Grand Tour Decorative Objects
GRAND TOUR STYLE
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.
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Style: Grand Tour
20th Century Grand Tour Pair of Italian Figurative Pen-Holders Desk Accessories
Located in Milano, MI
A set of two lovely Grand Tour hand-painted terracotta figurative pen-holders of Neapolitan origin, molded as a male and female foreign tourists caricatures, British characters.
Bot...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
19th Century Grand Tour Sculpture of a Putto with Horn and Deer
Located in Dresden, DE
19th Century Grand Tour
Putto with Horn and Deer
Bronze
6242 g
40 x 23 x 15 cm
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century Bronze Mounted Figure
Located in Hudson, NY
Early 19th century mounted bronze 3/4 profile. Likely French but possibly English. Carved wooden backing custom just for this particular item. In the original frame and retaining an ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Bust in the Grand Tour Style of Greek God Dionysus
Located in Memphis, TN
An Exceptional Large grand Tour Style Hellenistic Bust Of Greek God Dionysus. Highly detailed classical bust made of cast marble aka “marble dust.” Replica of Greek classical sculpt...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
A Fine & Large 19th Century Grand Tour Serpentine Marble Socle, Italy Circa 1800
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
An impressively large mottled 'verde prato' serpentine socle of turned columnar form, rising from a stepped base to a flattened plateau above a cavetto-shaped edge. In relation to it...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Serpentine
Borghese 1890 Steel Engraving Greco Roman Scene Bernard Picture Co. New York
By Borghese
Located in Miami, FL
Framed 1890 Steel Engraving Greco Roman scene sand clock by Bernard Picture Co. New York, New York.
Marked Borghese on the reverse.
O-505-335
Category
19th Century American Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Antique 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Siena Marble Model of a Sarcophagus
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Antique 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Siena Marble Model of a Sarcophagus on a Rouge Marble Base. This piece is modeled in the manner of Benedetto Boschetti, featuri...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Siena Marble
1890 Steel Engraving Greco Roman Scene by Bernard Picture Co. New York Borghese
By Borghese
Located in Miami, FL
1890 Framed steel engraving Greco Roman scene by Bernard Picture Co. New York, New York.
Marked Borghese on the reverse.
O-506-335
Category
19th Century American Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
An Italian Specimen Marble Paperweight
Located in Spencertown, NY
The square paperweight with specimen marbles inset in yellow marble ground.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Bronze Sculpture of the Borghese Warrior
Located in Miami, FL
Bronze sculpture after the Borghese Warrior of which the original life-sized statue is in the Louvre. Placed on a marble plate. Comes with a wood and ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Wedgwood Black Basalt Grecian Sphinx After a Model by John Cheere (1709-1787)
By Wedgewood
Located in Dallas, TX
a Wedgwood black basalt Grecian Sphinx after a model by sculptor John Cheere (English, 1709-1787), in the Greco-Egyptian style, depicted as a female figure...
Category
19th Century English Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Pottery
Fine Pair of Grand Tour Style Miniature Bronze Busts, Continental, circa 1900
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome pair of classical bronze busts raised on white alabaster columns decorated with gilt metal rings, atop squared rouge royal marble...
Category
Early 20th Century German Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
$1,350 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Grand Tour Inlaid Marble Specimen Paperweight, Early 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The center made up of blue marble veneers, yellow marble and green marble with each section banded by Carrara marble.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Grand Tour Marmo Rosso Model of the Tomb of Scipio, Italian, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The red marble sarchophagus mounted on a slate base. Removing the top reveals an empty well.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Italian Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Caesar
Located in Essex, MA
Bronze bust on yellow marble socle.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Diana of Gabii in bronze
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Diana of Gabii in bronze on a basic in marble.
Beautiful patina, Cast by Fumiére & Cie, Paris
Category
1880s French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$1,600
19th Century Pair of Italian Bronze Grand Tour Urns
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Pair of Italian Bronze Grand Tour Urns
Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$3,100 / item
Wounded Amazone in Bronze, Grand Tour
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A small Grand Tour sculpture in Bronze of the ‘Wounded Amazone’, with a stamp of Fumière et Cie, circa 1880.
Category
1880s French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Rare Original Early 19th Century Roman Grand Tour Rosso Antico Marble Lion Bath
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this incredibly rare original early 19th century Roman Grand Tour Rosso Antico marble bath with Lion head detailing
This bath is stunning, I hav...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
19th Century Ashford Black Marble with Pietra Dura Tazza
Located in London, London
Tazza
Ashford black marble Derbyshire slate
Pietra dura top
19th Century
This elegant tazza, crafted in the 19th century, is made from Ashford black marble, a prized Derbyshire s...
