Virgin Rides a Faun - Satyr - Bergmann - Faun Statue

Virgin Rides a Faun – Erotic Bronze Nude - Franz Xaver Bergmann - Stamped

This exceptional sculpture, titled Virgin Rides a Faun, stands among the most daring and imaginative examples of Vienna Bronze Miniatures created by the Austrian master Franz Xaver Bergmann. The scene depicts a nude young woman astride a powerful Faun, her posture both sensual and liberated, her expression caught between ecstasy and contemplation. The creature, part man and part goat, lifts her effortlessly upon his shoulders, his muscular form radiating strength and vitality. The interaction between the two figures embodies a fascinating duality of innocence and temptation, a theme that Bergmann revisited often in his mythological compositions. Through this Erotic Nude Art, he transforms ancient legend into a living moment of passion and grace, sculpted with the technical perfection that made his bronzes world-renowned.

The mythological inspiration behind desire

In the mythic world that inspired Bergmann, the Faun or Satyr symbolizes nature’s primal instincts — untamed, sensual, and forever in pursuit of beauty. The maiden he carries represents human innocence, purity, and the soul’s delicate curiosity about forbidden pleasures. This juxtaposition of human and mythic figures creates a vivid metaphor for desire, rendered with striking physical realism and emotional depth. The Faun Statue’s strong, dynamic pose contrasts the woman’s soft, supple form, and together they create an elegant composition full of rhythm and movement. This moment, captured in gleaming bronze, evokes both classical mythology and the fin-de-siècle fascination with erotic symbolism that defined many of Bergmann’s Devil Sculpture and Devil Art creations.

Franz Xaver Bergmann – the master of myth and sensuality

Born in Vienna on July 27, 1861, Franz Xaver Bergmann inherited his artistic sensibility from his father, Franz Bergmann Sr., who established a small bronze foundry in the Austrian capital. Growing up in this creative environment, the young Bergmann developed a deep fascination with bronze casting and sculpture, later refining his skills at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. When he eventually took over his father’s workshop, he transformed it into a world-leading atelier for Vienna Bronze Miniatures, renowned for their extraordinary craftsmanship and vivid detailing. Bergmann’s works often blended themes of Devil Statue mythology, Orientalism, and Erotic Nude Art, balancing realism with imagination. He died in Vienna on January 1, 1936, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire collectors and museums across the world.

The emotional power of movement and touch

In Virgin Rides a Faun, Bergmann achieves an extraordinary synthesis of eroticism and motion. The Nude Statue is not merely a depiction of the body but an exploration of human connection and instinctive attraction. The woman’s tilted head and parted lips express surrender and freedom, while the Satyr’s muscular form embodies both dominance and devotion. The textures of the bronze — smooth skin against rough fur — heighten the sensual contrast between the two beings. The sculpture’s balance, its upward energy, and the tactile realism of its surfaces reflect Bergmann’s unrivaled ability to transform raw bronze into emotional narrative. The figures are locked in a timeless gesture, neither struggling nor embracing fully, suspended in the delicate moment before abandon.

Technical brilliance and sculptural precision

The surface patina of this Sexy Statue glows with warm, golden-brown tones that bring depth and realism to the composition. Bergmann’s meticulous attention to detail is visible in every curve, from the maiden’s serene facial features to the subtle tension in the Faun’s limbs. The anatomy is rendered with classical precision, reflecting Bergmann’s academic training while revealing his fascination with sensual form. The sculpture’s elegance lies in its restraint — it celebrates eroticism without vulgarity, myth without exaggeration. The contrast between the dynamic male figure and the poised female rider gives the piece a visual and emotional equilibrium that few artists have achieved in the field of Erotic Nude Art.

Legacy and timeless fascination

Today, original Vienna Bronze Miniatures by Franz Xaver Bergmann, including mythological and Devil Sculpture themes such as Virgin Rides a Faun, can be admired in major collections and museums around the world, including the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. These bronzes remain highly sought after by collectors for their unique blend of technical mastery, sensual storytelling, and mythological symbolism. They capture the essence of an artist who bridged the boundaries between classical mythology and modern emotion. This Faun Statue, a celebration of vitality, beauty, and the eternal interplay between desire and innocence, endures as one of Bergmann’s most enchanting creations — a sculpture that embodies both the physical and the spiritual unity of two worlds.

 

Height: 25.5 cm
Width: 12.5 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Weight: 1.6Kg