RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc Presents: Ask the Appraiser

This statue has been in our family for years and years. We know absolutely nothing about its origin and value. It is 10 inches long and 9 inches high. It is quite heavy, maybe because I’m getting a bit older! I did have a chance to sell it years ago but was not ready to let it go. About 10 years ago an antique dealer was at our home purchasing other things and he really wanted this item. So much so, that he called us several times inquiring about purchasing it. Back then the antique dealer offered us $150.00. I wasn’t ready to sell it then, but maybe the time now has come. We are avid readers of your column each week and are asking for some help so we can make a decision. Thank you for your time.

Peter in Tappan

Your wonderful antique Vienna bronze figural group was executed by the important listed Austrian sculptor Carl Kauba (1865-1922). Collectors now rank him in a class with Frederick Remington as one of the great portrayers of the American West. His typical subjects were American Indians and cowboys. I have personally owned many of his American Indian bronzes in various sizes. There is some debate right to this day as to whether Kauba ever visited the United States and actually saw American Indians. Many believe he got his inspiration from the romantic stories written about the American west, as well as photographs and illustrations. Although your particular model does not reflect an American West subject matter, it is nonetheless masterfully done. It depicts two lovers seated on a marble wall. This bronze is known as “Romeo and Juliet”. If you carefully examine the reverse, you will faintly notice in one of the folds of the male subject the inscription; ‘C. Kauba’. You will also notice on the marble stone the letters FEC. This essentially indicates that the item was made by the hand of the sculptor and not a later recast. A very good thing to see. In addition, your model has a Kauba patent number below the German word ‘geshutz’. Further indicating this is an original sculpture by Kauba and the model is thus registered so it cannot be legally copied. The condition is excellent with beautiful original patina throughout. The value of your “Romeo and Juliet” figural bronze in today’s art market is $1,500 USD. There was a time, twenty years ago, that your bronze was worth double that amount. The value of most bronze statues is off by fifty percent. Although your bronze grouping is very decorative, it is not something people decorate their homes with anymore. Thank you for the excellent photographs and reading this column each week.