INKWELL IDENTICAL TO THE ONE THAT BELONGED TO ELISA BONAPARTE AND KEPT IN THE NAPOLEONIC MUSEUM IN ROME

Gilt bronze inkwell with speckled maple veneer from the Empire period.

This model is an exact replica of the inkwell that belonged to Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino, sister of Napoleon I, now in the collections of the Museo Napoleonico in Rome. The design and the quality of the chasing are reminiscent of the works of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843).

A rectangular inkwell resting on four spherical feet, composed of a base veneered in speckled maple with a black cyma molding and decorated with chased and gilt bronze. The front is adorned with a bas-relief depicting two reclining dogs flanking a swan within a stylized floral composition. The sides feature decorative friezes enlivened by winged griffins. The upper section houses a symmetrical gilt bronze composition: in the center, a perfume burner decorated with openwork floral motifs is flanked by two facing swans with outstretched wings, supporting its neck. At each end are two covered inkwells, topped with openwork lids featuring a foliage motif and surmounted by stylized dolphins. The cut-glass inkwells are preserved. Two small tulip-shaped penholders or sandpaper holders complete the ensemble. A drawer on the front, with a knob adorned with a medallion encircled by two griffins, allows for the storage of writing accessories.

French work from the Empire period, circa 1810.

Condition: Very good condition. Gilding well preserved with occasional wear.

The set of components is complete, including the inner buckets.

References:
https://www.villegiardini.it/elisa-bonaparte/
https://marenostrum.over-blog.net/2024/06/napoleon-a-rome.html