French 1st Empire Marble Inkstand

This inkstand features a combination of materials and classical design elements. It consists of a dark, urn-shaped central inkwell, flanked by two stylized gilt-bronze birds with long, graceful necks and textured bodies, clearly identifiable as swans. The inkwell itself has a domed lid with a finial, and a decorative laurel wreath and ribbon motif in gilt-bronze on its front. The lid is hinged and covers the original glass ink insert.

The entire arrangement rests on a rectangular plinth made of dark green, mottled marble – “verde antico” (Italian for “ancient green”). The marble plinth itself has two recessed troughs, one on each side, which serve as pen rests. The plinth stands on four small, round, gilt-bronze feet. There is a  label from Neiman-Marcus’s Dallas antique gallery on the underside.

“French 1st Empire” refers to the First French Empire, the period when Napoleon Bonaparte ruled France as Emperor. This era lasted from 1804 to 1814/1815. The art and design style of this period, known as Empire style, was a highly influential neoclassical style.

Key characteristics of Empire style include:

• Classical inspiration: A strong return to motifs from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, reflecting Napoleon’s fascination with classical antiquity and his desire to evoke the grandeur of empires.
• Symmetry and monumentality: Designs are typically symmetrical, balanced, and often imposing, with a sense of dignity and power.
• Motifs: Common motifs include:
  • Laurel wreaths, eagles, fasces, military trophies: Reflecting military victory and imperial power.
  • Nymphs, classical figures, sphinxes, caryatids: Direct borrowings from antiquity.
  • Swans: A popular motif, often used in pairs, symbolizing grace and beauty, and frequently appearing on furniture and decorative arts.
  • Geometric forms: Straight lines, columns, and rectangular shapes are prominent.
• Materials: Often incorporated rich materials like gilt-bronze (ormolu), mahogany, and various marbles.

Verde Antico Marble

• Appearance: “Verde antico” is a specific type of brecciated marble (meaning it’s composed of angular fragments cemented together). It is characterized by its deep, dark green color, often appearing almost black in places, with distinctive white, gray, or even yellowish veins and patches. These lighter areas are often jagged or fractured in appearance, contrasting sharply with the dark green background. The marble on this inkstand clearly shows this characteristic dark green background with lighter, fragmented veins, which perfectly matches the description of “verde antico.”

• Historical Use: “Verde antico” was highly prized in antiquity and saw a resurgence in popularity during neoclassical periods like the French Empire, making its use here historically consistent. It was often used for grander pieces due to its rich color and prestigious appearance.