Vienna — Bergmann House

Cold-painted bronze on a marble base
Vienna, Austria — Late 19th or early 20th century
Total height: 32 cm

Large polychrome bronze horse depicted at rest, fully saddled and harnessed. With its head raised, ears pricked, and neck held high, the animal appears alert and noble.

The modeling precisely highlights the muscles of the shoulder, the contours of the flanks, and the joints of the limbs. The mane follows the curve of the neck, while the tail falls along the croup. The rendering of the coat, in shades of brown, contrasts with the ochre tones of the saddle and the dark hues of the hooves.

The tack is a particularly compelling feature of this sculpture: the bridle, reins, girths, and stirrups form a finely detailed ensemble. The reins extend from the body and trace gentle curves beneath the neck, lending a sense of lightness to the composition.

The horse stands on a rectangular terrace with a relief evoking natural ground, which in turn rests on a dark marble base veined with light and ochre hues. This base highlights the silhouette and the nuances of the polychromy.

The Bergmann Workshop and Viennese Bronzes

The workshop of Franz Xaver Bergmann (1861–1936) is known for its cold-painted Viennese bronzes, particularly its depictions of animals. This technique involves applying color after casting, without firing: it allows for precise detailing and gives the subjects a particularly lifelike presence.

This horse exemplifies this naturalistic approach, combining meticulous modeling with coloring that distinguishes the coat, tack, and accessories. Its 32-cm size gives it a striking presence in a library, an office, or an interior dedicated to the equestrian world.

Markings

The edge of the base bears the “B” stamp inside an amphora—the mark of the Bergmann foundry—as well as the inscription “GESCHÜTZT” and a stamped number. The horse also bears the Bergmann mark and its number on its belly.

The German word “Geschützt” means “protected” and refers to the model’s protected status.

An animal sculpture whose elegance stems as much from the balance of its silhouette as from the attention to detail in the harness.