Inktstel, met beschilderde medaillons en draperieën in reliëf c. 1778 - 1782

This delicate Inktstel, or inkstand, was crafted in Loosdrecht from porcelain, its surface a canvas of painted medallions and relief draperies. The piece presents a study in contrasts. Notice how the rigid geometry of the rectangular base is softened by the flowing, pastel ribbons and medallions. The vertical thrust of the inkwell, a classical amphora shape, meets the horizontal plane, creating a balanced tension. The medallions, each framing a silhouette, are suspended like captured moments in time, disrupting the functionality of the piece with human presence. These elements, seemingly decorative, invite a deeper reading. The ribbons might symbolize the ties that bind knowledge and art, while the medallions suggest the weight of history and portraiture. Yet, the stand's utility cannot be ignored. It serves as a reminder that even the most ornamental objects are rooted in everyday life.