French antique ormolu mounted marble inkstand by Barbedienne

The inkstand is the work of the famous 19^th Century Parisian metalworker, Ferdinand Barbedienne.

The inkstand is set on a rectangular ormolu base, raised off the ground by four toupie feet. The base is decorated all around with wave-like motifs and clam shells.

A white-flecked, veined red marble tray is mounted onto the base. To the front of the marble is a rectangular recess, which serves to hold the ink pen.

Behind the pen-holder, there are two circular ormolu inkwells. An ormolu figure of a nude bearded male is positioned between the inkwells. This sculpture is based on a marble work, titled ‘The River’, which was crafted in the 18^th Century by Jean-Jacques Caffieri. The piece depicts a river personified as an idealised nude man, sitting on an urn from which water flows. He holds an oar in his left hand, and clasps the urn with his right. The man wears a crown of reeds on his head.

The inkstand is inscribed ‘F. BARBEDIENNE. FOUNDER. PARIS’ on the side of its base.