Venus in a Shell

This is a figural Art Nouveau inkwell dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, characterized by its flowing lines and naturalistic, symbolic theme.

Construction and Material

• Material: The inkwell is made of spelter (a zinc alloy, or régule in French), evident by the slight loss of surface finish and visible silver-gray metal beneath the patina in some areas.
• Form: It is a single-piece casting that functions as an inkstand.
• Finish/Patina: The metal surface is finished with a dark, muted bronze-like patina, with possible remnants of original polychrome (multi-color) paint in the recesses.

Figural and Stylistic Elements

The piece embodies the Art Nouveau style through its themes of femininity, nature, and sinuous lines:

• Central Figure: A nude female figure, likely representing Venus (or a water nymph), is seated gracefully within a large, vertically oriented scallop shell. She is posed looking downward and holds a small, round object (a pearl) in her left hand, resting it gently on the edge of the shell.
• The Inkwell: The functional ink reservoir is integrated into the composition. The opening is located immediately in front of the female figure. It is covered by a hinged, finely cast stylized leaf lid.
• Decoration: The base and shell are richly decorated with characteristic Art Nouveau flora:
  • Grapes and Vine Leaves: These motifs heavily frame the inkwell opening, the base, and curl around the sides of the shell, symbolizing abundance and the natural world.
  • Floral Elements: General stylized floral or flowing foliage elements are incorporated into the overall design, connecting the shell to the base.
• Erotic Undertones: The use of a nude, classical female figure in a pose suggestive of Venus Anadyomene (rising from the sea) places the piece within the popular erotic/sensual decorative arts tradition of the Art Nouveau period.