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Grand Tour Architectural Models

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 micromosaicssmall 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
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Marble Columns w/ Orb Finials
Located in Savannah, GA
This outstanding and high quality pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical style Grand Tour period columns feature embossed gilded ormolu and orb finials atop. They are raised by ...
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1820s Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Marble, Brass, Ormolu

Pair of Giltwood Architectural Corinthian Columns in Grand Tour Style
Located in Nashville, TN
A nicely carved pair of 19th century Grand Tour period giltwood souvenirs of fluted columns with Corinthian capitals.Now mounted on contemporary acrylic bases with a back channel for...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Giltwood

Finely Sculpted Grand Tour Style Architectural Model of The Temple of Vespasian
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The large alabaster structure showing a trio of fluted columns terminating to finely carved Corinthian capitals, supporting an entablature with a carved frieze illustrating symbols r...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Alabaster

Large Grand Tour Bronze Model of the Place Vendôme, With Napoleon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Grand Tour Bronze Model of the Place Vendôme, With Napoleon France, circa 1870s This exceptional Grand Tour bronze model of the Place Vendôme, dating back to the 1870s in France, is a magnificent tribute to history and artistry. Standing at an impressive height of 26 inches and mounted on a 6.75-inch square Belgian Black Marble base with a bronze fence...
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19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Ebonized And Ivorine Tempietto
Located in Essex, MA
Grand tour style decorative temple with removable top. Amherst Mass collectors estate.
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Late 20th Century Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Wood

Italian Grand Tour Alabaster Model the Roman Forum Temple of Vespasian
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian Grand Tour model of the ancient Temple of Vespasian located in the Roman Forum, Rome. Carved from alabaster, this is a handsome example of a souvenir carving which would have been collected by a European or American sophisticate making a Grand Tour of the ancient sites of Italy. This wonderful architectural miniature is evocative of another time and place. Roma Templo Di Vespasiano' etched into the black marble base. It has been drilled to be wired, not the first time I have owned one of these that had been mounted as a lamp. The Temple of Vespasian and Titus is located in Rome at the western end of the Roman Forum between the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Saturn...
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Early 20th Century Italian Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Arc de triumph model in bronze
Located in Woking, GB
Grand tour bronze model of The Arc de Triumph on original slate base. Unusual large size, and extremely fine detail and colour. 23cm high, 20cm wide, 14cm depth Grand Tour circa 1850.
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1850s European Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

Grand Tour Style Scale Architectural Model of an Archway
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A handsomely made bronze scale architectural model of an arched gateway circa 1880. It is of Grand Tour style, ornamented with a decorative finial to the top depicting a pair of squi...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Grand Tour Iron Model of the Arc de Triomphe
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century French grand tour iron model of the Arc de Triomphe, in two parts, the fine cast iron model of the Arc de Triomphe with a mirrored top. Raised on a oval ebonized wood and metal chain link fenced base Model of Arc de Triomphe...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Iron, Metal

Grand Tour Model of the Eiffel Tower, Now as a Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Grand Tour model of the Eiffel Tower, now as a lamp, newly wired. The architectural model stands 30" high, 33" high to the top of the socket.
Category

Early 20th Century French Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Wrought Iron

Grand Tour Bronze Thermometer of the Luxor Obelisk, Paris
Located in Stamford, CT
A bronze cast of the Luxor Obelsik, one side a thermometer. This was a popular Grad Tour souvenir in the late 19th century. Mounted on a polished black slate base. 8.5 inches high by 3.5 by 3.5 The Luxor Obelisk...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

Grand Tour Patinated Bronze Model of the Temple of Vesta, Italian, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The model, made as an inkwell and lacking it's cover.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Thermometer of the Luxor Obelisk
Located in Stamford, CT
A bronze cast of the Luxor Obelsik, with one side fitted for a thermometer. This was a popular Grad Tour souvenir in the late 19th century. Now missing the glass tube. 10.5 inches high 4 by 4 base The Luxor Obelisk...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Large 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Black Marble Nero Antico Obelisks
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A very attractive pair of Italian Grand Tour black marble obelisks. Detailed hieroglyphics to the front side, on a green marble plinth. Minor corner chips to both obelisks, otherwise...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Marble

