Marble and Bronze Inkstand by Henri Chapu

A large 19^th century French rouge marble, gilt and patinated bronze inkwell by Henri Michel Antoine Chapu, 1833 to 1891. A neoclassical inkwell designed with a beveled gritted marble foundation with a pen concave. Fitted in the center with a cast bronze of a draped woman, embellished with doré bronze floral and vine motif borders along the base. Raised on four round feet. Flanked by two hinged ormolu bronze inkwells with acorn finials. Cast bronze signed: H.Chapu, and stamped with Paris foundry mark. Note: Henri-Michel-Antoine Chapu was a French sculptor in a modified Neoclassical tradition who was known for his use of allegory in his work.