A Rooster Vanquishes an Eagle

Historical Context

• The Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) & Revanchisme: Following France’s defeat and the loss of Alsace-Lorraine, French popular culture saw a surge in patriotic, defiant art. The imagery of the Gallic Rooster (le Coq Gaulois) triumphantly standing atop a vanquished Imperial Eagle (symbolizing Prussia / the German Empire) served as an allegorical statement of national resilience, defiance, and eventual revenge (revanchisme).
• Stylistic Hallmarks: The Rococo Revival (Neo-Rocaille) scrollwork, sweeping acanthus feet, and shell motifs framing the base are characteristic of French decorative metalwork produced between 1875 and 1890, preceding the sinuous whiplash lines of the 1890s Art Nouveau movement.

Description of the Inkstand

Overview A French late 19th-century patinated cast metal (fine régule / spelter) double-well standish featuring a figural allegorical group centered between two hinged inkwells with an integrated pen trough.

Sculptural Figural Group

• The Victorious Rooster: Realistically modeled with detailed feathering, a prominent comb and wattles, arched neck, and open beak in a victorious crow.
• The Vanquished Eagle: Positioned beneath the rooster’s talons, the eagle lies defeated on its back with wings outspread across a domed rocky outcropping, its head thrown back in submission.

Inkwells

• Dual Inkpots: Flanking the central sculpture are two urn-shaped inkwells adorned with swirling acanthus leaf relief and surmounted by domed, hinged lids with peaked finials.
• Liners: Fitted with original, removable round inserts crafted in vibrant cobalt blue glass with flared rims.

Base & Tray Design

• Form & Structure: The base features an asymmetric rocaille silhouette with a deep, curved central pen depression flanked by fluted shell carvings and scrollwork.
• Support: Elevated on scalloped, flaring bracket feet extending from the molded border.
• Underside: Hollow-cast construction exhibiting hand-finished mounting bosses and aged oxidized patina.

Artist / Maker Signed “A. BOSSU” in crisp relief along the front left scalloped edge. Attributed to the French/Belgian decorative sculptor Antoine Bossu, active in the late 19th to early 20th century.

Cross-Reference: See this Inkipedia Listing: A Rooster Vanquishes an Eagle – The Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC)