“The Thinker” – Bronze and Marble Inkstand

This inkstand is titled “Le Penseur”, translating “The Thinker” from the French. With a pensive expression on his face, the young man holds a book saying, “C’est sure les hauts sommets que le penseur médite.” (“It is on the high peaks that the thinker meditates”). Behind him, on a jagged outcrop of rocks, an eagle furls its wings as it readies for flight. The back of the rock is stamped with the foundry mark “Sindicate Des Fabre De Bronzes 1818 Unis France” and impressed “B.D” above the mark. The base is inscribed “E. Picault” for Emile-Luis Picault (French 1833 – 1915). Flanking the sculpture on either side, round gilt bronze inkwells, each with foliate designs and opening to reveal the glass inserts. The sea green marble base rests on four bun feet.