Bidspirit auction | A VIENNA BRONZE FIGURE OF

A VIENNA BRONZE FIGURE OF A BOY UNDER A TRAY AS A BALLOON OPERATOR, CA. 1900 - A finely cast and cold-painted bronze figural centerpiece, depicting a seated boy suspended beneath a shallow tray in the form of a stylized balloon canopy. The square dish is supported by twisted cords mimicking balloon tethers, converging on a turned stem and tripod base. The boy wears a Tyrolean-style outfit with a wide-brimmed yellow hat and painted boots, suggesting a playful operator or aviator figure. The entire construction is detailed with rope-motif bronze wiring, an imaginative interpretation of early aviation themes popular in fin-de-siècle Vienna. Unmarked; in the manner of Franz Bergman (Bergmann). Austria, circa 1900. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not ship in-house. A list of recommended shippers will be provided. Dimensions: H: 6 1/4 in., (16 cm.) Condition: Very good, original and unrestored. The patina is natural warm brown with green verdigris in crevices. The cold-painting is largely intact; moderate rubbing to high points (hat, knees).