Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Tomb of Scipio, Appian Way, Rome

View Similar Items

Grand Tour Style Scale Architectural Model of an Archway

Large Grand Tour Bronze Model of the Place Vendôme, With Napoleon

Miniature Cast Bronze Grand Tour Architectural Model and Desk Thermometer

Grand Tour Patinated Bronze Model of the Temple of Vesta, Italian, 19th Century

Grand Tour Model of the Eiffel Tower, Now as a Lamp

Grand Tour Bronze Thermometer of the Luxor Obelisk, Paris

Miniature Cast Bronze Grand Tour Architectural Sculpture of the Trajan Column

A Pair of ‘Grand Tour’ Models of Ruins Celebrating the Corinthian Order

Italian Grand Tour Alabaster Model the Roman Forum Temple of Vespasian

Grand Tour Model of Tour Model of The Temple of Vespasian in Giallo Antico Marbl

A Finely Sculpted Grand Tour Style Model of The Temple of Vespasian, Circa 1900

Pair Rouge Marble ‘Grand Tour’ Models of Ruins Celebrating the Corinthian Order

1 of 6

Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Tomb of Scipio, Appian Way, Rome

About the Item

Tomb of Scipio, Appian Way, Rome. Dark patinated bronze on a giallo antico marble base, 5-1/2” h. Triple inkwell, circa 1870. Though called the Tomb of Scipio, this is, in fact, a model of the sarcophagus of Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, the first of thirty Scipios to be interred in the sprawling ‘Tomb of the Scipios’ along the Appian Way, after his death in 280 B.C.. The Tomb complex was rediscovered in 1780, and Cornelius’ sarcophagus the only remaining intact, was later moved to the Vatican Museum. It must have proved an intriguing object for, soon thereafter, production of models began apace. “The Scipios’ tomb contains no ashes now, for they have been removed to various museums; the most celebrated being that of which there are many models, sold in shops. It is the sarcophagus in peperino stone, in which lay the ashes of Lucius Scipio Barbabatus, and which is now in the Vatican. Of all the monuments of ancient Rome this is the one which is more frequently produced in marble or bronze than any other except perhaps the Temple of Vesta.” Rome and its Ruins (1866). In thirty years of searching out Grand Tour souvenirs, we’ve encountered scores of bronze models of the Temple of Vesta; perhaps two dozen splendid replicas of Cornelius’ sarcophagus in various kinds of marble; and precisely one, the memento on offer, in bronze. As we’ve asked elsewhere – What happened to the missing bronze miniatures? Melted down, and re-worked as an automobile part? Much as ancient Roman bronze statuary eventually transformed into tourists’ baubles? This very finely made bauble operates as a triple inkwell, its hinged lid opening to reveal several inkpots. At it’s front, the model is accurately stamped with the Latin text appearing on this Scipio’s sarcophagus. This object’s robust, idiosyncratic architectural ornament is also precisely rendered with its miniature. Losses at two corners, inkpots missing.

Creator:
Roman Bronze Works (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)
Style:
Grand Tour (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Marble,Carved,Cast,Patinated
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1870
Condition:
Minor losses. Losses at 2 corners of base. Missing inkpots.
Seller Location:
Lafayette, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU114323552112