Birds at the Fountain

Description

The inkstand is crafted from gilt bronze (ormolu) and features a naturalistic scene of small songbirds gathered around a garden fountain.

• The Fountain (Inkwell): The central element is a neoclassical, urn-shaped fountain that serves as the inkwell. The body is decorated with high-relief swags of roses and foliage. It sits on a fluted pedestal base.
• The Lid: The top of the urn is a hinged lid, topped with a floral finial. Opening the lid reveals a deep, integrated metal reservoir for the ink (missing its insert).
• The Birds: There are three small, finely cast birds perched around the rocky, mossy base. Their positioning—one leaning forward as if to drink—effectively creates the “fountain” narrative.
• The Base: The irregular, “rockwork” base is typical of the period’s love for organic forms. In the front, there is a smooth, shallow indentation designed to serve as a pen tray.
• Construction: The underside shows the hollow casting and the central square nut and bolt assembly, which is a standard method for joining figural bronze pieces from this era.

Origin and Age

• Style: This specific combination of “nature-meets-neoclassical” (roses on an urn with realistic birds) was a hallmark of French bronziers. The casting quality, particularly the feathers on the birds and the petals of the roses, suggests a Parisian workshop.
• Era: It belongs to the late 19th century (1880 – 1900). During this time, the “Naturalist” movement influenced decorative arts, leading to a surge in desk sets featuring animals (birds, dogs, and stags) in lifelike poses.
• Material: The warm, golden patina is characteristic of French gilt bronze from the 1880s. While some similar pieces were made in Austria (Vienna Bronzes), those were often cold painted (multi-colored). A solid gold-tone finish like this is more indicative of French production.