French Neoclassical Bacchus Double Inkstand

Description

This Neoclassical double inkstand features a solid, rectangular black glass base accented with a wide, recessed pen tray across the front and beveled edges. The base rests upon four gilded brass corner feet decorated in a scrolling acanthus leaf motif.

At the center stands a cast brass bust mounted on a turned pedestal socket, flanked by two clear molded cut-glass inkwells. Each inkwell features vertical fluting around the lower bowl and is fitted with a hinged, decorative brass collar and lid ornamented with radiant, geometric panel engraving and a stepped finial.

Whose bust is shown?

The central figure depicts Bacchus (the Roman god of wine, agriculture, and fertility, equivalent to the Greek god Dionysus). The identification is defined by the classical facial features and the thick wreath of grapevine leaves and berry clusters bound into his hair, draped over the shoulders in traditional Greco-Roman iconography.

Who made this / Where was it made / When was it made?

• Origin & Style: French, late 19th Century (circa 1880–1900), made during the Third Republic period when Neoclassical and Grand Tour revival desk accessories were broadly popular across France and Western Europe.
• Maker: Unattributed manufacturer or foundry. While high-end French foundries (such as Ferdinand Barbedienne or L’Escalier de Cristal) produced similar classical bronze desk suites, items of this style were frequently produced by specialized Parisian bronze and glass manufactories (bronziers) for luxury stationery suppliers and retail distribution.