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.
18th Century India Bronze Hanging Oil Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
18th Century Sri Lankan hanging bronze oil lamp with Makara head spout. Solid bronze. Can be hung or used as a stand-alone decorating piece. Great piece to use with any decor. Dimen...
Bronze
18th Century Italian Bronze Hanging Oil Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
18th Century Italian hanging bronze oil lamp with removable lid. Solid bronze. Can be hung or used as a stand-alone decorating piece. Great piece to use with any decor. Dimensions l...
Bronze
Italian Glazed Terracotta Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Glazed Terracotta Lantern. Offered is a lovely Italian glazed terracotta lantern from the Amalfi Coast of Italy. This beautifully detailed lantern displays a variety of seali...
Terracotta
English Georgian Hexagonal Glazed Verdigris Lantern
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1800 English Georgian Hexagonal Glazed Brass/Bronze Verdigris Lantern Exceptional quality, rewired with original chain & hanging hook Measures: W33 x D33 x H57 cm.
Brass, Bronze
Rostrato Lantern / Chandelier, Italy
Located in Stamford, CT
Rostrato refers to the glass technique of independently stacking each of the glass 'spikes' in rows and building to the ultimate unified shape. Produced in Italy.
Blown Glass
A Vintage Italian Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1960's Italian lantern with faceted body and 4 interior lights. Measurements: Drop: 19" Diameter: 9"
Metal
18th Century Brass Barn Portable Lantern Candlelight
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Danish 18th Century Brass Barn Portable Lantern.
Brass
18th Century Italian Rococo Gold Leaf Hand Carved 'Pompom' Tassel
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Pair of 18th century Italian hand carved gold leaf 'pompom' tassel. The tassel 'pompom' originally came from an Italian church in Tuscany and was used to decorate ecclesiastical lighting...
Metal, Gold Leaf
French, 18th/ 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare metal lantern, France, circa 1750- 1850. Weathered, small losses and some old repairs. Lantern can be opened on one side. Glass of later date. H:40,5cm W:26,5cm D:12cm
Metal
Ceramic, Bronze and Glass Oil Lamp, Italy, 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
Ceramic, bronze and glass oil lamp, Italy, 1930s. It has always belonged to my family and was bought by my great-grandfather. Integrate. Very small signs of the time.
Bronze
Pair of Wired Empire Hanging Oil Lamps, French 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
This pair of French bronze hanging oil lamps dates back to the 19th century and suspend from beautifully elaborate heavy chain. The crown resembles a gothic revival sunburst, connecting to the lamp in three positions. The lamp itself features detailed casting with scroll work and patterned embellishments, a handle, top, and two arms. It has been fully converted to electricity. Each piece in our shop is professionally rewired and in working order. Each chandelier and lantern comes with a vintage canopy...
Bronze
$520Sale Price|20% Off
H 16 in W 6 in D 6 in
Small Dainty Brass Pendant Lantern This is a dainty Lantern it has 4 glazed sid
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Small Dainty Brass Pendant Lantern This is a dainty Lantern it has 4 glazed sides The lamp is wired for electricity and ready to hang it will have to be connected to an electrical ...
Brass
18th Century Italian Silverleaf Wood Antique Lantern from Milano
Located in New Orleans, LA
An elegant Italian lantern from Milano, finished in radiant silver leaf with delicate ironwork and graceful proportions—merging Milanese sophistication with timeless Old World charm....
Iron
Venetian 18th Century Lantern
Located in Round Top, TX
A very stunning 18th century Lantern from Venice. Wonderfully crafted from gilt metal and decorated with an angel and putti - standing in its stone base. Grand scale and ready to use...
Metal
French 18th Century Spherical Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This small 18th century spherical chandelier is made from hand wrought iron circa 1780. The French antique piece features iron bobeches and floriate scroll decorations at top, with a...
Iron
Grand Tour Italian Gilt Bronze Pendant Oil Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
An 1870s Italian Historicist reproduction of a Baroque oil lamp in gilt bronze with winged mermaids and grotesques. Possibly made as a Grand Tour copy of an original lamp from the ch...
Bronze