marble and gilt bronze writing set Empire . It comprises two inkwells with removable glass containers. The lids are decorated with friezes of foliage and braids. In the center is a winged gilt bronze sphinx wearing a nemes headdress, an Egyptian headdress. Its tail is folded over a finial. The entire piece rests on a rectangular green marble base with four circular feet, decorated with granulation, and incorporating a hollow pen holder. The marble is further embellished with egg-and-dart friezes and a mascaron representing Mercury with his winged petasos. This alludes to the object's function, Mercury being the messenger god. This inkwell perfectly exemplifies the taste for sumptuousness and polychromy of the Second Empire under Napoleon III.
Napoleon III Era
Circa: 1860
Dimensions: L: 40cm, W: 19cm, H: 20cm
Condition report : in good general condition
- Reference :
- 3046
- Availability :
- Sold
- Width :
- 40 (cm)
- Height :
- 20 (cm)
- Depth :
- 19 (cm)
- Identify Exists:
- False
