French Grand Tour-Era Inkstand

This is a French Grand Tour-era inkstand from the mid-19th century, designed as a horse-drawn carriage. It’s composed of a brass mount set on a rectangular alabaster base. The carriage is designed to hold two inkwells, but one is missing.

The Carriage and its Decoration

The stand is a brass sculpture of a horse and carriage. The most prominent feature is the small, oval-shaped painting set under glass at the rear of the carriage. This painting depicts the Vendôme Column in Paris. The Vendôme Column was erected by Napoleon to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz and is a famous Parisian landmark.

The “Palais Royal Grand Tour” Era

This inkstand belongs to what is commonly referred to as the “Palais Royal Grand Tour” era, which refers to a period in the 19th century when European aristocrats and wealthy individuals would embark on a “Grand Tour” of cultural centers like Paris. They would often purchase souvenirs to remember their travels.

The Palais-Royal in Paris was a prominent center for luxury goods, and many workshops and boutiques in the surrounding area specialized in producing decorative souvenirs like this inkstand. These items were often made with inexpensive materials like brass and alabaster but were designed with a high level of detail to commemorate famous Parisian landmarks. The combination of the horse-drawn carriage and the depiction of the Vendôme Column  embodies the spirit of these souvenirs.