Egyptian Pharaoh with Slave - Vienna Bronze - Bergmann

Vienna Bronze Figurine – Egyptian Pharaoh with Slave - Franz Xaver Bergmann - Stamped

This exceptional bronze sculpture titled Egyptian Pharaoh with Slave captures a moment of silent reverence and timeless authority. The standing female figure, adorned in golden robes and regal jewelry, exudes an air of divine composure and elegance. At her side kneels a young attendant, humbly holding a peacock-feather fan — a traditional emblem of power and purity. Both figures are positioned upon an intricately modeled carpet base, characteristic of Vienna Bronze Miniatures, which brings the scene to life with realism and texture. The composition embodies the essence of hierarchy and beauty, uniting strength, grace, and subservience in one captivating image.

A tribute to the splendor of ancient Egypt

In this sculpture, Bergmann channels his fascination with Egyptian Art and the mystique of the ancient world. The posture and adornments of the pharaoh-like woman echo motifs from tomb reliefs and temple sculptures, where elegance symbolized divine favor. The rhythmic drapery of her gown and the stylized headdress mirror ancient conventions, while her serene expression reflects spiritual transcendence. Through the addition of the kneeling servant, Bergmann introduces a human counterpoint that deepens the narrative and emotional resonance. This dynamic interplay of dominance and devotion, rendered in bronze, bridges antiquity and modernity, transforming the echoes of Persian Art and Bedouin Art into a distinctly Viennese masterpiece.

Mastery of form and surface

Every detail of this Sexy Statue reveals Bergmann’s extraordinary craftsmanship and his workshop’s dedication to perfection. The subtle modeling of the bodies, the soft transitions of light across metal, and the luxurious textures of the garments display the technical brilliance that made Vienna Bronze Miniatures world-famous. The surface coloration, applied by hand in the Bergmann foundry, adds dimension and vitality to the composition. The figure’s skin gleams with a lifelike patina, contrasting with the matte folds of gold and crimson fabric. This combination of material richness and artistic sensitivity exemplifies Bergmann’s ability to turn bronze into an expression of sensuality and reverence.

Franz Xaver Bergmann – the visionary of Vienna

Born on July 27, 1861, in Vienna, Franz Xaver Bergmann inherited his passion for metalwork from his father, who owned a small foundry in the Austrian capital. Growing up in an environment steeped in craftsmanship, he quickly developed the technical and artistic skills that would later distinguish his career. After formal artistic training, he expanded his father’s workshop into one of Europe’s most renowned bronze studios, creating works inspired by Egyptian Art, Bedouin Art, Bedouin Women, and Persian Art. His sculptures of dancers, warriors, and Bedouin Girl figures became iconic representations of exotic imagination rendered with Viennese precision. Bergmann passed away in Vienna on January 1, 1936, leaving behind a legacy of innovation that continues to inspire collectors and historians alike.

A union of sensuality and divinity

The composition of Egyptian Pharaoh with Slave transcends mere depiction to explore the eternal themes of power, devotion, and sensual grace. The contrast between the upright ruler and the kneeling servant creates a balance of physical motion and psychological depth, transforming the work into an allegory of human connection and divine order. The female figure’s delicate curves and commanding stillness reflect the archetype of Bedouin Women and Bedouin Girl portrayed in Persian Art and Egyptian Art, where femininity embodied both strength and seduction. In her presence, the servant’s humility becomes not subjugation but reverence, a tribute to beauty as a manifestation of higher truth. The sculptor’s sensitivity to emotion and proportion elevates this Sexy Statue into a symbol of spiritual and physical harmony.

Enduring legacy and collections today

Today, Egyptian Pharaoh with Slave and similar compositions by Bergmann can be admired in prestigious collections such as the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and in numerous private collections across Europe and the United States. These sculptures stand as testaments to the mastery and imagination of the Vienna Bronze Miniatures, where craft and storytelling merge seamlessly. They continue to evoke fascination for their refined sensuality, cultural richness, and timeless grace. Through his portrayals of Bedouin Women, Bedouin Art, and Egyptian Art, Bergmann captured a world where history and fantasy intertwine in bronze. This piece remains a lasting symbol of human creativity, devotion, and the eternal pursuit of beauty.