“The Reader”

This Art Nouveau inkstand is cast from white metal and finished with a dark bronze patina to give it the appearance of solid bronze.

Description

The inkstand features a highly stylized organic design typical of the period:

• The Pen Tray: The front of the tray is dominated by an embossed figure of a reclining woman, sometimes referred to as “The Reader”. She is depicted in profile, leaning on her arm with her chin in her hand, intently reading an open book. Her hair is long and flowing, adorned with a large flower, and she wears a diaphanous, off-the-shoulder gown.
• The Inkwell: Positioned at the back right, the inkwell is integrated into the tray. It features a swivel lid embossed with a dragonfly motif, a signature element of Art Nouveau’s obsession with nature.
• Components: The lid opens to reveal a clear glass insert.
• Floral Motifs: The tray is framed by flowing, “whiplash” curves and relief-work depicting stylized floral stems, possibly lilies or irises.

Manufacturer, Origin, and Age

The impressed number 4318 on the underside is a pattern number used by the manufacturer to catalog the design.

Both Apollo Studios and K&O were prolific manufacturers of “French Bronze” desk sets during the Art Nouveau era. They frequently produced pieces like this for high-end department stores and gift shops. Pattern numbers in the 4000-series are particularly common for Apollo Studios, which specialized in items combining relief-decorated metal with glass inserts.