SILVER INKSTAND, MADRID, 1779.

Notary in turned, cast and chiseled silver, Madrid, 18th century (1779). Contrast markings on the edge of the tray, at its bottom. Ownership mark “AL”. A tray with curved profiles is supported on four legs in the shape of plant elements. Fixed to it are the four containers that make up the notary's office. These, and the bell, present a magnificent decoration based on turned flat gallons on its body, base and lid. It is made up of a tray, sandbox or sandbox (to dry the ink) with a bell (call the servant or the person responsible for carrying the message or written message) and three inkwells or feather dusters with a lid, all attached to the bell by through screws. The profiles of the tray correspond to works from the period and in the Carlos III style, while the jugs still show part of the movement that characterized Rococo, already introducing the clean lines characteristic of Neoclassicism. In the second half of the 18th century, with the accession to the throne of Carlos III, Italian influences arrived in silverware once masters from this country had established themselves, either as silversmiths or, in many cases, also as bronzesmiths. At the end of the century, an abandonment of the Rococo forms in favor of the Neoclassical style can also be seen, whose particularities can be seen in this notary. These embossed shapes 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 for being the capital of the kingdom, and the continuous movement of pieces and the relative ease in the communications and transmission of drawings and engravings make it difficult to distinguish particular styles and tendencies in many cases. Likewise, it is necessary to highlight the great role played by the founding of the School-Workshop by Antonio Martínez in 1778 in improving the quality of silverware designs. Presents locality mark, Madrid Corte y Villa 1779, and artist. Weight: 1850 gr.

· Size: 31x25Xx14 cms.