Are these figures solid bronze?

Most antique figurines are cast as hollow forms to save weight and metal, though smaller figures and extremities may be solid. The walls of the casting maintain an even thickness determined by the foundry technician. Foundries used hollow casting to reduce the strain on the supporting marble base. You can often check the interior by looking underneath the stone plinth if the felt backing allows a view.

How can I tell if the marble base is original?

Look for signs of age in the stone, including minor surface wear, matching patination around the fixing pins, and construction methods consistent with the period of the bronze. The proportions of the plinth should complement the scale of the metal sculpture above it. Replaced bases often show modern drill holes, unaged fixing screws, or stone types that do not match the historical practices of the foundry. Original mounts fit the contours of the bronze feet or baseplate precisely.

What is cold-painted bronze?

Cold painting involves applying oil or enamel paints directly to a finished bronze casting without firing the piece in a kiln. This technique allowed Austrian makers to achieve vivid, lifelike colours on robes, feathers, and skin. Because the paint sits on the metal surface rather than fusing with it, handling can cause gradual wear over the decades. Preserving these pieces requires keeping them away from direct sunlight and moisture.