NICCOLÒ ROCCATAGLIATA'S WORKSHOP (Genoa, 1593 - Venice, 1636)

Inkwell with kneeled putti

Bronze, black coating. Worn. 15 x 11 x 10 cm

The small inkwell herein offered features a central tripod frame and a triangular lid. The handle is shaped as a Minerva.

On the three sides of the main frame, grotesque heads of winged lions are shown. Each one of them is flanked by a couple of kneeled putti. We can catch a glimpse of a flower or fruit composition on the putti's heads.

On the three sides of the lid, right below the Minerva’s feet, there are trapezoidal orange peels.

This desk item features its own lead ink carrier, which is usually missing from this sort of pieces.

The range of decorations included in this little table monument points to Padua’s late Renaissance-era bronze production. Notably, putti of this kind are usually thought to be Niccolò Roccatagliata’s (active from 1593 to 1636) work. He was one of the last great mannerists, and his designs were replicated in the next century by his productive workshop.

If looking for comparisons, check out the chandelier and the two inkwells at the Museo del Palazzo di Venezia in Rome, number 147-148 and 149 in the catalogue, described as Roccatagliata imitations.

In addition, the bronze material and its manufacturing suggests a late XVI or early XVII dating.

In conclusion, this inkwell can be rather safely attributed to Niccolò Roccatagliata’s workshop and dated to the XVII century.

Comparative bibliography:
Museo Nazionale del Palazzo di Venezia: sculture in bronzo, a cura di P. Cannata e M.G. Barberini, Roma 2011 pp. 128-129.