Empire Or Historicist (napoleon III) Style Desk Set Hans Muller
Artist: Hans Muller (1873-1937)
A magnificent desk set (monumental inkstand) in the Empire or Historicist (Napoleon III) style, featuring the figure of Napoleon Bonaparte as its central element.The set comprises three coordinated main components:The main base (a double inkstand featuring a bust and a pen tray).The matching letter opener.A separate blotter (or stamp/paper press).
Materials and Components
1. Giallo di Siena (or Numidian Yellow) MarbleThe structural body and handles are crafted from a fine, veined marble in an ochre-yellow or golden hue. Given the veining and warm tone, it is highly likely to be Giallo di Siena marble, a material historically used for luxury furnishings and desk accessories.The base reveals characteristic natural veining and some hand-incised markings—likely period inventory or production numbers.
2. Burnished and Gilt Bronze/BrassThe metal details exhibit refined two-tone craftsmanship, typical of high-quality manufacture:Bust of Napoleon: Cast in bronze with a warm, golden patina. It depicts the Emperor with a stern, pensive gaze directed downwards.Inkwells: The two flanking inkwells feature a main body of dark, burnished metal resting on a base decorated with repoussé palmettes. The hinged lids are topped with a knob shaped like a laurel wreath—the quintessential Napoleonic symbol. Inside, they contain gilt metal ink reservoirs. Perimeter friezes: The marble base is embellished on three sides by a gilt-bronze band, finely chased in relief with scrolling foliate motifs, rosettes, and a central classical-style mask.The same frieze decorates the perimeter of the blotter.A crucial detail for attribution is visible on the back of the Napoleon bust in the images.The signature "H. Müller" is clearly engraved.This almost certainly refers to the German sculptor Hans Müller (Vienna 1873–1937), renowned for his portrait busts, small bronze sculptures, and high-quality decorative objects from the turn of the 20th century.The set is in fair condition. The letter opener has a broken handle.Inkstand dimensions:42 cm by 23 cm, and 24 cm in height.
Materials and Components
1. Giallo di Siena (or Numidian Yellow) MarbleThe structural body and handles are crafted from a fine, veined marble in an ochre-yellow or golden hue. Given the veining and warm tone, it is highly likely to be Giallo di Siena marble, a material historically used for luxury furnishings and desk accessories.The base reveals characteristic natural veining and some hand-incised markings—likely period inventory or production numbers.
2. Burnished and Gilt Bronze/BrassThe metal details exhibit refined two-tone craftsmanship, typical of high-quality manufacture:Bust of Napoleon: Cast in bronze with a warm, golden patina. It depicts the Emperor with a stern, pensive gaze directed downwards.Inkwells: The two flanking inkwells feature a main body of dark, burnished metal resting on a base decorated with repoussé palmettes. The hinged lids are topped with a knob shaped like a laurel wreath—the quintessential Napoleonic symbol. Inside, they contain gilt metal ink reservoirs. Perimeter friezes: The marble base is embellished on three sides by a gilt-bronze band, finely chased in relief with scrolling foliate motifs, rosettes, and a central classical-style mask.The same frieze decorates the perimeter of the blotter.A crucial detail for attribution is visible on the back of the Napoleon bust in the images.The signature "H. Müller" is clearly engraved.This almost certainly refers to the German sculptor Hans Müller (Vienna 1873–1937), renowned for his portrait busts, small bronze sculptures, and high-quality decorative objects from the turn of the 20th century.The set is in fair condition. The letter opener has a broken handle.Inkstand dimensions:42 cm by 23 cm, and 24 cm in height.
1 200 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Napoleon 3rd
Condition: Good condition
Material: Marble
Width: 42
Height: 24
Depth: 23
Reference (ID): 1788665
Availability: In stock
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