Bronze Great Dane Pen Wipe

This is a pen wipe made in Vienna, Austria, in the form of a reclining Great Dane dog. It is made of cold-painted bronze, exhibiting a rich brindle coloration that realistically mimics the coat pattern of the breed, with a mix of brown, tan, and darker stripes or blotches.

The artist has captured the characteristic features of a Great Dane, including its long muzzle, erect ears, muscular build, and elegant posture as it lies down with its front legs extended. The cold-painted finish, applied to the bronze after casting, allows for intricate rendering of the dog’s coat and facial features, with variations in shading and tone to create depth and realism.

The area on the dog’s back is fitted with bristles to serve as the pen wipe. These bristles are a light, straw-like color and are densely packed. Given the period and the quality of the piece, it is likely that these bristles are made of boar’s hair, which was a common and durable material used for brushes and cleaning implements. The texture and stiffness of boar’s hair would have made it effective for wiping ink from pen nibs.