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"Conquest of Spain, " Extraordinary, Monumental Bronze Inkwell, Art Deco

About the Item

More of an indictment of the Spanish conquest of North America than a celebration, this quite extraordinary, large bronze inkwell depicts a Conquistador, holding sword and whip, seated above two bowed nude figures, clearly depicting Native and African Americans. Ironically, the nobility of the subjugated greatly exceeds that of the subjugator. Between the two nude figures are a pair of ink wells, complete with their original glass liners and bronze lids. The Conquistador figure lifts out to serve as an ink blotter. Although not signed, this is clearly an important piece, and was cast by the American Art Foundry, a company that was a contemporary of the Roman Bronze Works in early 20th century, New York.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.25 in (36.2 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Cast
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1930s
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU86511575442

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