Sitting Bronze Dog

This figural inkwell in the form of a sitting dog is an example of late 19th to early 20th-century decorative metalware, often associated with Viennese or Austrian production.

Description of the Inkwell:

• Form and Pose: The inkwell depicts a dog in a seated position. The dog’s front paws are extended slightly forward, and its tail is curled around its body. It is made of bronze (or a bronze-like alloy). The dog’s head is hinged at the neck, allowing it to be lifted to reveal a cavity for the ink. The original ink insert is missing from this piece.
• Cold-Painting: The surface of the bronze has been cold-painted, meaning paints were applied to the metal after casting and cooling. This technique allows for realistic color and detailing. The dog’s fur is rendered in shades of brown, black. Details like the eyes, nose, and mouth are also picked out in appropriate colors.
• Detailing: The sculpting captures realistic details of the dog’s anatomy, including its muscular build, the texture of its fur, and its facial expression. Its ears are pricked, and its gaze is directed forward. He has the look of a Pinscher.