Franz Bergman (Gablonz, Austria 1838-1894) was a pioneering sculptor who founded a legacy of exquisite bronze sculptures. His son, Franz Xaviar Bergman (Vienna, Austria 1865-1953), continued this artistic tradition, further enhancing the reputation of the Bergman foundry with his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. The Bergman foundry became renowned for its diverse and intricate bronze works, encompassing a wide array of themes and subjects. Richard Thuss, born in Nuremberg, was a prolific sculptor who studied in Vienna, Munich, and Nuremberg. Late in his life, he moved to Cincinnati, where he lived until his death in 1945. From 1918 to 1930, Thuss served as the chief sculptor for the Bergman Foundry, executing many highly prized sculptures. These works were often signed as Nam-Greb, Thuss, or with a "B" within an urn design, distinguishing those not designed by Franz the elder. Thuss's contributions significantly enriched the foundry's portfolio, adding depth and variety to its artistic offerings. The Bergman Foundry produced a vast array of bronze sculptures, not all of which were signed or marked. Their repertoire included animals, erotic figures, Orientalist figures, Roman soldiers, Western figures, historical personages, sports figures, lamps, desk sets, bell pushes, book-ends, mirrors, smoking-related items, and even racist figures. Almost every conceivable thought that could be turned into bronze was cast by the Bergman Foundry, making it a cornerstone of bronze sculpture artistry during its time.