Bankes Obelisk, England, Ashford Black Marble, First Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
So-called Bankes obelisk made of black marble ("Ashford Black"), after the obelisk of Philae, which William John Bankes acquired shortly afterwards after...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Marble

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 Architectural Models

Materials

Porphyry, Bronze

Large Carved Giallo Antico Grand Tour Model of the Temple of Castor and Pollux
Located in London, GB
An unusually large carved Giallo Antico grand tour model of the temple of Caster and Pollux of impressive scale the fragmented architrave and cornice in the Corinthian order...
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Mid-19th Century Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Marble

19th Century French Egyptian Revival Slate and Gilt Obelisk
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Grand Tour / Egyptian Revival carved and polished black slate obelisk, the fronts decorated with very fine incised hieroglyphic designs which have been accented with gol...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Slate

Grand Tour Models of Trajan's Column & Cleopatra's Needle, a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Grand tour models of Trajan's column & Cleopatra's needle, a pair Both with fine detail, and remnants of a thermometer standing 7.5" H x 3" square black marble base affixed with a bronze fence...
Category

19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Metal

Related Items
English Regency Gilt Figural and Ebonized Dital Harp, Maker E. Light, Circa 1815
Located in Hollywood, SC
English Regency gilt stenciled figural and floral ebonized dital harp signed by maker Edward Light. Retailed at Srohl Foley place London, Early 19th century.
Category

1810s English Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Wood, Ebony, Giltwood, String

Model of the Pantheon, Grand Tour
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Architectural Grand Tour model of the Pantheon in Rome. In yellow and white alabaster.
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1820s Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Alabaster

Model of the Pantheon, Grand Tour
Model of the Pantheon, Grand Tour
H 5.91 in W 5.52 in D 7.09 in
English Victorian Ebonized Cane with Stirrup Top
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian ebonized cane with silver stirrup loop top.  
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Late 19th Century British Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Silver

1860 Grand Tour Bronze Statue of Place Vendome Column with Napoleon, Marble Base
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for auction this stunning antique circa 1860 Grand Tour bronze statue of Place Vendome Column with Napoleon on top in so...
Category

1860s Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

Grand Tour Specimen Marbles Plaque, Italy, circa 1850
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Italian Grand Tour marble specimen plaque in original silver-giltwood frame consisting of 20 different rare and ancient marbles, including Porphyry and Jasper, inlaid into a black an...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Marble

Umbertine Rifle Cabinet Walnut Italy 19th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Umbertine fusilier in walnut carved on the uprights with zoomorphic heads, Italy, last quarter of the 19th century. Decorated with metal studs and leather inserts fixed on the gun holders...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Walnut

Grand Tour Neoclassical Style Faux-Marble Temple
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful and important wooden memorial temple covered in faux marble. From the purest neoclassical form, this Grand Tour piece of furniture is a classic piece of furniture of grea...
Category

1810s Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Wood, Paper

Vintage Decorative Jesus Metal Statue on Ebonized Wooden Base, Germany 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A classic decorative Jesus statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of a kind of Metal (probably white metal) on a wooden base. Ver...
Category

1910s German Vintage Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Metal

Switzerland Mahogany Ebonized Hinged Music Box with Three Cylinders, C. 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
Rare Switzerland mahogany & ebonized hinged music box with the original crank, three interior paper labels, and cylinders. Music box is stamped by maker and is In working condition, ...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Steel

19th Century French Grand Tour Iron Model of the Arc de Triomphe
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century French grand tour iron model of the Arc de Triomphe, in two parts, the fine cast iron model of the Arc de Triomphe with a mirrored top. Raised on a oval ebonized wood and metal chain link fenced base Model of Arc de Triomphe...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Iron, Metal

