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Inkstand - A Bull

A Bull

  • Object:

    Inkstand

  • Place of origin:

    Italy (North, made)

  • Date:

    16th century (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    unknown (production)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Bronze

  • Credit Line:

    Salting Bequest

  • Museum number:

    A.130-1910

  • Gallery location:

    In store

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The great majority of bronzes produced during the Italian Renaissance were made for use, so-called 'functional bronzes', which, however beautiful in their own right, nevertheless had some practical use beyond simple ornament. This is the case of this bronze inkstand group, which was intended for the writing table, together with other utensils and vessels. The furnishing of the study was indeed one of the most important tasks of bronze casting.

Physical description

Inkstand in bronze in the form of a bull. The bull is reclining on an oblong base with four claw feet; his back is cut out and fastened as a lid with a hinge near his tail. Dark patina.

Place of Origin

Italy (North, made)

Date

16th century (made)

Artist/maker

unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Bronze

Dimensions

Height: 9 cm greatest

Object history note

From the Salting bequest.

Descriptive line

Inkstand, bronze, a bull, North Italian, 16th century

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

'Salting Bequest (A. 70 to A. 1029-1910) / Murray Bequest (A. 1030 to A. 1096-1910)'. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (Department of Architecture and Sculpture). London: Printed under the Authority of his Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, East Harding Street, EC, p. 9

Materials

Bronze

Subjects depicted

Bulls

Categories

Household objects; Metalwork; Sculpture; Accessories

Collection code

SCP

Download image
Qr_O88548
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