french empire bronze inkwell representing general maximilien foy

A gilt and patinated bronze inkwell with a bust depicting Maximilien Sébastien Foy (1775-1825), General of the First Empire, resting on a high square ormolu base decorated with patinated bronze foliage and war trophies on the three sides. Inside, an inkwell, two pen holes and a beaker. The name of "FOY" is inscribed at the base of the bust.

Maximilien Sébastien Foy (Ham, 1775-Paris, 1825) obtained the rank of lieutenant and captain of artillery in 1792. Two years later, he was arrested for supporting liberal causes. Saved by the 9th Thermidor, he was reinstated in his rank. He served in the campaigns of 1796 and 1797 in the Rhine Army and attained the rank of squadron leader. He is then noticed by the young General Bonaparte and in 1800, he fought in the army of the Rhine. He was appointed adjutant-general on the battlefield Diessenhofen in 1800 and a year later, he became colonel of the 5th regiment of light artillery. General Foy continued to show his talents and military virtues in Italy, Germany and Portugal. He takes an active part in all campaigns in the Peninsula and the Pyrenees to the Battle of Orthez, where he was seriously injured. Appointed general inspector of infantry in 1814, he rallied to the Empire during the Hundred Days. He then commanded the 9th Infantry in the campaign of Belgium (1815). At Waterloo, he received the 15th injury of his career but he remained at his post until the end of the day. In 1819, General Foy was elected member of the Chamber of Deputies by the department of Aisne. He displayed a great talent for oratory, defended the constitutional principles and patriotic sentiments and continued to oppose the governments of the Restoration. His peers honored him by erecting a statue at the Assembly.

Circa :1820
Dim: W: 3,7 in - D: 3,7in - H: 7,9in.
Dim: L:9,5cm, P:9,5cm, H:20cm.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: PXK4R5VF

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