The Greyhound and the Turtle

Subject and Scene

This inkstand features an Italian Greyhound or Whippet poised playfully over a small turtle (or tortoise). The dog is sculpted in a characteristic playful crouch with its front paws extended toward the turtle, which is cast with its shell, head, and feet visible.

Component Breakdown & Condition

• The Turtle: The small piece positioned right next to the hound’s right foreleg is a cast turtle/tortoise.
• Rear Decoration / Missing Element: The broken scrollwork behind the ink pot is the remains of an integrated pen rest / pen rack. These Rococo-revival stands typically had a corresponding curving foliate bracket rising behind the inkwell to cradle dip pens across the back.
• Materials: The base and inkwell are cast from spelter (zinc alloy) with a patinated bronze wash. The bronze canine figure is more finely modeled, typical of French animalier desk accessories where the primary figure was cast separately and secured to the base from underneath.
• Inkwell: The vessel features heavy Rococo-revival acanthus leaf and scrolling shell motifs with a hinged lid, missing an insert.

Origin & Date

• Origin: France
• Era: Circa 1880–1905 (Late 19th to early 20th century). Unmarked spelter/bronzed desk sets featuring whimsical encounters between domestic pets and reptiles or amphibians (e.g., dogs with tortoises, frogs, or lizards) were widely produced in France during this period.