Empire Inkwell With The Imperial Eagle, In Gilded Bronze, 19th Century

Gilded bronze inkwell with an eagle motif – Empire period

An elegant, finely chased and gilded bronze desk inkwell, quadrangular in shape, resting on four small circular feet with gadrooned decoration.

The richly ornamented base features a decoration of palmettes, foliage, and plant motifs on all four sides, framed by friezes of foliage and pearls.
The corners are highlighted by applied motifs in the shape of gilded bronze eagles.

The upper tray, framed by a beautiful frieze of leaves, features a circular receptacle in the center topped by a dome-shaped lid, adorned with concentric moldings and friezes with geometric designs.
The lid is crowned by a remarkable eagle with outstretched wings, emblematic of the imperial decorative repertoire.

The top is adorned with several applied figures and attributes, depicting characters in allegorical compositions, as well as decorative motifs inspired by the neoclassical style.
The piece as a whole demonstrates particularly meticulous craftsmanship, especially in the execution of the friezes, figures, and ornaments.

The inkwell retains its inner glass cup, which fits perfectly into the central receptacle.

With its eagle motif, neoclassical ornamental style, and the quality of its engraving, this object is representative of the luxury desk accessories produced in the early 19th century, in the style of the Empire period.

Period: Empire, early 19th century, circa 1810–1820
Material: gilded bronze, chiseled bronze, and glass
Dimensions: 13 × 13 cm
Height: 12 cm

A highly elegant decorative object, particularly representative of the Imperial taste for emblems of power and the neoclassical repertoire, which will naturally find its place on a desk, in a library, or within a collection of Empire-style art objects.