Erotic Nude - Slave Trader with Nude Female Slave - Bergmann

Vienna Bronze Figurine – Slave Trader with Nude Female Slave - Franz Xaver Bergmann - Stamped

This striking figurine presents a dramatic and daring tableau: a robed man, representing the slave trader, stands beside a nude female whose body is adorned only with delicate jewelry. The contrasting materials and finishes highlight the sensuality of the figure and the theatrical gesture of the man’s drapery. The entire group rests on a finely worked carpet, typical for Vienna Bronze Miniatures, where attention to ornamental detail plays a decisive role. By merging sensual presence with narrative tension, the figurine embodies the fascination of early twentieth-century collectors with exoticism and the world of Persian Art. This balance of theatrical staging and intimacy makes the work one of the most audacious examples within Bergmann’s oeuvre.

The symbolism of the female figure

The woman’s upright stance and golden-toned body create a striking image of sensual confidence and restrained vulnerability. Though presented as a nude female slave, her jewelry, posture, and expression suggest both resistance and allure. In the imagination of European audiences, she could easily be associated with a Bedouin Girl, a projection of independence and mystery translated into bronze. The deliberate juxtaposition between exposed beauty and the controlling gesture of the trader adds to the tension of the narrative. This balance transforms the figure into more than a simple Sexy Statue, becoming instead a symbol of the interplay between freedom and possession.

Ornament and exotic imagination

The carefully modeled robe of the trader and the luxurious carpet beneath the figures exemplify Bergmann’s fascination with Orientalism. His bronzes often incorporated references to Bedouin Art, whether in fabric design, weaponry, or jewelry, making each figurine not only an erotic fantasy but also a miniature cultural spectacle. The exotic elements are not direct historical reproductions but reinterpretations, merging European desires with Eastern motifs. The detailing of the robe, combined with the gilt surface of the female nude, embodies this blend of cultures. It is this richness of surface that elevates the figurine from mere depiction to a vivid performance in bronze.

The life of Franz Xaver Bergmann

Franz Xaver Bergmann was born on July 27, 1861, in Vienna, the son of Franz Bergmann senior, who had already established a bronze foundry. From an early age, he was immersed in the techniques of casting and finishing, later receiving a solid artistic education that shaped his career. With a combination of talent and entrepreneurial skill, he expanded the family workshop into one of the most famous producers of Vienna Bronze Miniatures. His focus on exotic dancers, harems, and Oriental scenes was heavily influenced by the popularity of Persian Art in Vienna at the turn of the century. Bergmann’s works, often signed with his distinct stamp, are today recognized as prime examples of imaginative craftsmanship.

Erotic imagination and its reception

The production of such daring scenes, including the Sexy Statue of the slave trader with a nude companion, reflected the tastes of a clientele fascinated by both eroticism and the allure of the Orient. For collectors in Europe and America, Bergmann’s bronzes offered a private escape into fantasy, blending sensual nudity with luxurious staging. The workshop became particularly well known for its daring themes, which included Bedouin Girl dancers, erotic couples, and mythological figures. Many of these pieces were created in limited numbers, making them rare and desirable. Today, examples can still be found in major collections and at international auctions, where they remain highly valued.

Lasting significance today

Franz Xaver Bergmann passed away in Vienna on January 1, 1936, leaving behind a workshop that had defined an entire category of collectible bronzes. His figurines are preserved in museums and private collections across Europe and the United States, ensuring their continued admiration. Works like this evocative scene of the slave trader and nude female endure not only as examples of Bedouin Art and Vienna Bronze Miniatures, but also as witnesses to the fascination with exoticism in early twentieth-century culture. Collectors still cherish these bronzes for their sensual presence and technical mastery. The enduring appeal of such works ensures that they remain admired for their striking beauty and bold imagination.