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
A Pair of 18th C. Italian Grand Tour Busts of Emperors Domitian and Nerva
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Grand Tour Period 18th C. Italian Roman Busts of Emperors Domitian and Nerva. These busts depict the Roman Emperors Domitian and Nerva, and demonstrate finely cast and han...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Grand Tour Bronze Two-Handled Pompeiian Cups circa 1875
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GRAND TOUR PAIR OF BRONZE IVY AND VINE BAS-RELIEF DECORATED TWO-HANDLED 'SCYPHUS' (OR 'SKYPHOS') CUPS ON BLACK MARBLE SOCLE AFTER ANTIQUITY
Cast by the fo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Neoclassical Style Bronze Candlesticks with Lion Heads, a Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A pair of Grand Tour Neoclassical style bronze candlesticks with lion heads and swags. The candle cups are removable.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Grand Tour Egyptian Porphyry Obelisks, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The pair of obelisks with gilt lion faces on front base and gilt lion paws at corners, signed indistinctly. Rome dated 1893.
Category
1890s Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Porphyry, Bronze
Italian Neoclassical 19th Century Black-Ground Terracotta Vase
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant Italian 19th century neoclassical black painted terracotta vase after the original Roman marble vase.
Bordered center body decorated with styl...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Antique plaster Bust of Cupid After Francois Duquesnoy (1597-1643)
Located in New York, NY
Antique Grand Tour plaster bust of a cherub after the original model by Francois Duquesnoy (1597-1643) dating from the early 20th century. Likely of Italian or French origin.
Category
Early 20th Century French Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Grand Tour terracotta bust of an Egyptian princess, 19th c
Located in Stockholm, SE
This striking small bust captures the timeless elegance of an Egyptian princess, inspired by the art and aesthetics of Tell-el-Amarna, a period known for its distinctive representati...
Category
Late 19th Century Egyptian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Bronze Statuette of Venus, 2nd Half 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Small dark patinated figure of Venus on round profiled plinth.
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Grand Tour Era, Mixed Specimen Marble & Gemstone Obelisk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Continental, 19th century.
A grand tour era (possibly Italian) obelisk constructed with a stepped black marble square base, a highly decorated mixed material stem which consists of ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble, Belgian Black Marble
Pair, 19th Century Grand Tour Gilt Bronze & White Marble Candelabras
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian or French, early 19th century.
A fantastic pair of 19th century Grand Tour gilt bronze candelabras in the neoclassical taste. The beautiful cast grape vines...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Rock Crystal Obelisks and Sphere
Located in Hanover, MA
Beautiful grouping of clear rock crystal quarts pair of obelisks and a sphere.
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
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
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
Italian Grand Tour 19th C. Bronze Statue of Silenus Cradling Infant Dionysus
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Italian Grand Tour 19th Century Bronze Statue of Silenus Cradling the Infant Dionysus
Very fine bronze statue of Silenus and the infant Dionysus. This well cast figure of Silenus is...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
A Grand Tour Micro Mosaic Paperweight, St. Peter's Square Rome - Vatican
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
"Micro Mosaic, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, XIXth Century"
19th century oval Micro-mosaic depicting a panoramic view of the basilica and St. Peter's Square in Rome (Vatican), enclos...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
A Pair of Italian Regency Tole-Peinte Chestnut Urns
Located in Charleston, SC
the green backgrounds decorated in with scrolling foliage and insects, with peaked lid and lions mask and loop handles, raised on a square foot
Matched Pair of 20th c. hand-painted ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
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
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
French 19th Century Grand Tour Period Patinated Bronze Urn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Grand Tour period patinated bronze urn. The urn is raised by a mottled square base below the fluted socl...
Category
19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Decorative Orthoceras Fossil Marble Urn
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A very rare and unusual early 20th century decorative fossil marble lidded urn, ex. private collection of a gentleman collector.
Resembling marble, this urn is made from natural Ort...
Category
Early 20th Century Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
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
Grand Tour Bronze and Alabaster Tazza, Italian, Late 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
An exuberant alabaster bowl affixed to a rams head bronze stand with paw feet, standing on a circular base of wrapped sheafs of wheat, Italy, circa 1880.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
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 Hand-Carved Siena Marble Model of a Sarcophagus on a Black Marble Base. This gorgeous grand tour piece is modeled after the Fon...
Category
1840s Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Siena Marble
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
French 19th Century Grand Tour Period Bronze and Marble Urn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Grand Tour period patinated bronze and Vert de Patricia marble urn. The urn is raised by a square Vert d...
Category
19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Pair of Ormolu, Onyx, Malachite & Hardstone 'Oinochoe' Ewers, Circa 1870
Located in Brisbane, QLD
This pair of Grand Tour era ewers are in the 'oinochoe' shape and date to circa 1870. The pair are miniature in size and comprise of ormolu (gilt bronze), malachite, onyx and hardsto...
Category
19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Malachite, Onyx, Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
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
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
French 19th Century Neoclassical Black Marble Baluster Vase
Located in Berlin, DE
French 19th century neoclassical black marble baluster vase
Impressive neoclassical tall baluster-shaped vase made of polished black marble, showin...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
Italian Marble Bust of a Girl, 18th Century
Located in London, by appointment only
Italian 18th Century Marble Bust of a Girl
Late 18th century bust of a girl, in the manner of Luigi Valadier
Son of Andrea Valadier, a Prove...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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
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
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
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
Grand Tour Imperial Austrian Helmet Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Grand Tour Imperial Austrian helmet inkwell.
Apparently unmarked. Dimensions: H 8" x W 8" x D 5.5" Condition: Signs of age and use includ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
A Fine Grand Tour Style Bronze of Mercury Mounted as a Table Lamp, Circa 1900
By Giambologna
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The large & finely proportioned cast bronze figure of Mercury - Roman god of abundance & commercial success, shown cradling a caduceus in one hand - the other arm outstretched toward...
Category
Early 20th Century European Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
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
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
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
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
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
Antique Regency Statuary Marble Bust
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique Regency white statuary marble bust of a young Roman man.
Dating to 1820, this is an impressive sculpture of a young man, wearing a Roman toga on a round socle base in Reg...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Pair of 20th Century Bronze Hawk Candlesticks
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of 20th Century Bronze Hawk Candlesticks. Grand tour era. Beautiful shape and detail.
Category
1820s French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Mid C19th French Grand Tour Perfume Caddy
Located in London, GB
A lovely example of a mid-19th century French Grand Tour perfume caddy.
This gold-on-black hand-painted porcelain casket features a domed lid with a central hand-painted portrait of...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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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