Austrian Vienna Bronze Dachshund Sculpture Manner of Bergman
Austrian School, circa 1900
Alert Long-Haired Dachshund
Early-20th-Century Patinated Bronze Sculpture | In the Tradition of Franz Xaver Bergmann
Highlights
• Naturalistic bronze model of a long-haired Dachshund.
• Attributed to Austrian or Central European production around 1900.
• Animated walking pose with raised head and attentive expression.
• Finely textured ears, chest and coat.
• Appears to be solid cast, with a weight of approximately 400 grams.
• Deep brown-black patina with warm underlying tones.
• Stylistically related to the Viennese animal-bronze tradition.
• Offered in the manner of Franz Xaver Bergmann.
• No visible signature or Bergmann foundry device.
• Sourced from the collection of an Eastern Shire fine art dealer.
Introduction
Poised in mid-step with its muzzle raised and attention engaged, this compact bronze Dachshund combines naturalistic observation with considerable sculptural charm.
The dog’s long body, low stance and feathered ears immediately identify the long-haired Dachshund, known throughout German-speaking Europe as the Teckel or Dackel. Careful surface modelling gives definition to its coat, while the lifted head introduces an appealing impression of curiosity and movement.
The sculpture is catalogued as an Austrian or Central European work dating from approximately 1900. Its scale, subject and animated modelling place it within the wider tradition of Viennese cabinet bronzes associated with workshops such as that operated by Franz Xaver Bergmann.
As the bronze is unsigned and carries no recognised Bergmann mark, the comparison is stylistic rather than an attribution to that foundry.
Catalogue Details
Maker: Unknown
Origin: Catalogued as Austrian or Central European
Approximate date: Circa 1900
Material: Patinated bronze
Subject: Long-haired Dachshund
Category: Animalier and cabinet sculpture
Stylistic description: In the manner of Franz Xaver Bergmann
Surface: Dark brown-black patina with warm tonal variation
Markings: No signature or foundry mark identified
Construction: Appears solid cast, subject to technical confirmation
Weight: Approximately 400 grams
Catalogue Note
The Dachshund advances on short, firmly modelled legs, with its body forming a strong horizontal line. Its head rises above the shoulders and the muzzle points slightly upwards, creating the impression of a dog responding to a sound, scent or movement.
This alert posture brings animation to the composition without sacrificing anatomical clarity. The deep chest, elongated torso and strong forequarters reflect the working characteristics for which the breed was historically developed.
The long-haired coat is indicated through carefully directed surface texture. Feathering is most visible around the ears and chest, while subtler modelling describes the ribcage and flanks. Smoother treatment across the legs and muzzle creates a pleasing variation in texture.
The bronze has a notable density for its size. Its weight and visible construction suggest a solid casting, although the interior has not been examined through radiography and the construction cannot be stated with absolute certainty.
The Bergmann Context
Franz Xaver Bergmann (1861–1936) operated one of Vienna’s most prominent decorative bronze foundries.
The firm became internationally known for small, highly detailed sculptures encompassing animals, human figures, Orientalist groups and humorous subjects. Many were enlivened with cold-painted colour, while others employed naturalistic brown, golden or multicoloured patination.
Recognised Bergmann bronzes frequently carry the foundry’s “B” and urn device. Recorded examples may also display numbers, registered-design wording or alternative marks associated with the workshop.
No such device has been identified upon this Dachshund. It is therefore not catalogued as a Bergmann-foundry bronze.
The phrase “in the manner of Franz Xaver Bergmann” places the sculpture within the visual and commercial environment of Viennese bronze production around the beginning of the 20th century. It is not a statement of manufacture, authorship or workshop provenance.
Material And Patina
A layered brown-black patina covers the surface, with warmer bronze tones emerging in crevices and areas of natural rubbing.
The raised muzzle, shoulders and flanks display gentle wear consistent with handling and display. Small areas of green oxidation are visible in several recesses.
Verdigris can develop naturally upon copper-alloy objects through environmental exposure. Its presence is compatible with bronze but cannot independently confirm the date or authenticity of a sculpture.
The fur texture appears integral to the cast, supplemented by workshop finishing. Although the visible surface could be consistent with lost-wax casting, the manufacturing process has not been technically analysed and remains unconfirmed.
The Breed
The Dachshund was developed in Germany as a specialised hunting dog. Its elongated torso, short legs and powerful chest allowed it to work close to the ground and pursue quarry into underground burrows.
The breed’s confident temperament and highly recognisable appearance later made it popular as a domestic companion throughout Europe.
Dachshunds were particularly well suited to the naturalistic and characterful animal sculptures produced in Austria and Germany around 1900. Their long silhouettes gave artists a distinctive compositional form, while their alert expressions allowed considerable individuality to be introduced into even the smallest bronze models.
This example captures both the breed’s working heritage and the appealing personality that established it as a favourite companion dog.
Provenance
Collection of an Eastern Shire fine art dealer
Subsequently curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
This provenance is recorded according to the information supplied with the object. It does not constitute independent proof of maker, date or place of manufacture.
Dimensions And Weight
Length: 10.5 cm
Height: 6.3 cm
Width: 3.3 cm
Approximate weight: 400 grams
Its cabinet proportions make the sculpture easy to display on a desk, bookshelf, side table, mantelpiece or within a collection of European animal bronzes.
Condition Report
Very good overall condition for an object catalogued as dating from the early 20th century.
The dark patina is well preserved and displays attractive tonal variation. Light rubbing and surface wear are visible on the more prominent areas, with minor oxidation present in a number of crevices.
No visible cracks, breaks or repairs have been detected during normal examination. The sculpture remains stable when displayed.
The surface has not been aggressively cleaned or polished, preserving its existing patina and character.
Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition report. Further detailed images can be provided upon request.
Shipping
Professional worldwide shipping is available.
The bronze will be carefully wrapped, securely packaged and fully insured throughout transit. Local collection may also be arranged by appointment.
Please contact us if you require further details, additional photographs or a delivery quotation.
Attribution And Research Notice
The proposed date, Austrian or Central European origin, material assessment, construction and stylistic interpretation presented in this catalogue constitute the professional, non-guaranteed opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. These conclusions have been prepared in good faith through visual examination, supplied provenance, comparison with recorded examples, published references and professional experience within the international antiques market.
No signature or Bergmann foundry mark has been identified. The catalogue phrase “in the manner of Franz Xaver Bergmann” describes stylistic affinity only and does not represent an attribution to Bergmann or his workshop. No metallurgical examination, radiography or scientific analysis has been undertaken. The precise alloy, casting technique, internal construction and exact date therefore remain subject to further investigation. Future technical analysis or documentary research may alter or develop the current catalogue assessment.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®
Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art. Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.
Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.
