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A singular and fascinating desk accessory, crafted from forged and wrought iron, featuring an enigmatic, winged fantastical creature with highly expressive forms and an almost demonic appearance.

The creature—modeled with large, membranous wings, sinuous elements, and intricate ironwork details—dominates the composition, lending it a sculptural, fantastical, and deliberately unsettling character. Its physiognomy, which defies easy classification, evokes the imagery of antique *Wunderkammern* (cabinets of curiosities).

An inkwell is set into the iron structure at the front, while the entire piece rests on a square wooden base painted black, featuring fine gold trim and small decorative metal elements along the edge.

Of particular interest is the antique print applied to the underside of the base, depicting the First Sacrament—Baptism—bearing the title "Primum Sacramentum Baptismus."This print is the work of engraver Giovanni Volpato (1735–1803) and belongs to the renowned series dedicated to the Seven Sacraments; associated with the Remondini workshop, it dates to the second half of the 18th century, specifically around 1766–1767.

Although trimmed from its original format, the print adds a unique allure to the object: a precious 18th-century devotional image is integrated into a composition dominated by a mysterious iron fantastical creature, creating a striking dialogue between the sacred and the realm of fantasy.

The piece transcends the simple category of an inkwell; instead, it presents itself as a small, collectible sculptural composition defined by strong fantastical and theatrical qualities. An object particularly suited to a *Wunderkammer*, a private library, a study, or a collection of curiosities, macabre items, and artifacts of an unusual nature.

Period of the structure: late 19th – early 20th century

Print: Giovanni Volpato, *Primum Sacramentum Baptismus*

Materials: wrought iron, wood, metal elements, glass or crystal, paper

Dimensions: 24 × 24 × 13 cm (9.4" x 9.4" x 5.1")

The dating of the structure is based on the object's stylistic, construction, and material characteristics; the print, however, dates to an earlier period, specifically the second half of the 18th century.