What is cold-painted bronze?

Cold-painted bronze refers to metal sculptures finished with layers of oil or enamel paint applied after the casting process without firing. This technique allows for vivid coloration on small animal and human figures, though the pigment remains delicate over time.

How do I clean a vienna bronze statue?

These pieces require gentle dusting with a soft, dry brush to protect the fragile surface paints from moisture and abrasion. Water and chemical cleaning agents will strip the original cold-painted finish entirely.

Are all these bronzes from Vienna?

While the style originates from Austrian foundries in Vienna, production also involved broader Continental workshops using similar casting methods. Makers often marked their output with stamps or registered design numbers to indicate origin.

Why do some figures have stone bases?

Natural stone bases such as marble, onyx, or quartz provided stability for heavy or top-heavy compositions like birds of prey and bookends. These mounts also added height and contrast to the dark metal surfaces.