Antique Vienna Bronze Bulldog
In Austria beginning around 1850, independent artisans began competing in the casting of exquisite bronze statutes of humans and naturalistic figures of animals. Subsequently they began to be known as “cold painted Vienna bronzes” as the oil-based pigments were not fired onto these figural pieces.
This figure of an English bulldog is realistically modeled, standing with his stocky legs set squarely at each corner of his compact muscular body. Heavy and thick-set, he is excellently painted white with brown markings. With ears set high on his head, his determined face with pink lips and warm brown eyes display the kind, resolute and courageous companion he truly is.
Measures more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length by 1-1/4 inches (3.3 cm) in height by 7/8 of an inch (2.2 cm) wide. In very good condition with light wear to body (with some darkness showing); light loss of paint to the feet and other areas (see photos). Dates to circa 1880 and is Austrian (Vienna) in origin.