Category
19th Century British Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Marmo Gialo and Bronze Stamp Box, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
Italian Grand Tour stamp box, 19th century.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Siena Marble
A Grand Tour Style Model of a Stallion after the Antique, Italy Circa 1900
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome & finely modelled, patinated antimonial lead casting of a bridled stallion. Shown rearing up on it's hind legs, the head turned slightly to the right with pricked ear...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Other, Lead
Italian Silver Gilt Grand Tour Pompeian Classical Piping Faun Bell
Located in New York, NY
Italian silver gilt grand-tour bell, ca 1920. Figural handle in form of piping faun with puffed out cheeks and hoofed and hirsute hindquarters. Based on Greek statuette excavated in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
A Italian equestrian specimen marble carved study of a wild stallion and mare
Located in Central England, GB
This remarkable horse sculpture depicts a head and shoulders study of a wild stallion and mare carved meticulously from figured and veined natural marble stone with colours ranging f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Vintage Grand Tour Painted Concrete Hercules Pedestal- a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic pair of vintage concrete Hercules statues. They are great alone or add a stone top for the chicest garden console ever. Acquired from a Palm ...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Concrete
Antique Italian Grand Tour Sculpture of Lion of Lucerne
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique Italian Grand Tour sculpture after the Lion of Lucerne.
Dating to circa 1830, this period model is thought to have been made as a souvenir or a sample of the work by scul...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
pair of French 19th century Grand Tour Period Louis XVI st.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century Grand Tour Period Louis XVI st. Sienna marble, Ormolu and patinated Bronze Warwick vases. The pair of urns are raised by square bases which are...
Category
19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of 19th Century '1850s' Grand Tour Italian Carved Multi-Marble Busts
Located in North Miami, FL
A pair 19th century (1850s) (Grand Tour) Italian carved multi-marble busts of Augustus of Prima Porta and Julius Cesar. These extremely fine an...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Carrara Marble
$39,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Italian Bronze Neoclassical Grand Tour Bust
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A small Italian Grand Tour bust, circa 1780, depicting a patinated bronze gentleman in neoclassical dress upon a contrasting marble plinth. Onc...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Antique French Porcelain Cherub Sculptures
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A fine pair of antique French porcelain cherub sculptures attributed to E. Quinter.
Likely created in the Société Céramique de Charenton workshop, n...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Bronze and Gilt Warwick Vase Lamp on Portoro Marble Basis, by Barbadienne, 1860
Located in Rome, IT
Large gilted bronze 'Warwick' vase lamp by Barbedienne, Paris circa 1860 mounted on a portoro marble pedestal.
fine and original patina
led lamp 4w 230V
measures: 35 X 23 cm, Hei...
Category
1860s French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
After the Antique, a Large 20th C Plaster Figure of a Discus Thrower
Located in Bagshot, GB
After the Antique, a large 20th C plaster figure of a discus thrower
20th century
(Pedestal not included), 100cm wide, 42cm deep, 168cm high (39in wide, 16 1/2in deep, 66in high) a...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
19th century Grand Tour Green Marble Tazza Vase with Classical Carved Details
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A Grand Tour 19th century green marble tazza vase with classical carved motifs on tall pedestal. After a model of the renowned Warwick vase, this Grand Tour...
Category
19th Century Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Mid 18th Century Micromosaic Plaque
Located in London, GB
A fine quality mid 19th century oval Micro-mosaic Plaque depicting St Peter’s Square Rome, enclosed in unusual black slate marble frame decorated with shells, scrolls & wolves.
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Murano Glass Bowl
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is a plum-colored blown glass candy, trinket, or catch-all bowl made in Murano, Italy.
It measures 8.5" in diameter, 3.625" in height, and h...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Antique Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Roman Emperor
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique Grand Tour bronze bust of a roman emperor, mounted on a Belgian black marble base.
Thought to be a depiction of a young Caesar, the expertly carved sculpture showcases de...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Belgian Black Marble
Early 19th Century Pair French Grand Tour Candlesticks with Eagles
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Early 19th Century Pair French Grand Tour Candlesticks with Eagles. Gorgeous shape. Please see pics and contact us with any questions.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
A Fine Grand Tour Bronze Bust of a Greek Philosopher, After Mathurin Moreau
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
This finely modelled Hellenistic style bronze portrait bust appears to be that of the Greek philosopher Chrysippus of Soli - regarded by scholars as the 2nd founder of the School of ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Italian 19th C. Grand Tour Terracotta of a "Fauno Danzante Con Cimbali" ca. 1860
Located in CH
Italian 19th Century Grand Tour Terracotta of a "Fauno Danzante con Cimbali" Circa 1860
The statue depicts a satyr dancing and playing; in his right hand he holds the rattlesnakes...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Large French Grand Tour Period Bronze Sculpture Recumbent Lion
Located in Montreal, QC
Grand Tour period bronze sculpture of lion resting on a rosso levanto marble base. France: circa 1850.
