Fox Photographer Inkstand

The piece captures a delightful, anthropomorphic scene.

• Subject: The scene depicts a fox acting as a photographer and a rabbit acting as the subject.
• Composition and Posture:
  • The rabbit is positioned in a central, slightly elevated pose, sitting upright on a small, round tufted stool. This pose emphasizes the formality of the “portrait session.”
  • The fox stands opposite the rabbit, attentively looking through or leaning over a large, period-appropriate box camera mounted on a tripod.
• Material: The inkstand is made of cast brass. The quality of the casting suggests European (possibly French or German) origin.
• Inkwell Function: The clever integration of the functional piece is central to its novelty:
  • The inkwell itself is housed within the body of the camera.
  • The hinged upper portion of the camera serves as the lid that opens to access the ink.
  • The ink is contained within a removable glass insert (liner).
• Whimsical Style: This piece embodies the Victorian and Edwardian fashion for anthropomorphic themes—giving human traits and occupations to animals—especially on desk accessories and novelty items intended to spark conversation and humor.

Origin and Context

• Age Estimate: Circa 1890–1920. This period saw a massive production of novelty inkwells, and the subject matter (photography, anthropomorphic humor) aligns perfectly with the popular taste of the era.
• Popularity: The fox and rabbit theme is a variation on popular satirical or moral fables (like those by Aesop or La Fontaine), but here it’s adapted for a lighthearted, modern (for the time) setting: the burgeoning world of amateur and professional photography.