Pair of Early 19th Century Grand Tour Marble Models of Roman Columns

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Pair of Early 19th Century Grand Tour Marble Models of Roman Columns

About the Item

A pair of early 19th century Grand Tour marble architectural models of Roman columns. Rosso and verde antico marble, with bronze figures. Rome, circa 1820-1830, measure: 20” H. The triumphal Columns of Trajan and Marcus Aurelius, erected in Rome in 113 and by 193 AD respectively, have long been subjects of pictures and models of the Eternal city; prints of these monumental appear in the 17th century. Models came later – an especially splendid example is a large, ornate, 1779 replica of Trajan’s column made by Luigi Valadier, who led Rome’s foremost decorative arts workshop. The offered pair of monuments is fashioned in rosso antico, an antique red marble imported to Rome in the time of Augustus. Over the course of the 19th century, models of these Columns were made in a variety of materials, including the range of marbles, alabasters, and bronzes. That this pair appears in rosso allows us to date their manufacture to the first part of the 19th century; and the fact that the marble elements comprising these miniatures are solid rather than veneered suggests they were made circa 1820-1830. These are especially carefully carved examples. Note the precision of the egg-and-dart molding (below the upper platform), the figures in the scrolling decoration of the shaft, and Latin texts at the bases. Both are topped y cast bronze figures. Ours are correct, with Trajan holding the orb (symbolizing his hoped for rule over the world), and Marcus holding his shield. Both figures are later approximations as the columns have been topped by St. Peter (Trajan's Column) and St. Paul (Marcus Column) since the monuments were restored by Pope Sixtus V in the 16th century. Both miniatures are supported on shallow plinths of verde antico marble, another ancient Roman stone. In wonderfully original condition.

Dimensions:
Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 4 in (10.16 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Grand Tour (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Marble,Carved,Cast,Patinated
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
Mid-18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1830
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Lafayette, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU114323460412