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Grand Tour Marble and Ormolu Obelisks
Grand Tour Marble and Ormolu Obelisks
Grand Tour Marble and Ormolu Obelisks
Grand Tour Marble and Ormolu Obelisks
Grand Tour Marble and Ormolu Obelisks

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Grand Tour Marble and Ormolu Obelisks

  • These striking obelisks are crafted from rosso antico and Siena marble
  • Dating to the mid-19th century, the pair were 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
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Item No. 31-0206

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Description
Perfectly proportioned and impressive in size, this striking pair of obelisks is crafted from specimens of rosso antico and Siena marble with ormolu accents. The duo were almost certainly made in Italy in the 19th century during the height of the Grand Tour, when the fervor for all things ancient pervaded the decorative arts. Egyptian-inspired objects such as these were particularly prized, especially those crafted in fine examples of Italian hardstones. 

Interest in Egyptian. . .
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Perfectly proportioned and impressive in size, this striking pair of obelisks is crafted from specimens of rosso antico and Siena marble with ormolu accents. The duo were almost certainly made in Italy in the 19th century during the height of the Grand Tour, when the fervor for all things ancient pervaded the decorative arts. Egyptian-inspired objects such as these were particularly prized, especially those crafted in fine examples of Italian hardstones. 

Interest in Egyptian art first began to grow in the 1790s when Napoleon invaded Egypt, which lead to an influx of Egyptian art and design into French culture. The acquisition of Egyptian-inspired decorative arts, particularly those of such quality materials, was a pursuit in which only the most privileged members of society initially indulged, and the wealthy filled their drawing rooms with the new, extravagant decor. The fervor 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

4 5/8" wide x 4 5/8" deep x 34 1/2" high
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Grand Tour Marble and Ormolu Obelisks
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Italy
Type: Figurines/Statuettes
Style: Neoclassical
Depth: 4.63 in. (11.75 cm)
Width: 4.63 in. (11.75 cm)
Height: 34.5 in. (87.63 cm)

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

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