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Agate Grand Tour Obelisks
Agate Grand Tour Obelisks
Agate Grand Tour Obelisks
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Agate Grand Tour Obelisks

  • This pair of striking obelisks is crafted from agate
  • Dating to the mid-19th century, the pair was likely made as a souvenir of the Grand Tour
  • They embody the Egyptian-inspired objets d'art popular during the period
  • Get complete item description here
$12,850
Item No. 31-3791

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Description
These impressive Egyptian Revival obelisks are crafted of dynamically patterned agate. The rare 19th-century models were almost certainly made in Italy during the height of the Grand Tour when the fervor for all things ancient pervaded the decorative arts. Rich in neoclassical elegance yet possessing an exotic worldliness, pieces such as these were extremely popular as Grand Tour souvenirs among members of the British aristocracy.

Models influenced by the ancient world pervaded interior design. . .
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These impressive Egyptian Revival obelisks are crafted of dynamically patterned agate. The rare 19th-century models were almost certainly made in Italy during the height of the Grand Tour when the fervor for all things ancient pervaded the decorative arts. Rich in neoclassical elegance yet possessing an exotic worldliness, pieces such as these were extremely popular as Grand Tour souvenirs among members of the British aristocracy.

Models influenced by the ancient world pervaded interior design and the decorative arts of the 19th century. Interest in Egyptian art was already high after Napoléon's 1798 campaign in Egypt, which led to an influx of Egyptian art and design into European culture. Adding to this momentum was Jean-François Champollion’s deciphering of hieroglyphs in 1822, as well as the installation of an obelisk in Paris in 1836. The excitement for Egyptian-style art and architecture continued to grow over the coming decades, and the style remains highly fashionable among both collectors and designers today.

Circa 1850

3 1/2" square x 12 1/4" high
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Agate Grand Tour Obelisks
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Italy
Type: Figurines/Statuettes
Style: Neoclassical
Depth: 3.5 in. (8.89 cm)
Width: 3.5 in. (8.89 cm)
Height: 12.25 in. (31.12 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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