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.
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.
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.
Size: 9”W x 9”D x 6.5”H
Weight: Heavy and substantial cast bronze
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.
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
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..)
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.
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.
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.
Size: 9”W x 9”D x 6.5”H
Weight: Heavy and substantial cast bronze
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.
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
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..)
