Inkwell with Satyr, Paduan school 16th-17th century

Inkwell with a chiseled central body supported by three crouched lions above a trefoil base supported by feet in the shape of winged monsters, perhaps griffins. The lid is surmounted with a seated satyr, turning to the left. The object is decorated with garlands and masks of various kinds.

An object of great taste, with the typical materiality of late Renaissance Paduan castings, in particular thick, bituminous patina that can be found in many of the 15th-16th century objects of this area. Likewise, the rich iconographic heritage of satyrs, masks and garlands is also taken from the great Venetian masters.

The satyrs of the Candelabro Pasquale of Andrea Briosco, called Riccio (Basilica del Santo in Padua) can be distant prototypes of our satyr. The masks depicting long-eared satyrs (always present in the cap) also appear to be freely inspired by Riccio's inventions.

Rather rough, with very little cold finishing and small casting defects that have not even been eliminated, the sculpture finds its strength and key to authenticity precisely in this strong materiality.

Recently, a similar inkwell attributed to the school of Giuseppe de Levis was seen at an auction. Although there are no reasons to deny this attribution, neither are there any to support it.

This inkwell can be attributed to a Veneto foundry, probably 17th century.