Inkpot Collection (#5)

"Inkpot: A Timeless Tool of Expression and Authority" In the 1520s, during a time when tax collection was a crucial aspect of governance

Inkpot Collection: Silver mine of La Croix-aux-Mines, Lorraine, fol. 1v and fol. 2, the judge of the mines

Silver mine of La Croix-aux-Mines, Lorraine, fol. 1v and fol. 2, the judge of the mines
XIR346038 Silver mine of La Croix-aux-Mines, Lorraine, fol.1v and fol.2, the judge of the mines, edict and oath of the companions, c.1530 (pen & ink & w/c on paper) (b/w photo) by Gross or Groff

Inkpot Collection: Interior of the Small Post Office in Paris in 1760 (engraving) (b / w photo)

Interior of the Small Post Office in Paris in 1760 (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR252982 Interior of the Small Post Office in Paris in 1760 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Smeeton, Burn (Cosson) (fl.1840-60); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris

Inkpot Collection: Jean Marie Roland de La Platiere (1734-93) (engraving) (b / w photo)

Jean Marie Roland de La Platiere (1734-93) (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR242811 Jean Marie Roland de La Platiere (1734-93) (engraving) (b/w photo) by Colibert, Nicolas (1750-1806); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Inkpot Collection: An Unknown Man, c. 1764-69 (oil on canvas)

An Unknown Man, c. 1764-69 (oil on canvas)
XYC192208 An Unknown Man, c.1764-69 (oil on canvas) by Kettle, Tilly (1735-86); 127.6x102.6 cm; Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, USA; English, out of copyright

Inkpot Collection: Emile Zola as a naturalist, from L Eclipse (engraving) (b / w photo)

Emile Zola as a naturalist, from L Eclipse (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR164577 Emile Zola as a naturalist, from L Eclipse (engraving) (b/w photo) by Gill, Andre (1840-85) (after); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

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"Inkpot: A Timeless Tool of Expression and Authority" In the 1520s, during a time when tax collection was a crucial aspect of governance, artist Quentin Massys captures the essence of authority in his painting "The Tax Collectors. " The inkpot takes center stage as an emblem of power, symbolizing the meticulous record-keeping required for financial transactions. Moving forward to a more whimsical depiction, Cecil Aldin's illustration "Micky and Cracker" showcases the playful side of inkpots. As St. Matthew sits on a cloud, dipping his quill into an inkwell held by an angel, we are reminded that even celestial beings require this humble tool to document their divine messages. In another artistic masterpiece titled "The Payment of Tithes, " Brueghel portrays villagers seeking legal advice from their trusted lawyer. Amongst the chaos, an inkpot stands prominently on the table – a silent witness to contracts being signed and disputes resolved. Hans Holbein's portrait immortalizes Mer - capturing not only his likeness but also showcasing his intellect through the presence of an inkpot nearby. This small detail speaks volumes about Mer's scholarly pursuits and intellectual prowess. Elio Antonio de Nebrija and Desiderius Erasmus were influential figures in humanist thought during the Renaissance period. Both men understood that knowledge is power; thus, it comes as no surprise that they relied heavily on their trusty inkpots to pen groundbreaking works that shaped our understanding of language and education. Fast-forwarding to modern times brings us Jessie M Youngs' creation - an exquisite 1940s-style inkwell. Its elegant design harks back to earlier eras while reminding us that despite technological advancements like ballpoint pens or digital writing tools, there is still something enchanting about dipping one's quill into rich black ink. History tells tales beyond art alone; it unfolds through significant events like the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.