Inkstand of Neopolitan fisherman in ormolu and patinated bronze

A good Italian Grand Tour model of a Neopolitan fisherman at his work. In ormolu and patinated bronze the oval base is naturalistically decorated with rocks and seaweed which the fisherman is working his clinker built boat through with a boathook. On the back of his boat is a net. When this is lifted it reveals an inkwell. The wooden posts lashed together at the rear of the piece is a pen holder. Beautifully modelled, fine original condition. Italian circa 1860.