A cold-painted Austrian bronze figure of a carpet seller with the mark for Franz Bergman, circa 1900-1925. Although Bergman's foundry was well known for producing many cold-painted bronzes of Orientalist scenes, animals, and erotic figures, it is a common misconception that Bergman was himself a sculptor or designer. While Bergman was a successful entrepreneur, he would employ anonymous sculptors who would execute his ideas. All pieces were signed with the Bergman mark apart from many of the erotic works produced by his foundry which he would sign with the pseudonym Nam Greb (as exhibited on this piece), so as to conceal his name from the authorities and avoid penalties for immortality.
Measures - 16.5cm H