SILVER INKSTAND, MADRID, 1779.

Writing desk in turned, cast and chiseled silver, Madrid, 18th century (1779). Contrasting marks on the edge of the tray, on its underside. “AL” ownership mark. A tray with curved profiles is supported by four legs shaped like plant elements. Attached to it are the four containers that make up the writing desk. These, and the bell, have a magnificent decoration based on flat turned scallops on their body, base and lid. It is made up of a tray, a sandpit or sandbox (for drying ink) with a bell (to call the servant or the person in charge of carrying the written message or note) and three inkwells or feather dusters with lids, all attached to the lid by means of through screws. The profiles of the tray correspond to works from the period and style of Charles III, while the jars still show part of the movement that characterised Rococo, already introducing the clean lines characteristic of Neoclassicism. In the second half of the 18th century, with the accession of Charles III to the throne, Italian influences came to silverware once masters from this country had established themselves, either as silversmiths or, in many cases, also as bronze makers. At the end of the century, there was also an abandonment of Rococo forms in favour of the Neoclassical style, whose particularities can be seen in this writing desk. These scalloped forms come from decorations based on ancient Roman art on which this second artistic style was based, as do the plant elements. Madrid would set the standard in art as it was the capital of the kingdom, and the continuous movement of pieces and the relative ease of communication and transmission of drawings and engravings make it difficult to distinguish particular styles and trends in many cases. Likewise, it is worth highlighting the great role in improving the quality of silverware designs played by the foundation of the School-Workshop by Antonio Martínez in 1778. It has a town mark, Madrid Corte y Villa 1779, and its creator. Weight: 1850 gr.

· Size: 31x25Xx14 cms.