F. Barbedienne, Paris - Inkwell at the Etruscan - Napoleon III - Bronze - Mid 19th century

A RARE inkwell in the Etruscan style by Ferdinand BARBEDIENNE. Made of bronze. Neoclassical style, bulbous body, decorated with scrolls and palmettes, gadroon frieze, on three legs with shapes of wild animal noses and clawed paws. On a circular saucer. Signature: ‘F. Barbedienne Paris’ on the back side. The domed lid is topped by a man's head with an Etruscan-style face. Adorned with crosses, it tilts to uncover the container. A horizontal handle. Made of gilded and chiselled bronze with a matte patina. Paris, mid-19th century, Second French Empire. Height: 16 cm - Total diameter: 18 cm - Weight: 1. 530 kg . In very good condition, usual wear of the gilding, micro-scratches and very small superficial oxidation marks on a lion's head and two feet, and one on the body. The glass bowl is missing.