Description

Width: 21cm

A remarkable and whimsical example of late 19th to early 20th century craftsmanship, this rare cold-painted bronze crocodile conceals a beautifully modelled reclining nude female figure hidden inside a hinged compartment on its back.

Expertly rendered in the manner of the renowned Bergmann foundry of Vienna, this piece exemplifies the fascination with exoticism and surprise novelty that defined the decorative arts of the period.

The lifelike crocodile is finished in naturalistic tones, achieved through the meticulous cold-painting technique for which Vienna bronzes are celebrated.

Once the hinged dorsal plate is lifted, it reveals the secret: a sensuous bronze nude, partially gilt, curled within the reptile’s belly—a curious and cheeky detail that makes this piece a true conversation starter.