Geschutzt Cold Painted Bronze Dog c – Austria/Germany c.1850-60.

Vienna bronzes were created in the 19th century in the epoch of the Biedermeier where the self-confident bourgeois developed a new culture of living and social life. Around 50 manufacturers resided in Vienna at the turn of the century. Very soon Vienna Bronzes were considered as show-pieces held in high regard as luxury items and very collectable. They were finely detailed miniatures and table top figures depicting life-like natural subjects., including pets and forest animals, Oriental subjects, Black Americana, expedition and travel inspired subjects as well as erotic figures. Vienna bronzes vary in size from tiny 1 inch miniatures to as large as a table lamp or a centrepiece.