Items Similar to Auguste Ledru (French, 1860–1902) Inkwell. Gilded Bronze — Susse Frères Foundry
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 15
Auguste Ledru (French, 1860–1902) Inkwell. Gilded Bronze — Susse Frères Foundry
$2,895
£2,192.69
€2,518.23
CA$4,056.84
A$4,410.60
CHF 2,338.51
MX$52,871.97
NOK 29,721.23
SEK 27,228.69
DKK 18,820.60
About the Item
A magnificent and substantial French Art Nouveau gilded bronze inkwell, sculpted with detail and fluidity, signed Ledru (Auguste Ledru - French, 1860–1902) and bearing the prestigious Susse Frères Editeurs foundry seal. This is a quality piece—rarely encountered in such complete condition with its original glass ink liner and richly gilded surface.
This exceptional example captures the quintessential spirit of Art Nouveau: nature, movement, mythology, and sensuality rendered in a dynamic, living form.
✨ Description
The inkwell is modeled as a dramatic oceanic tableau, formed around a sweeping, wave-like sculptural base that rises into a large conch shell. A finely cast nude nymph climbs and embraces the shell, rendered with remarkable anatomical sensitivity and emotional expressiveness.
The lid of the conch shell opens to reveal the original glass insert, housed inside a beautifully oxidized interior—an untouched and authentic patination consistent with late-19th to early-20th century French bronzes.
The entire work is richly gilded, with warm golden tones and an aged surface that highlights the intricate textures: rippling water, shell ridges, muscular anatomy, and the organic forms of the Art Nouveau movement.
🔍 Artist
Foundry
Signed: Ledru (incised in script near the front edge)
Foundry Mark: Susse Frères Editeurs, Paris – circular stamp with crossed tools
Foundry Letter : M cast into the bronze
Susse Frères was one of the most important French bronze founders of the 19th and early 20th centuries—renowned for casting works by Dalou, Barye, Carpeaux, and numerous celebrated sculptors of the period. Their mark significantly increases desirability and authenticity.
📏 Dimensions
Weight
Size: 9”W x 9”D x 6.5”H
Weight: Heavy and substantial cast bronze
🎨 Style
Period
French Art Nouveau, c. approx. 1890–1900
Features classic Art Nouveau motifs:
Sensuous human forms
Organic sea-inspired sculpting
Spiraling movement
Naturalistic textures and flowing surfaces
This piece bridges the decorative and the sculptural—both functional and artistic.
🧩 Condition
Beautiful original gilding with age-appropriate patina throughout
Minor wear and darkened areas consistent with over a century of handling
Lid hinge in excellent working order
Original glass liner intact
No cracks, losses, or repairs to the bronze
Interior shows undisturbed oxidation
🎨 Artist Background — Who was Auguste Ledru
Auguste Ledru (1860–1902) was a French sculptor active in Paris, a contemporary of the fin-de-siècle Art Nouveau movement.
He studied sculpture formally at the prestigious École des Beaux‑Arts under noted masters including Dumont, Bonnassieux, Thomas, and Boisseaux. Rather than producing large public monuments, Ledru specialized in decorative sculpture — small-scale, intimate, highly crafted works such as vases, ewers, inkwells, trays, and other objets d’art.
His work is characterised by sensual nymphs or mythological figures, frequently combined with organic, marine motifs (shells, waves, sea creatures), reflecting the Art Nouveau fascination with nature, fluid forms, and the female figure.
Auguste Ledru exhibited regularly at the Société des Artistes Français from 1883 until his death. During his career he earned distinctions: an “honorable mention” in 1892, a third-class medal in 1894, and a second-class medal in 1896.
His workshop was located in Auvers-sur-Oise, outside Paris, but his pieces were cast by major bronze foundries — most notably Susse Frères, or published through art-editors like Émile Colin and Goldscheider.
Several of his works remain highly collectible today — for example, gilt-bronze inkwells by Ledru have appeared at major auction houses. (Christies etc..)
