fine c19th italian bronze 'grand tour' souvenir type inkwell attributed to benedetto boschetti rome

Description

Fine C19th Italian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir type inkwell, attributed to Benedetto Boschetti, Rome.
Circular cast bronze lidded inkwell mounted on a Rosso Antico and Nero Belgio base. The body of fluted circular urn form with three lions mask mounts , raised on lion's paw feet . The top edge cast with ovolo or 'egg-and-dart' detail .
The removable domed lid with a detailed cast figure surmount of a pensively-posed winged Cupid with a quiver of arrows .
The interior lacking it's glass ink container.
The quality of the casting and subject matter , together with the use of the red and black marble base , lead us to the probable attribution to the workshops of Benedetto Boschetti (1820-70) 74 Via Condotti Rome . Boschetti supplied high quality works of art to satisfy the academic and sophisticated tastes of Grand Tourists . His work was widely praised and he was awarded a medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London . The figure of Cupid as portrayed here , echoes one of his most celebrated works of a mosaic table in the Gilbert Collection, depicting the 'Triumph of Cupid' .
Excellent consistent golden patination and colour .
H 7"
W 5"
D 5"
Italy c.1860
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
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Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .
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Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.
Internal Ref: ML 1910