Notary's office. France, late 19th century.

Notary's office. France, late nineteenth century.
Patinated bronze and Belgian black marble.
The sculpture reproduces "Julian II de Medici" by Michelangelo.
It has some pitting.
Measurements: 27,5 x 37,5 x 18,5 cm.

This French writing desk is part of the tradition of historicist decorative arts, where functionality and evocation of great models of classical and Renaissance sculpture are combined.

The piece is structured on a Belgian black marble base, which supports two inkwells with glass containers and gilded bronze lids. In the center stands a sculpture in patinated bronze, representing Julian II de Medici, directly inspired by the famous figure sculpted by Michelangelo for the New Sacristy of San Lorenzo in Florence. The figure appears seated, with a studied contrapposto and a careful anatomical treatment, underlining the intellectual and solemn character of the original model.

The bronze has a dark patina, with subtle nuances that enhance the modeling of the torso, the folds of the garment and the concentrated expression of the face. The whole maintains a balanced dialogue between Renaissance sculptural language and nineteenth-century decorative taste.