Painting a Dog’s Portrait

This sculpted bronze inkstand portrays an artist at work.

• The Painter: The main figure is a male artist, distinguished by his pointed goatee and the large hat he wears. He is seated on a stool, palette in hand, with a focused expression as he looks toward his subject.
• The Dog and the Inkwell: The artist’s subject is a small, attentively posed terrier dog. The dog sits on top of a raised, cylindrical platform that resembles a half column. This platform has a hinged lid that opens to reveal the original glass inkpot.
• The Base: The sculptural group rests on a simple, circular bronze base.

Estimated Age and Origin

The style, subject matter, and craftsmanship of this inkwell are indicative of French decorative arts from the late 19th century (circa 1850–1890).

This period was a golden age for French bronze foundries, which specialized in producing finely detailed, narrative works that were both decorative and functional. The intimate subject of an artist with his pet, captured in a realistic and endearing manner, was a highly popular theme that perfectly aligned with the aesthetic tastes of the time.