Warrior on a Horse Inkstand

This double inkstand, an example of historical romanticism in desk accessories, was made in France during the late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890–1910).

Detailed Description

• The Figure: The central focal point is a cast figure of a mounted warrior or officer in a dynamic “levade” or rearing pose. The rider wears military attire characteristic of the late 17th century (Louis XIV era), including a cuirass (breastplate), a helmet, and high riding boots. He holds a lance or baton of command in his right hand.
• The Inkwells: Flanking the central statue are two square inkwells with hinged lids. When opened, they reveal removable white porcelain inserts.
• The Base: The base features an ornate, neoclassical design with scrolling acanthus leaves, floral swags, and a textured “cobblestone” or “earth” pattern in the central pen tray. The underside shows the characteristic hollow, sand-cast appearance of spelter metal.
• Material: The piece is made of spelter (a zinc-based white metal alloy), which has been cold-painted with a copper/bronze-toned finish to mimic more expensive solid bronze.

Era

The figure celebrates the military glory of France under King Louis XIV (The Sun King).

• The 17th Century Style: The rider’s costume—specifically the helmet and the style of the cuirass—is a romanticized Victorian interpretation of an officer from the late 1600s. This was a period of numerous European conflicts, such as the Franco-Dutch War or the War of the League of Augsburg.
• The Pose: The rearing horse (the cabriole) was a standard artistic trope in 17th-century equestrian portraits to symbolize power and the “taming” of nature by a Great Leader.

Origin and Manufacturer

• Where: Produced in France, specifically in the foundries of Paris or the surrounding industrial regions.
• When: Circa 1890–1910. This was the peak era for high-quality “Regule” (spelter) desk sets intended for the growing middle-class market.