Bronze Mouse With Biscuit - Mouse Statue - Rat Sculpture

Vienna Bronze – XXL Mouse with Biscuit - Franz Xaver Bergmann - Stamped

This enchanting XXL Bronze Mouse with Biscuit captures the humorous elegance and lifelike detail that define Vienna Bronze Miniatures. Seated proudly beside a half-eaten biscuit, the small creature seems caught between curiosity and satisfaction — its whiskers lifted, paws gently poised, as if savoring the joy of discovery. The meticulous modeling of its fur and the carefully applied patina bring the mouse to life, revealing Bergmann’s extraordinary sensitivity to form and expression. The biscuit itself, textured and imperfectly bitten, contrasts beautifully with the smooth polish of the bronze, creating a composition both playful and refined. This Mouse Statue is more than an ornament; it is a celebration of simplicity, a poetic moment rendered eternal in metal.

From realism to warmth

What makes this piece so captivating is its ability to turn a familiar domestic scene into an emblem of charm and humanity. The figure combines naturalistic accuracy with emotional storytelling, qualities that made Vienna Bronze Miniatures famous around the world. Its posture suggests both innocence and mischief — a small creature caught in the act of indulgence yet unaware of its audience. In this balance between realism and tenderness lies the essence of Bergmann’s genius. The XXL Mouse with Biscuit evokes not only the whimsy of a Christmas Rat Decoration but also the timeless fascination artists have held for the animal world. Each brushstroke of hand-painted detail reflects the dedication of the Viennese craftsmen who followed Bergmann’s strict standards of perfection.

The legacy of a Viennese master

Franz Xaver Bergmann, born on July 27, 1861, in Vienna, came from a family of bronze founders. His father established a small workshop in the Austrian capital, and under his guidance the young Bergmann learned both the science and poetry of metal casting. After studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, he transformed his father’s foundry into one of the most innovative studios of its time. It was here that Vienna Bronze Miniatures achieved their highest artistic refinement — small yet vivid sculptures that captured the exotic, the humorous, and the everyday. Bergmann’s fascination with human and animal subjects produced countless treasures, from desert warriors to the humble Rat Sculpture, each infused with extraordinary realism and charm. He passed away in Vienna on January 1, 1936, but his artistic influence continues to shape the history of European bronze craftsmanship.

The art of hand-painted bronze

The XXL Mouse with Biscuit is a superb example of the hand-painted tradition for which Vienna Bronze Miniatures are so admired. Using the ancient lost-wax method, Bergmann’s foundry created intricate molds that preserved the subtlest surface details, later brought to life through the application of layered color. The result is a sculpture that feels both tactile and alive — the mouse’s fur appearing soft to the eye, its small claws delicately emphasized. The natural contrast between the warm biscuit tones and the cool metallic sheen of the Mouse Statue reflects a painter’s sensibility in bronze. This synthesis of technique and imagination is precisely what made Bergmann’s creations so distinctive, admired equally by collectors and connoisseurs of fine decorative art.

Humor and tenderness in miniature form

Though known for his Orientalist figures and mythological themes, Bergmann’s genius also flourished in the realm of humor and natural observation. The XXL Bronze Mouse with Biscuit is a delightful example of this side of his work — playful, charming, and filled with life. Its gentle humor and relatable theme make it a perfect Christmas Rat Decoration, bridging art and sentiment with effortless grace. The piece seems to whisper a universal story of temptation, curiosity, and joy — qualities that transform bronze into narrative. It is in these small, intimate moments that Bergmann’s sculptures achieve their deepest emotional resonance, turning everyday creatures into timeless companions of the imagination.

Where history and craftsmanship meet

Today, works such as the XXL Mouse with Biscuit are treasured in collections across the world, including the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and private collections in Paris and New York. Each of these pieces carries the hallmark of Vienna Bronze Miniatures, blending realism, craftsmanship, and soul. Whether admired as a Rat Sculpture, cherished as a Christmas Rat Decoration, or displayed as a finely modeled Mouse Statue, this creation remains a testament to Bergmann’s unmatched ability to unite humor and beauty in bronze. His legacy continues to enchant those who appreciate the quiet magic of detail and the enduring warmth of true craftsmanship.