Empire period, exceptional inkwell attributed to Thomire or Alexis Decaix

Magnificent inkwell in yew root, gilded and patinated bronze depicting a kneeling vestal virgin draped in Antique style holding two cornucopias with vine branches forming buckets with openwork lids. Rectangular magnifying glass base opening with a bronze lion's snout drawer, the ogee base plated with gilded brass.

Created under the Consulate, this model of inkwell was very successful and we have identified several identical or very close examples with a few variations, notably with additional gilded bronze elements on the terrace or even with a cherry red marble base and not in veneer (see in particular Humphrey Whitbread Collection, Christie's sale, London, April 5, 2001, lot 384).
However, experts' attributions are not unanimous regarding the author of this model. Some attribute it to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843), while others attribute it to Alexis Decaix (1778-1811), including at Christie's where several years apart two identical models are in turn attributed to both of these two large bronze casters.
Further research tends to demonstrate that the original drawing does not come from the ornamentalists Percier and Fontaine, but from Thomas Hope (1769-1831). Illustrated engravings of Thomas Hope's house in the work Household Furniture and Interior Decoration that he published in 1807 repeatedly show designs similar to this inkwell.
The latter undertook his Grand Tour between 1787 and 1795. Very influenced by Italy, he was also influenced by Egypt, notably following Bonaparte's campaigns and the publication by Dominique Vivant Denon of Voyage dans la Basse et la Haute Espagne in 1802. He was also admiring the work carried out by the Frenchman Alexis Decaix whose workshop was supported by the Prince of Wales, future George IV.
Moreover, in 1803, the Prince of Wales, later George IV, acquired an identical model of inkwell which was detailed in the large illustrated book 'Jutsham' for the contents of Carlton House (H. Clifford Smith, Buckingham Palace, London , 1931, p. 203 and pl.236). This inkwell acquired by the prince was registered by the court goldsmith Thomas Garrard in his register of June 21, 1803, as 'a yew inkwell with bronze female figure holding two cornucopias' (M. Levy, ' Taking up the Pen'', Country Life, April 23, 1992, pp. 60-62).

The banker Perregaux, then owner of Mademoiselle Guimard's former hotel, also owned a copy: "a writing desk in yew root with the figure of a kneeling woman in bronze holding two cornucopias"

In the sale of the collections of Lors Elgin, a major client of Lignereux, there was an identical inkwell. sale Sotheby's London, June 12, 1992, lot 307.

Other similar models:

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5615910

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6356578

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4120304

https://www.aguttes.com/lot/104638/13987614

Although it is impossible to certify an attribution of this model to Alexis DECAIX or Pierre-Philippe Thomire, this inkwell remains an exceptional piece resulting from the know-how of a great bronze maker and reserved for a prestigious clientele.

Very good state of conservation, a small old restoration on one corner, wear of the gilding on the neck of a cornucopia.

Empire-Consulate period, between 1800 and 1805.

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