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Artist:
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Vincenzo Coaci
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Title:
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The Coaci Inkstand
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Date:
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1792
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Medium:
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Silver, silver gilt, lapis lazuli, and rosso antico marble
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Dimensions:
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28 1/2 x 20 1/2 x 14 3/4 in. (72.39 x 52.07 x 37.47 cm)
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Credit Line:
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Gift of funds from The Morse Foundation
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Location:
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Gallery 310
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This ingeniously complex inkstand may have been presented to Pope Pius VI to commemorate completion of the Quirinale Monument in Rome in 1786, just across from the Pope's summer palace. As seen in the inkstand, the monument incorporates an Egyptian obelisk unearthed near the Mausoleum of Augustus and two ancient Roman sculptures of horse tamers. The horse tamers swing out with the press of a lever, revealing an inkwell and sander. The sphinxesâ headdresses conceal candle holders and the center drawer contains an assortment of trompe lâoeil engravings, including Coaciâs trade card. The two doves can be made to kiss by means of a lever located under the fountain.
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Artist/Creator(s)
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Name:
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Coaci, Vincenzo
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Role:
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Silversmith
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Nationality:
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Italian
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Life Dates:
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Italian (Rome), 1756-1794
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Object Description
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Inscriptions:
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Signature; Date [Vincenzo Coaci Roma 1790]
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Classification:
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Metalwork
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Physical Description:
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The inkstand is a replica of the Quirinal Monument in Rome and was made to commemorate its erection during the pontificate of Pius VI. The composition includes an Egyptian obalisk, and four horse tamers that can be swung from their bases on levers to reveal an inkwell and a sandbox; Sphinxes' headdresses conceal candle sockets; one of the drawers contains an assortment of tromp l'oeil engravings; two doves can be made to kiss by means of a lever located in the fountain; the inkstand has a leather carrying case that resembles a medieval fortified town, with gates, battlements and a bell tower.
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Creation Place:
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Europe, Italy, , , Rome
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Accession #:
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69.80.1a,b
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Owner:
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The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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