A gilt bronze and Griotte red marble inkwell depicting an allegory of a river. This antique writing set, dating from the late 19th century, comprises a pen holder carved from marble and two inkwells with gilt bronze lids. The inkwells are lined with blue glass. At the center rests a finely sculpted bronze statuette of a nude old man, simply crowned with reeds and seated on an urn from which water flows. His left hand rests on an oar, while his right hand holds the rim of the urn. This allegorical figure, representing a river god, is based on a famous marble sculpture by Jean-Jacques Caffieri, "A River," created in 1759 for a presentation at the Salon and acquired by the Louvre in 1852. This bronze of a mythological figure is signed on the back "F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR." This writing set rests on a finely chiseled bronze base with shells and scrolling foliage in a frieze, supported by six small top-shaped feet.

Jean-Jacques Caffieri (1725-1792)

Born into a prominent family of sculptors of Italian origin, Jean-Jacques Caffieri studied under François Lemoyne and was later a resident at the French Academy in Rome from 1749 to 1753. In 1757, he exhibited a plaster cast of a "River" at the Salon, which was accepted by the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. In 1759, he presented the final marble version and was officially admitted to the Academy. He created numerous portraits and busts of prominent figures such as Pierre Corneille, Jean de La Fontaine, and Jean-Philippe Rameau. He is undoubtedly the greatest portraitist of the second half of the 18th century, along with Jean-Antoine Houdon.

Circa: 1880

Dim: L: 37cm, D: 21cm, H: 25cm.
Dim: W: 14.6in, D: 8.3in, H: 9.8in.

Condition report: Good condition. Gold wear.