Inktkoker van baron Chassé c. 1800 - 1829

This is an anonymous inkwell which belonged to Baron Chassé. The inkwell is made of wood and metal. The inkwell offers us an intimate look into the life of a figure who played a role in the shifting landscapes of early 19th century Europe. Chassé, as a military man, was embroiled in the Napoleonic wars and later the Belgian Revolution. His identity as a soldier was shaped by the tumultuous political climate and the rise of nationalism. This object is also a symbol of power, literacy, and privilege, as it underscores access to education and communication, commodities not universally shared. We can think about how something as commonplace as an inkwell reflects the uneven distribution of resources and opportunities in the 19th century, and how these disparities have shaped our world. Consider how this small, functional object evokes larger questions about identity, power, and the stories we tell about ourselves through the objects we choose to keep close.