PATINATED AND GILDED BRONZE INKWELL WITH ANTIQUE-STYLE GODDESS SUBJECT

Rocaille inkwell depicting a goddess in the Antique style, in brown patina bronze, resting on an ormolu base decorated with rocaille and foliate scrolls, with two cups. The inkwell lids are chased with leaves. The deep, nervous work gives the object a beautiful movement. The term rocaille originates from the mineral world and refers to small stones, rocks and irregularly-shaped pieces of glass. Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (1695-1750) was the first to use the term rocaille to define shell-inspired motifs of irregular or asymmetrical shape. Once introduced into interior decoration, the shell underwent exceptional development.

Art Nouveau period

Circa: 1900

Dim: W:34cm, D:23cm, H:23cm.

Condition report: in very good overall condition, micro patina wear.