Inkwell in Griotte marble and gilt bronze, "Allegory of writing", signed H. Chapu

Griotte rouge marble and gilt bronze inkwell featuring an allegory of writing by Henri Chapu (1833-1891). This 19th-century antique inkstand features a penholder cut into the marble and two cups with their gilded bronze lids. The marble is embellished with gilded bronze motifs of laurel garlands, torus and buttons. The interior of the cups is made of translucent glass. The center of the inkwell features a finely sculpted bas-relief in black patina bronze, depicting a seated, nude young woman holding a quill in her right hand and a manuscript in her left. This figure illustrating the allegory of writing is signed lower right "Henri CHAPU". This writing set rests on four small ormolu feet, each adorned with rosary beads.

Circa: 1870

Dim: W: 42cm, D: 20cm, H: 25,5cm. Dim: W: 16,5in, D: 7,9in, H: 10in.

Condition report: Very good condition. One glass cup has been glued back.