Goddess Athena Inkstand

Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, leans against a world globe with her gaze fixed upon an open book. At her feet is an owl. Set on a marble base, she stands between two inkwells with hinged lids. The piece is signed “Nam Greb”, a name used by Franz Bergman.

Franz Xavier Bergman (1861–1936) was the owner of a Viennese foundry that produced numerous patinated and cold-painted bronzes. His works included Oriental, erotic, and animal figures, often with whimsical and humorous touches. One of his signatures was “Nam Greb”. This pseudonym was used to disguise his identity on erotic pieces. Interestingly, “Nam Greb” is simply “Bergman” spelled backward. Bergman inherited his father’s bronze factory and opened a new foundry in 1900. His workshops employed anonymous sculptors, and he collaborated with numerous artists.