Continental Grand Tour Brass Statue of Napoleon Bonaparte
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A nice quality continental Grand Tour brass figure of Napoleon Bonaparte standing on a column and dating from the 19th century. Made from solid brass the renowned French Military Lea...
Category

19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Brass

Continental Grand Tour Brass Statue of Napoleon Bonaparte
Continental Grand Tour Brass Statue of Napoleon Bonaparte
Free Shipping
H 4.93 in W 1.97 in D 1.97 in
Italian Grand Tour Bronze Model Of Dancing Faun Of Pompeii
Located in Bradenton, FL
Italian classical bronze sculpture of the Dancing Faun of Pompeii. Fauns were an example of spirits of untamed woodland, often connected to Pan and Greek satyrs by Romans, or followe...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

Previously Available Items
19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Verdigris Ebonised Warwick Vase Model Urn Desk
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A well cast grand tour Warwick vase/urn on its original ebonised plinth. Age related oxidisation with a verdigris patina, elderly spilts to the turned pine base. By repute was pu...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

French Bronze Model of the Vendome Column with Thermometer
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome bronze model of the famous Vendome Column is finely detailed and nicely patinated. It features the original thermometer, which is in working condition.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

Old or Antique Grand Tour Style Alabaster Leaning Tower of Pisa Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Grand Tour style alabaster sculpture. In the form of the Leaning Tower of Pisa atop a circular plinth. Simply a great model of the Ancient World's Wonders! Date: 20...
Category

20th Century Unknown Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Alabaster

Pair of 'Grand Tour' Models of the Temples of Vespasian and Castor & Pollux
Located in London, GB
An Impressive Pair of 'Grand Tour' Models Of the Temples of Vespasian and Castor & Pollux Carved from alabaster and supported on grey marble ba...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Diminutive Grand Tour Bronze Architectural Model of the Arch de Triumph Of small scale, intricately cast and modeled, with lift top, on a oval black ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Mid 20th Century Study of Roman Architectural Entrance
Located in London, GB
A fantastic mid 20th century model of a typically grand roman entrance. The large proportions of this piece make it a very eye-catching centre piece. Carved mostly in what seems to b...
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Mid-20th Century Unknown Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

Monumental Pair of Italian Grand Tour Ormolu-Mounted Green Granite Obelisks
Located in New York, NY
Monumental pair of Italian Grand Tour Ormolu-mounted green granite obelisks, early 20th century. Measuring 34" tall, with gilt-bronze fittings and decorated with inset neoclassica...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Granite, Bronze, Ormolu

Spectacular Walnut Maquette of Giotto's Campanile in Florence, Italy
Located in San Francisco, CA
A spectacular and finely executed Marquette of Giotto's famous campanile in Florence, Italy. This carved and reticulated walnut model of the bell tower has mirrored inserts and remai...
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Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Glass, Walnut

19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Models Roman Forum Columns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century Grand Tour bronze models roman forum columns, depicting the temple of castor and Pollux and the temple of Vespasian from the R...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Grand Tour Marble Obelisks Mantlepiece Ornaments
Located in London, GB
A very chic pair of Grand Tour marble obelisks Italy, 20th century Why we like them Beautiful objects like this have always been a favourite souvenir from the Grand Tour. Thanks to ...
Category

20th Century Italian Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Marble

Grand Tour Model of a Boxwood Triumphal Arch, Italian, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The arch with delicate carving and a pale patina.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Boxwood

Pair of Italian Grand Tour Mahogany Wood & Bronze Roman Ruins Neoclassical Model
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic and rare pair of Italian Grand Tour mahogany wood and bronze roman ruins neoclassical models, circa late 19th century. These are very rare and exceptionally made piece...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Architectural Models

Materials

Bronze

Grand Tour architectural models for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Grand Tour architectural models for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage architectural models created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Grand Tour architectural models made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 architectural models differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $39,640 while the average work can sell for $2,538.

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