Skip to content

Home
Search
Your album
Learn more

Images

A beautiful responsive image

Drawing for an Inkstand

Digital image courtesy of the Getty's Open Content Program | Public Domain

Start Zooming Stop Zooming

Next
Previous
Current search
Add To Album

Date

c.1780

Artist

Attributed to Robert-Joseph Auguste (1723-1805)

Collection

Image Link

http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/5705/attributed-to-robert-joseph-auguste-drawing-for-an-inkstand-french-about-1780/

Description

Delicate shades of watercolor animate this pen-and-ink presentation drawing of an elaborate inkstand by Robert-Josephe Auguste, court goldsmith to Louis XVI. It is thought that Auguste may have created this extraordinary design in celebration of the king's marine victories, although it is not known whether it was ever executed.
Atop an elaborate base that includes shallow bowls for ink and sand, highly symbolic figures in antique-style dress are posed around a central column. At the center is Louis XVI in Roman armor, crowned with a laurel wreath by Fame, who is winged, and holds a palm frond. The king is offered an olive branch by a kneeling female figure representing France--identifiable by the helmet she wears, which is surmounted by a cockerel. A putto next to France holds a trident, representing the sea. An anchor and ships' prows decorate the sides of a column. A putto atop the column stands astride a cornucopia, which symbolizes plenty and good fortune. He holds a caduceus, symbolizing his role as messenger, and blows a trumpet decorated with the royal standard--a flag with the king's arms and three fleurs-de-lis. Medium: black ink with watercolour washes in blue, yellow, and crimson.

Image Licence

Public Domain

Image Credit

Digital image courtesy of the Getty's Open Content Program

Location

Paris, France

Country

Tags

Arts
Crafts

Category

People & Society

Glossary
Search tips

© 2024 Watercolour World | Technology by The Museum Platform

© 2024 Watercolour World | Technology by The Museum Platform