Category
1860s French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Siena Marble, Bronze
Inkstand of Neopolitan Fisherman
Located in London, GB
A good Italian Grand Tour model of a Neopolitan fisherman at his work. In ormolu and patinated bronze the oval base is naturalistically decorated with rocks and seaweed which the fis...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Antique Italian Walnut Statues of Gladiators
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique Italian walnut statues, after the antique Borghese Gladiator.
In Grand Tour style, this decorative pair are a stunning feature for a period property looking to app...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Pair of Antique Grand Tour Patinated Bronze Grey Hounds Seated Marble Plinths
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful Pair of 19th Century Antique Grand Tour Patinated Bronze Grey Hounds Seated on Marble Plinths. Each dog is beautifully cast and hand-chi...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Large Antique Copeland Tile of Cherub & Lion
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large antique Copeland tile depicting a cherub and lion.
This 8 inch clay tile dates to circa 1876, displaying a putti with a cape holding a fruiting cornucopia before a lion in m...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
French Bronze Match Strike in the Form of an Old Soldier as a Water Seller
Located in London, GB
A very well cast and interesting French patinated bronze match strike. It is in the form of a water seller, in the uniform of an old Republican soldier, sitting on a bench. He is seen wearing a tricorn hat with a cockade to the brim, mutton chop whiskers, with a water cistern on his back and the cistern lid at his feet. In his hand and on straps are the water cups and in his belt a pair of pistols...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Grand Tour 19th Century Bronze Putti Figures on Marble Bases, C 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This small pair of fine Italian Grand Tour bronze figures are of classical putti naked apart from a belt of vine leaves and grapes around their lower torso...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Antique Chased Silver Snuff Box Set with Fine Italian Micromosaic Plaque
Located in London, GB
The small rectangular silver snuff box, chased with foliage decorations and featuring a hinged back, is set with a detailed micromosaic plaque on top. The plaque depicts a rural land...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Silver
French Grand Tour Patinated Bronze Animalier Mounted Thermometer
Located in London, GB
A fine and unusual French antique Grand Tour table thermometer in patinated bronze. Set upon a naturalistic trefoil shaped patinated bronze base with...
Category
1840s French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Italian 19th Century Grand Tour Period Patinated Bronze of a Roman Athlete
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome Italian 19th century Grand Tour period patinated bronze of a Roman athlete. The bronze is raised by a rectangular mottled edge black Belgian marble base below a thick rect...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Grand Tour Influenced Gilded Ormolu Ink Well, Stamped, Barbedienne
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality late 19th century French gilded Ormolu Gran Tour influenced gilded Ormolu ink well, having classing motifs and Roman Centurion bust embo...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
Vintage Grand Tour Plaster Bust of Man - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous pair of vintage plaster busts. A handsome man with an even more handsome beard. Done in the grand tour style. Painted a bright white. A...
Category
Mid-20th Century Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster, Paint
$1,450 / set
Pair of Antique Grand Tour Patinated Bronze Dogs Seated on Sienna Marble Plinths
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of 19th century antique grand tour patinated bronze dogs seated on siena marble plinths. Each dog is beautifully cast and hand-chiseled with meticulous craftsmanship...
Category
1880s Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Siena Marble, Bronze
Large Antique Plaster Sculptors Model of Mercury
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large antique painted plaster sculptors model or machete of Mercury. Dating to circa 1900, the sculpture depicts Roman God Mercury seated on a rock in a patinated plaster finish.
In Neoclassical style, this French sculpture is an impressive size displaying expertly hand-carved craftsmanship.
An exceptional decorative antique for properties looking to appreciate Neoclassical style and Roman mythology.
Mercury
Mercury is the Roman god of shopkeepers and merchants, travellers and transporters of goods, and thieves and tricksters.
He is commonly identified with the Greek Hermes...
Category
Early 20th Century French Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster, Paint
Grand Tour Terracotta Of Mercury
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An Italian terracotta figure of Mercury resting on a rock after Giovanni Mollica - Mid 19th century
Hand written label to the base see image
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Eugene Cornu, Large Marble and Ormolu Urn, 19th Century
By Eugène Cornu
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 19th century veined grey marble lidded urn with wonderful gilded ormolu classical mounts of mythical dragon like handles and masks, raised on a fluted ormolu collar...
Category
19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Large Antique Tile of the Meeting of Ulysses
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large antique patent clay tile of the Meeting of Ulysses by R. Davies & Co.
The perfect decorative piece for a period property looking to add eleganc...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Pair of Regency French Ormolu Gilded Candelabras Featuring Turkish Figures
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Pair of Regency French ormolu gilded candelabras featuring Turkish figures supporting three foliate carved candle branches with urn-shaped bobeches. ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
Grand Tour decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Grand Tour decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Grand Tour decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include F. Barbedienne Foundry, Achille Collas, Ferdinand Barbedienne, and Borghese. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $175 and tops out at $108,390 while the average work can sell for $2,528.
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