Léon Messagé had a brilliant, but short-lived career. He is best known for his incredible sculptural collaboration with François Linke for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. A gifted sculptor, Messagé was also responsible for much of the design and creative work for Roux et Brunet and Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener. Messagé enjoyed great success as a designer/sculptor before he collaborated with Linke. Indeed, he was mentioned as a Gold Medal winner at the 1889 International Exhibition and was especially praised for his work on a cabinet by Zwiener. He came into contact with Linke in 1885, and it appears from then on Linke employed him regularly. Messagé was primarily influenced by Rococo ornament, but he strove to re-interpret it. He did not produce slavish copies, and his original approach can be appreciated in Linke's celebrated Grande Bibliothèque and Grand Bureau exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. Several drawings by Messagé are recorded, and after his success at the exhibition of 1889, he was encouraged to publish his designs. Cahier de dessins & croquis, style Louis XV: bronzes, orfèvrerie, décoration, meubles was first published by the sculptor himself, from his Paris address of 40 rue Sedaine. There were five sections with an elaborate title page surmounted by the sculptor's cipher or talisman of a wing, a pun on his name as the messenger to the Gods, a motif he used many times on the handles of furniture designed for Linke. As a sculptor, Messagé was trained to produce a wax maquette or model before working on a piece. For Messagé, it was not just a matter of producing decorative mounts the piece was conceived as sculpture, bronze, timber and marquetry as one.
Louis XV Style Inkwell, Designed by Léon Messagé and Cast By Barbedienne
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Rare Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Inkwell. Designed by Léon Messagé and Cast By The Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry, Paris. Designed in the exuberant Rococo style surmounted by a sea...
Ormolu
Empire Style Table Clock and Inkwell
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Empire style table clock and inkwell Origin France Circa 1900 The watch has a Paris machine and it works Golden bronze and Onix materials Very good general condition the marble ...
Bronze
$576
H 6.3 in W 5.52 in D 3.15 in
19th Century French Brass Antique Engraved and Signed Inkwell Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
19th Century small French antique engraved brass Inkwell in Louis XV style signed in the bottom in very good authentic condition.
Brass
French Louis XVI Style Champlevé and Ormolu Inkwell Circa 1890
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 7 1/2in W: 10 1/2in D: 7 3/4in This Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Champlevé and bronze Ormolu Inkwell is truly a sight to be seen! If we take a look at t...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
$617
H 2.09 in W 6.7 in D 5.52 in
Antique French Rococo Style Gilt Pewter and Porcelain Inkwell Signed Chatelain
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French Rococo style gilt pewter and porcelain inkwell from circa 1900, marked "Chatelain". This beautifully shaped gilt pewter inkwell is adorned with flowers in the center ...
Pewter
Japanned or Chinoiserie Decorated Louis XV Style Lacquer Inkwell
Located in Nashville, TN
The lacquer ground with a strong burgundy undertone. Well carved , colored and other wise decorated . The porcelain well in good Antique condition . Minor wear due to age and use .
Lacquer
$795
H 6 in W 8.5 in D 3.5 in
Antique Anglo-Indian Styled Cast Metal Figural Camel Inkwell or Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique cast and cold-painted inkwell has no maker's marks, but presumed to have been made in Austria in circa 1900 in the Anglo-Indian style. This ornately cast figural sitting...
Spelter
Antique French Gold Bronze Louis XV Style Inkwell circa 1880-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French gold bronze Louis XV style inkwell, circa 1880-1890.
Bronze
Louis XV Style Ormolu Inkwell, Late 19/Early 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
Attributed to Leon Messager for Francois Linke, with Rococo and seashell Decoration.
Ormolu
$3,412
H 10 in W 10 in D 10 in
A red Verona marble and bronze inkwell, signed Barbedienne, France 1870.
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Milan, IT
A red Verona marble inkwell with a central, extremely refined, lost-wax bronze sculpture in the Neoclassical Grand Tour style, depicting the head of Antinous depicted as Dionysus in ...
Marble, Bronze
$350
H 4 in W 12 in D 10 in
Antique French Figural Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Double Inkwell Inkstand wit
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Figural Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Double Inkwell Inkstand with Pen Holder 19th Century French Louis XV style figural cast bronze d...
Bronze
Louis XV Style Pewter Mounted Double Inkwell Stand
Located in Astoria, NY
Louis XV Style Pewter Mounted Double Inkwell Stand, 19th century, with finial handle opening inkwell covers to porcelain liners marked "CE" and ebonized composition pen rest. 5.25" ...
Pewter
$675
H 6 in W 8.5 in D 3.5 in
Antique Anglo-Indian Styled Cast Metal Figural Camel Inkwell or Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique cast and cold-painted inkwell has no maker's marks, but presumed to have originated from Austria and dating to approximately 1900 and done in the Anglo-Indian style. Thi...
Spelter