A Charles X patinated Bronze Neo-gothic Inkwell “troubadour” by Dunouy, Bronzier

Bronze inkwell with a brown patina
Each central element engraved with “dun.”
Dimensions: H. 14.5; W. 11 (cm).
Paris, circa 1830.

A rare Neo-Gothic inkwell with an architectural form, crafted from patinated bronze. Richly ornamented with chiseled designs of trefoils, poly-lobed arches, ogives, vine leaves, rosettes… A beautiful collector’s item that, for once, can be attributed with certainty to a bronze artist. The central pieces are all inscribed with “dun,” standing for Dunouy, a bronze manufacturer in Couture Saint-Gervais, according to the 1823 Paris Commercial Almanac.

Historicism: The publication of Jules Michelet’s collections during the Restoration, as well as the creation of a “National Novel” intended to lend credibility to the ruling regime; but also the artistic emulation surrounding the writer Walter Scott and the painter Fleury-Richard, gave rise to a genuine “Neo-Gothic” or “Gothic Revival” artistic trend.

Comparable piece:
- a similar model, partially gilded, from the former Guerrand-Hermès collection

Condition report: minor signs of wear