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Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915) – “Siegfried” Bronze Sculpture
Lee Sherman Antiques
for sale €316     $343
£270
Lee Sherman Antiques

Lee Sherman Antiques

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Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915) – “Siegfried” Bronze Sculpture

1900 - 1920
Description

Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915) – “Siegfried” Bronze Sculpture

An impressive late-19th- to early-20th-century bronze sculpture by Austrian artist Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915), depicting the heroic figure of Siegfried in the dramatic moment of slaying the dragon.

The composition is dynamic and finely detailed, capturing the strength and movement of the legendary hero as he stands triumphant over the defeated beast. The modelling is crisp, with excellent attention to anatomical form, drapery, and the textured scales of the dragon. The bronze has a rich, dark patina that enhances the sculptural work's depth and definition.

The base is cast with the title “Siegfried” and signed “Besserdich.”

Condition: Offered in very good condition overall. There is a slight bend to the sword — perhaps a fitting consequence of battling a dragon —, but this does not detract from the overall display impact.

Height: 25.5 cm

A striking and highly decorative cabinet-sized bronze, ideal for collectors of 19th-century sculpture, mythological subjects, or Austrian bronzes.

Physical Dimensions
Height
25.5cm (10.04")
Declaration

Lee Sherman Antiques has dated this Antique Bronze Warrior Sculpture to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1199504
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Description
Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915) – “Siegfried” Bronze Sculpture
An impressive late-19th- to early-20th-century bronze sculpture by Austrian artist Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915), depicting the heroic figure of Siegfried in the dramatic moment of slaying the dragon.
Lee Sherman Antiques
fig 1. A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base.
fig 1. Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915) – “Siegfried” Bronze Sculpture

The composition is dynamic and finely detailed, capturing the strength and movement of the legendary hero as he stands triumphant over the defeated beast. The modelling is crisp, with excellent attention to anatomical form, drapery, and the textured scales of the dragon. The bronze has a rich, dark patina that enhances the sculptural work's depth and definition.

fig 2. A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base.
fig 2. Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915) – “Siegfried” Bronze Sculpture

The base is cast with the title “Siegfried” and signed “Besserdich.”

Condition: Offered in very good condition overall. There is a slight bend to the sword — perhaps a fitting consequence of battling a dragon —, but this does not detract from the overall display impact.

Height: 25.5 cm

A striking and highly decorative cabinet-sized bronze, ideal for collectors of 19th-century sculpture, mythological subjects, or Austrian bronzes.

Height
25.5cm (10.04")
Date of Manufacture

Lee Sherman Antiques has dated this Antique Bronze Warrior Sculpture to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1199504
Lee Sherman Antiques
Lee Sherman Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2019

Sourcing beautiful antiques & collectables from the past three hundred years!

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Lee Sherman Antiques Profile Page

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A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base.
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Archive I A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base.

Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915) – “Siegfried” Bronze Sculpture

Archive II A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View II
Archive III A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View III
Archive IV A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View IV
Archive V A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View V
Archive VI A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View VI
Archive VII A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View VII
Archive VIII A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View VIII
Archive IX A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View IX
Archive X A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View X
Archive XI A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XI
Archive XII A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XII
Archive XIII A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XIII
Archive XIV A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XIV
Archive XV A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XV
Archive XVI A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XVI
Archive XVII A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XVII
Archive XVIII A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XVIII
Archive XIX A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XIX
Archive XX A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base. View XX
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07970 618 204
Location
St Albans
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Oct 2019
Items For Sale 105
Items Sold 726
Lee Sherman Antiques
Lee Sherman Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2019
For Sale
105
Sold
726
A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base.
Ruffino Besserdich (1858–1915) – “Siegfried” Bronze Sculpture
Ref: SA1199504
A patinated bronze sculpture depicting the mythical hero Siegfried standing victorious with a sword, winged helmet, and shield above a dragon base.
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Archival Detail
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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European sculptors frequently drew inspiration from classical mythology, Germanic sagas, and romantic nationalism. Statuettes depicting legendary figures like Siegfried were produced as fine art display pieces for private libraries, drawing rooms, and civic collections.

These sculptures were generally cast using either the lost-wax (cire perdue) method or sand casting techniques. Once the raw bronze form cooled, artisan chasers refined the exterior surface details before chemical patinisation treatments were applied to create rich, dark surface hues.

Authentic period bronzes display precise surface chasing, natural wear along high-contact edges, and original foundry stamps or signatures cast into the base. The underside often reveals historic assembly hardware, hand-cut threads, and consistent oxidation consistent with age.

A dark patinated bronze statue provides visual weight when placed on a stone mantelpiece, dark wood desk, or structured bookshelf. Positioning the piece near warm ambient lighting highlights the dimensional relief and metallic surface patina.

Dust the sculpture regularly using a dry, soft-bristled brush or lint-free cloth. To protect the patination, apply a light coat of clear microcrystalline wax annually, buffing gently once dry, and avoid liquid chemical polishes or abrasive cleaners.
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