Water Nymph Bronze Inkstand

This bronze inkstand is a poetic fusion of Art Nouveau elegance and Viennese craftsmanship, and its markings link it to one of the most storied foundries of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and a sculptor whose work embraced natural symbolism.

Description of the Inkstand

This bronze inkstand, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, embodies the Art Nouveau ethos: flowing lines, organic forms, and a reverence for nature.

• Central Figure: A water nymph, kneeling gracefully, extends a flower bud toward a snail perched atop a water lily.
• Inkwell Integration: The water lily holds the inkwell.
• Finial Detail: The snail serves as the lid’s finial, adding whimsy.
• Material & Finish: Cast in bronze, with a patinated surface that enhances its organic textures. The base is filled with plaster, a common technique to add weight and stability to decorative bronzes.
• Markings:
  • “KK Kunst Erzgiesserei Wien”: Denotes casting by the Imperial and Royal Art Foundry of Vienna.
  • Signed “A. Pechmann”: The sculptor or designer, whose style aligns with the naturalistic and allegorical themes of the era.

KK Kunst Erzgiesserei Wien – The Imperial Art Foundry

The K.K. Kunst-Erzgießerei (Imperial and Royal Art Foundry) was a prestigious Viennese institution, officially established in 1861 by decree of Emperor Franz Joseph I to train artists in the techniques of bronze casting and sculpture fabrication.

• Location: Gußhausstraße, Vienna.
• Legacy: Produced over 90 major monuments and countless decorative bronzes for Vienna, Berlin, Madrid, New York, and Sydney.
• Notable Works: Included Hellmer’s Goethe Monument and Zumbusch’s Diana.
• Directors: Initially led by Anton Dominik Fernkorn, later by Franz Xaver Pönninger and Josef Röhlich.
• Closure: The foundry was demolished in 1909, but its influence endured through its cast works and trained artists.

This foundry was a hub of technical excellence and artistic collaboration, making any piece bearing its mark a testament to high-quality casting and cultural significance.

1. Pechmann – The Artist

The signature “A. Pechmann” refers to Alois Pechmann, a sculptor active in Vienna during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While detailed biographical records are scarce, his works are known to feature:

• Naturalistic themes: Flora, fauna, and mythological figures.
• Art Nouveau styling: Flowing forms, sensuality, and symbolic gestures.
• Collaborations with Viennese foundries: Including KK Kunst-Erzgiesserei.