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AUCTION 51: A NEW YORK ART AND COLLECTIBLES SALE
Lot 150:
An exquisite inkwell set crafted from dark green serpentine marble in a pleasant, rounded shape with spiraling design. The lid bears seven lava rock cameos depicting various figures of the Italian renaissance including Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Dante Alighieri, among others, each cameo being trimmed with gilt-brass. The underside of the lid holds a watercolor scene of Vesuvius’ eruption. The base retains two glass inkwells and two slots for holding quills or pens, all trimmed with gilt-brass. These objects were produced in Naples, Italy during the 19th century for sale to people stopping by the ruins of Pompeii during their journey on the ‘Grand Tour’.
Naples, Italy, 19th Century.
Dimensions: D: 5 5/8 in., (14.3 cm.); H: 4 1/4 in., (10.8 cm.)
Condition: Near perfect condition with the only apparent damage being a small chip on the underside of the lid.
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