For 18th-century young British noblemen, no education was complete without a year on the Grand Tour. Although it had no official route, the Grand Tour focused on places foundational to European art, literature and architecture, including sites in France, Germany, Switzerland and, most importantly, Italy. It was an opportunity not just to witness the roots of the classics they had studied but also to take some of it home. Grand Tour furniture was among the souvenirs.
Grand Tour furniture ranged from marble architectural models replicating ancient wonders to actual antiquities often taken illicitly, leaving a legacy of looting still being unraveled today. Other items reflected the artistic richness of the Renaissance cities and other destinations. In Italy, this included scagliola tables and pedestals mimicking marble as well as tabletops and wall panels embedded with pietra dura hard stone mosaics.
Furniture was also developed to display Grand Tour purchases in the owner’s home, presenting them as a cultivated and well-traveled person. Mahogany collector’s cabinets held objects like intaglio moldings of coins and seals while others had specialized drawers that framed pietra dura panels.
Many objects were specifically produced for Grand Tour collectors. Often accompanied by retinues on journeys lasting months or years, the elite travelers, the wealthiest of whom extended their trips to Egypt and the Holy Land, required artful personal mementos befitting the experience. For example, Grand Tour micromosaics — small artworks, most not more than two inches wide — arose from the entrepreneurial impulses of artisans who had trained in the Vatican’s workshops.
Grand Tour journeys would help inform a range of decorative styles such as neoclassical, Rococo and Adam style. (Architect and designer Robert Adam toured Italy and France for five years.) The Grand Tour flourished at a time of economic prosperity and political stability, but the French Revolution in 1789 brought it to an end. Yet as the tradition faded in popularity in England, the rising wealth of the United States led to an increase in tourism across the Atlantic and a similar passion for collecting to show one’s worldliness.
Find a collection of Grand Tour decorative objects, wall decorations, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Antique Bronze Trim, Clock And Urns, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Clock set composed of 3 pieces, a clock and 2 urns, in bronze with a gold and silver patina, on a black and red marble base. Inspired by neo-Greek, this set presents numerous refere...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Grand Tour Influenced Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 19th century French Sienna marble and bronze mounted Grand Tour influenced mantel clock, having an arched top, mythical gods...
Siena Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Bronze & Marble Mantel Clock Set
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A captivating three-piece mantel clock, from 19th century France, crafted in Siena marble and gilt bronze, with multiple stylistic reference points from the Grand Tour of Europe. The...
Marble, Bronze
$3,469Sale Price|30% Off
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 4.34 in
Antique French Gold Plated Bronze Shelf Clock, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Antique French gold plated bronze shelf clock surrounded by the Muse of knowledge on the right side and a column with a sphere on top on the left side. ...
Bronze, Gold
19th Century Black Forest Mantel Clock
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely quality 19th century black forest mantle clock, the clock dial located at the centre within a farmyard scene consisting of a cockere...
Walnut
19th Century Louis XV Style Mantel Clock
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique French 19th century mantel clock. This exquisite mantel clock has a Sevres porcelain dial plate and other Sevres porcelain decorations. The movement with spring suspension. ...
Ormolu
19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive late 19th century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock. Having three putti mounted to the top each playing musical instruments. The clock having an ei...
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock
By Claude Galle
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock. circa 1810 clock Napoleonic Empire Bronze Dore. La Liseuse" clock after Reiche, by Claude Galle & Grand Girad. Signed in Paris
Bronze
19th Century Spanish Gilt Bronze Carriage Clock
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant 19th century Spanish carriage clock crafted in finely cast gilt bronze. The case presents a refined architectural silhouette with clean proportions and a warm original gilde...
Bronze
19th Century Figural Mantel Clock Depicting a Clock Seller
Located in Madrid, ES
Charming 19th-century figural mantel clock crafted in painted metal, depicting a clock seller in period attire. The composition reflects the romantic and narrative character typical ...
Metal
$8,945Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.23 in W 16.15 in D 7.88 in
Antique 19th Century French Gilded Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Vilnius, LT
Large antique 19th century French gilded bronze mantel clock surmounted with two angels holding the dial. The enamel dial numerals are hand...
Bronze, Enamel
Biedermeier Mantel Clock, Early 19th Century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Biedermeier Mantel Clock, Early 19th Century A sophisticated Biedermeier mantel clock, crafted in Austria circa 1810–1830. This exceptional piece combines timeless elegance with out...
Maple
Large 19th Century Carved Black Forest Mantel Clock
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A Large Black Forest Mantle Clock Constructed in carved linden wood, fitted with a two train eight day striking clock; mounted on a shaped...
Wood
$2,449Sale Price|25% Off
H 19.69 in W 9.65 in D 5.12 in
Gothic Revival Bronze Cathedral Mantel Clock, 19th Century
By Charles Delaunay
Located in Lisbon, PT
This Gothic Revival mantel clock is a fine example of early 19th-century French decorative arts, attributed to Charles Delaunay (Delaunay Chauvau). Crafted in dark patinated bronz...
Metal, Bronze, Enamel
Grand Tour Column Skelton Clock A. Huguenin, Paris
Located in Dallas, TX
Grand Tour column skeleton clock, A. Huguenin, Paris. Swinging column with exposed work and enameled dial. Raised on a footed circular ormolu-mounted marble pedestal base. Working co...
Marble, Bronze
18th Century German Equinoctial Pocket Sundial and Compass by Ludwig Theodor
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
From the first quarter of the 18th century - a German brass equinoctial pocket sundial by Ludwig Theodor Muller, Augsburg. The sundial consists of three...
Brass
Rare Antique Elephant Clock, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare clock in the shape of an elephant. A hand painted papier marche case with mechanical clockwork. The tail and the head are moving each few minutes, Germany, circa 1920. Clockwo...
Paper
Silver and Precious Stone Miniature Table Clock by Dreyfous, 1880
By E. Dreyfous
Located in London, GB
This beautiful antique miniature table clock is small but perfectly formed, featuring a delicate inlay of precious stones. From the highly respected clockmaker Edouard Henry Dreyfous...
Silver