Brass Inkwell in the Louis XVI Style

Here’s a detailed description:

• Overall Form and Material: The inkwell is made of brass and features a central baluster-shaped body resembling a turned column. This central body rests securely on a wide, circular saucer-style base.
• Decorative Elements: The inkwell has sculpted details that evoke a sense of classical antiquity and refined elegance:
  • Ram’s Heads: Two ram’s heads positioned on opposing sides of the baluster body, function as side handles.
  • Garlands: Connecting these ram’s heads are finely sculpted garlands  of leaves and flowers.
  • Lid and Finial: The top of the inkwell is fitted with a hinged lid with a finial shaped as a pinecone.
• Style and Period: The design elements—the baluster form, ram’s heads, garlands, and pinecone finial—are all characteristic of the Louis XVI style. This style, prevalent in France during the reign of Louis XVI (1774-1792), emphasized Neoclassical ideals: symmetry, straight lines, classical motifs. The inkstand from the late 19^th century is a revival piece that drew inspiration from the earlier Louis XVI period. Such revival styles were very popular in the 19th century for luxury decorative arts.