19th Century Inkwell In Gilt Bronze Attributed To Théodore Millet 1856-1918

Very beautiful gilt bronze inkwell with abundant foliage decoration. It is surmounted by a putto holding a leaf branch. Quality work attributed to the bronzier Théodore MILLET. Circa 1900 Height 23 cm Width 37 cm Depth 24 cm

MILLET HOUSE 1856-1918
Founded by Blaise Millet, a “bronze fitter”, Millet made its appearance in the Almanac in 1857. Between 1889 and 1897, it was located at 50 rue Saint-Sabin, before occupying the Hôtel Mansart de Sagonne at 23 Boulevard Beaumarchais. Blaise's son, Théodore, helped to give it a real boost from the 1890s. Maison Millet definitively ceased its activity in 1918. First specializing in bronze art and lighting, Maison Millet then extended its activity decoration and furnishings, collaborating occasionally with other craftsmen such as, for example, the sculptor and bronzier Claude Marioton.
The Millets father & son also diversified their repertoire of decorative bronzes, by acquiring models from other bronzers, notably during the Henry Dasson sale in 1894 or Beurdeley in 1897-1898 (C. Mestdagh, op. cit., p . 57). Finally, they request access to 18th century furniture kept in public collections, in order to enrich their knowledge and know-how: in 1902, Théodore Millet obtains authorization from Versailles to copy the jewelry holder made by Schwerdfeger for Marie Antoinette.
Presented as a factory of "bronzes and artistic luxury furniture in old styles", the Millet house participated for the first time in a universal exhibition in Paris in 1889. He received the gold medal. This was followed by the one held in Chicago in 1893 where Millet exhibited alongside the Beurdeleys, and that of Saint-Louis in 1904. The success of the house was such that it was represented in New York by Duryea and Potter, 469 Fifth Avenue (C Mestdagh, op. cit., p. 135).