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2023
40 sales on 1stDibs
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Victoria, Canada
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllHouse of Schwarzenberg Gilded Copper Chalice - Bohemia / Austria–Hungary, 19th
Located in Victoria, BC
An important and visually striking gilded copper chalice, finely engraved with the armorial bearings of the noble House of Schwarzenberg, one of the most prominent aristocratic famil...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Jars
Materials
Copper
Antique French Early 19th Century Charles X Gilded Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Victoria, BC
This antique mantel clock features blue hands and a fully gilded rim. The heavily ornamented base on which the clock sits is also gilded. A beautiful girl in a dress with puffed slee...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Mantel Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Paul Milet signed Sèvres Louis XVI style French Vase. Early 20th Century
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a beautiful Paul Milet Sèvres Louis XVI style French Vase. Circa 1900 - 1930, this vase features gilded accents and a wonderful rich blue tone...
Category
Early 20th Century French Vases
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Early Baroque Northern Italian Giltwood Cornucopia Figures
Located in Victoria, BC
This exceptional pair of carved wood figures reflects the early Baroque aesthetic of Northern Italy during the late 16th to early 17th century. Executed with expressive dynamism, eac...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage HERMES Cornucopia Metal and Leather Cigarette Box
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a handsome and classic 1950s vintage Hermès cigarette box. Cigarette box is heavy and wrapped in leather. Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) deco...
Category
Vintage 1950s French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Metal
Large French Ceramic Hanging Fountain with Lid
Located in Victoria, BC
This magnificent large French ceramic hanging fountain is a true testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the mid-19th century. Originating from Marseilles, this exquisite piece showcases the skillful combination of form and glaze to create a stunning visual effect.
The centerpiece of the fountain is a beautifully molded dolphin, meticulously crafted and glazed in a rich burnt orange hue. The dolphin's intricate details, from its sinuous body to its gracefully arched tail, demonstrate the sculptor's mastery in capturing the essence of this majestic sea creature.
The background of the fountain features a wave-like design, glazed in a vibrant yellow tone. The interplay between the burnt orange of the dolphin and the contrasting yellow waves creates a striking and harmonious color palette, evoking the movement and energy of the sea.
This hanging fountain comes complete with a lid, adding an element of functionality and practicality to its artistic appeal. The lid is designed to securely cover the fountain, ensuring the proper functioning of the water feature.
With dimensions of approximately 20 inches in height, 12 inches in width, and 8 inches in depth, this large ceramic hanging fountain makes a commanding presence. Its size and visual impact allow it to serve as a captivating focal point in any interior or outdoor space, whether suspended from a ceiling or showcased on a wall.
The craftsmanship and origin of this piece, dating back to the mid-1800s in Marseilles, contribute to its historical significance. It represents a time when French artisans excelled in the creation of decorative ceramics, showcasing their talent and innovation.
This French ceramic hanging fountain with its burnt orange dolphin and yellow wave background is a truly remarkable find. Its artistic beauty, historical value, and functional design make it an exceptional piece for collectors of antique ceramics...
Category
Antique 1850s French French Provincial Pottery
Materials
Pottery
You May Also Like
Gilt Bronze Inkwell, "L
Amour timbalier", Louis XVI Style
Located in Paris, FR
Gilt bronze inkwell in the Louis XVI style, representing Love seated with two sticks in his hands, surrounded by timbales. The circular timbales in gilt bronze, are decorated with dr...
Category
Antique 1890s French Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
French Louis XV Style Bronze Double Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19th Century) bronze double inkwell with trophy caps and cupid playing the cello on a white onyx base.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Inkwells
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
An Gilt Bronze Inkwell from the 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An gilt bronze inkwell from the 19th century, Napoleon III period.
A Louis XV style gilt bronze inkwell from the 19th century, Napoleon III period.
H: 23cm, W: 37cm, D: 24cm
Category
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Gilt Bronze Figural Inkwell, E.F. Caldwell and Co., circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Gilt bronze figural inkwell, E.F. Caldwell and Co., circa 1900.
Category
Antique Early 1900s American Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
French Victorian Bronze Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian (19th Century) bronze inkwell embellished with floral, scallop and rams head details and a centered scroll handle with 2 wells.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
19th-Century French Gilt-Bronze and Marble Figural Inkwell By F. Barbedienne
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Dublin, IE
A Fine 19th-Century French Gilt-Bronze and Marble Figural Inkwell
By F. Barbedienne, Paris.
A richly detailed Napoleon III period gilt-bronze inkwell, the central figure cast and fi...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Inkwells
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
