Viennese school, ca. 1910

Viennese school, ca. 1910.
Set of three figures "Donkey", "Musician" and "Camel with figure".
Hand painted lead and pewter.
Exhibits wear consistent with age and use, wear and faults.
Two of them with tilting head.
Measurements: 11 x 10 x 5 cm (the largest).

The tradition of small Viennese sculpture in bronze (although in our case we are dealing with bronze and pewter sculptures) dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, reaching up to fifty artists residing in the capital at the end of the century. Several foundries began to specialize in the so-called "cold enameling" technique. Several layers were applied to the raw bronze, resulting in a fine, shiny finish charged with naturalism. However, it was important to apply this film when the bronze was still hot, as the temperature contrast contributed to the permanence of the color, which remained fixed to the metal. Since it was not fired, following the usual process, it became known as "cold enameling".