THE PROPERTY OF A LADY
A BRONZE INKWELL IN THE FORM OF A PUTTO HOLDING A SHELL

WORKSHOP OF NICCOLÒ ROCCATAGLIATA (ACTIVE 1593-1636), EARLY 17TH CENTURY

Details
A BRONZE INKWELL IN THE FORM OF A PUTTO HOLDING A SHELL
WORKSHOP OF NICCOLÒ ROCCATAGLIATA (ACTIVE 1593-1636), EARLY 17TH CENTURY

On an integrally cast tripod base; with a small hole in the reverse and on the edge of the shell.
Medium brown patina.
6½ in. (16.5 cm.) high
Literature
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
L. Planiscig, Venezianische Bildhauer der Renaissance, Vienna, 1921, figs. 667-673, 675-677.

Lot Essay

Among Venetian bronze sculptors of the late 16th century, Roccatagliata seems to have made something of a speciality of lively statuettes of putti (Planiscig, loc. cit.). This type of inkwell with Cupid's quiver serving as a quill holder and his shell as a receptacle for ink was particularly successful: a closely related, but not identical, example was sold in these Rooms on 7 July 1992, lot 152.

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