19th Century French Bronze Double Inkwell in Renaissance Revival Style

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19th Century French Bronze Double Inkwell in Renaissance Revival Style was cast in bronze with extraordinary ambition and detail and … Read more 19th Century French Bronze Double Inkwell in Renaissance Revival Style was cast in bronze with extraordinary ambition and detail and is a fine example of the Renaissance revival style that swept the French decorative arts during the second half of the 19th century. Designers and craftsmen of the period looked to 16th century Italy and France for inspiration, reinterpreting classical mythological figures, griffins, masks and architectural ornament with great scholarly enthusiasm and technical virtuosity.
A seated putto presides over the central composition, flanked by two confronting griffins whose sinuous forms anchor the dramatic crest. A winged angel face graces the center platform, while figural masks animate the apron and side panels, creating a richly layered narrative across every surface. Two original inkwell reservoirs with hinged lids flank the central writing surface, which retains its pierced geometric ground.
Before the fountain pen changed the ritual of writing forever, the inkwell occupied a place of honor on every desk of consequence. Crafted to be both functional and beautiful, pieces such as this were as much a statement of taste as they were a tool of daily life. Today it stands equally well as a sculptural object on a library table, writing desk or console, where its extraordinary casting commands the attention it deserves.
Circa 1890s
Measures 5H x 13.5W x 9.5D
Available for pickup at our Dallas Design District showroom in Dallas Texas See less