Inkstand with Apollo and the Muses

Patanazzi family|Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi)

1584 · Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware) · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This extravagant desk set celebrates the art of poetry while providing a writer with storage for the tools of his craft. The exterior decorations evoke ancient Roman art and honor the divine sources of creativity. Gods and muses perch beside famous poets atop an elaborate confection of drawers and removable containers, including inkwells and a sand-shaker (for drying fresh text). Inside, the compartments are decorated with images denoting their contents, such as scissors and quills.

Artist

Patanazzi family|Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi)

Date

1584

Medium

Maiolica (tin-glazed earthenware)

Culture

Italian, Urbino

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931