SILVER INKSTAND, MADRID, 1779.

Notary in turned, cast and chiseled silver, Madrid, 18th century (1779). Contrast marks on the edge of the tray, on the bottom. Property mark “AL”. A tray with curved profiles stands on four legs shaped like plant elements. Fixed to it are the four containers that make up the writing desk. These, and the bell, have a magnificent decoration based on turned flat gallons on their body, base and lid. It is composed 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 dusters with lids, all attached to it by means of through screws. The profiles of the tray correspond to works of the Charles III period and 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 of Charles III to the throne, Italian influences arrived in silversmithing once masters from this country had established themselves, either as silversmiths or, in many cases, also as bronzesmiths. At the end of the century there was also an abandonment of Rococo forms in favor of the Neoclassical style, whose particularities can be seen in this writing desk. These galloned 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 as the capital of the kingdom, and the continuous movement of pieces and the relative ease in communications and transmissions of drawings and engravings make it difficult to distinguish particular styles and trends in many cases. Likewise, we must highlight the great role in improving the quality of silverware designs that the founding of the School-Workshop by Antonio Martínez in 1778 had. It has a locality mark, Madrid Corte y Villa 1779, and an artist. Weight: 1850 gr.

· Size: 31x25Xx14 cms.