Grand Tour Furniture

An exceptionally fine antique patinated bronze sculpture depicting the celebrated Discobolus (Discus Thrower), after the ancient Greek masterpiece by Myron, originally conceived in t...

An exceptional example of a rare pair of late Eighteenth Century period hand colored stipple Portrait Engravings by Francesco Bartolozzi after original artworks by John Hodgess Benwe...

This 19th-century antique Italian celestial globe on a turned wood floor stand is a captivating decorative statement piece, blending early astronomy charm with a rare historical gravitas and a distinct Grand Tour aesthetic. Dating to the first half of the 1800s, this standing constellation sphere features entirely hand-painted paper gores over a gesso core, supported by a beautifully crafted solid hardwood tripod base. It represents an exceptional acquisition for interior designers and discerning collectors seeking an authentic conversational antique with an understated, historic palazzo character and Wunderkammer appeal.  Aristocratic Provenance & Tuscan Estate Heritage Lineage This exceptional library globe comes with an immaculate heritage, sourced directly from a historic private villa in Tuscany, Italy. It belongs to a prestigious noble family collection that has remained untouched for generations and is now being unveiled to the open market for the very first time. Its fresh-to-the-market status and pristine country-house provenance make it a highly desirable find for connoisseurs looking for authentic, untouched Italian history.  Astrological Artistry & Symbolism The star globe’s surface features hand-applied paper gores over a finely shaped gesso core, entirely hand-painted with tempera natural pigments illustrating the allegorical figures of the classical zodiac alongside other whimsical constellations. The globe acts as a visual map of the ancient night sky, coded according to ancient astrological planet governors including Leo, Scorpio, and Cancer.  A detail of supreme interest for collectors of early scientific instruments is the deliberate, sophisticated use of historical mineral pigments:  Cancer:Rendered in deep blue tones, symbolizing the Water element and its ruling celestial body, the Moon. Scorpio: Clothed in vivid, intense Mars red, honoring its ancient planetary ruler historically associated with fire and cosmic strength. The sphere is housed within a fully articulated iron meridian ring, which allows the globe to be adjusted for inclination and smoothly rotated on its own axis, preserving its full original mechanical functionality. As visible in the photographs, the paper gores display a gorgeous, authentic aged patina with honest signs of time, micro-flaking, and light wear that beautifully underscore its two centuries of history without affecting its structural stability. The sphere rests inside a deep walnut-toned horizon ring, supported by a masterfully turned central pillar and an elegant X-frame stretcher base. This specific format of library globe was highly coveted during the Grand Tour era, serving as both an intellectual tool and a sophisticated emblem of worldly travel for European aristocrats returning from their Italian journeys.  The Divine Perspective: The Mirror-Image Cosmocentric Geometry What elevates this specific sphere from a mere decorative object to an extraordinary artifact of early cosmological philosophy is the deliberate, sophisticated layout of its cartography. To the modern eye, the positioning of the constellations follows a deeply fascinating, counter-intuitive logic: the Taurus appears to the right of Cancer, while Sagittarius sits to the upper left of Capricorn. Far from being an artistic caprice, this layout strictly adheres to the ancient rules of "cosmocentric" cartography. Historically, celestial globes were designed to show the universe from a "divine perspective"—looking down at the heavens from the outside, rather than looking up from the Earth. This creates a brilliant mirror-image effect where the traditional East-West orientation of the night sky is flipped. Furthermore, the sweeping, sinuous body of the Hydra (the water serpent) winding its way toward the lower southern pole accurately mirrors the strict coordinate calculations of 17th and 18th-century star catalogues. This hidden layer of mathematical and philosophical history transforms the globe into an exceptional conversational centerpiece, bridging the gap between artistic imagination and the rigid geometry of Renaissance astronomy. Materials & Craftsmanship The monumental sphere is supported by a refined, masterfully turned tripod base crafted from solid elm wood. Elm was highly prized in traditional Italian cabinetmaking for its exceptional stability, resistance, and beautifully dramatic grain patterns. Originating from the scientific traditions of ancient Greece and elevated by the 17th-century cartographic workshops of Flanders, this 1800s Italian interpretation perfectly embodies the transition from a navigation tool to a symbol of intellectual curiosity and elite interior styling.  Condition Report & Structural Integrity *Overall State: In excellent, stable antique condition. The solid wood tripod stand is robust, structurally sound, and perfectly balanced. *Surface Patina: The hand-painted paper gores show a gorgeous, authentic age-formed patina and fine network of craquelure, displaying honest wear consistent with its 19th-century origin while remaining completely stable, intact, and well-fixed to the gesso base. Interior Design & Placement Concepts Thanks to its imposing silhouette and rich, warm wood tones, this antique floor globe...

GRAND TOUR Italy, late 19th century Ludovisi Mars, After the Antique Lost-wax and sand cast bronze with a burnished and lacquered patination 15 5/8" H x 10 3/4" W x 6 1/2" D A lo...

A handsome collection of five vintage solid marble obelisks, executed in richly varied shades of rose pink, blush, and cream, with natural charcoal inclusions and expressive veining ...

This striking vintage banded calcite obelisk stands as a commanding sculptural accent, perfectly balancing architectural geometry with natural artistry. Measuring 14 inches high, 3 i...

A fine Italian Grand Tour bronze group depicting a Satyr carrying the infant Dionysus (Bacchus) upon his shoulders, cast by the celebrated Chiurazzi Foundry of Naples after an Antiqu...

19th century Italian hardstone urn in the form of a miniature fountain or baptismal font. The black speckled red stone octagonal top with a craved out bowl supported by four Doric co...

Pair of Italian Grand Tour–Style Green & Gilt Jasperware Intaglio Wall Plaques, Circa 1960s This elegant pair of Italian Grand Tour–style wall plaq...

A visually striking Empire style bronze mounted mahogany guéridon centre table with spectacular round exhibition style specimen marble top with central inlaid chessboard. Featuring ...

A distinctive pair of Italian capriccio landscapes, painted in oil on shaped panels and presented in softly worn giltwood frames. The compositions draw from the Grand Tour tradition—...

Pair of Late 19th Century Giallo Siena Marble Campana Urns. Gadrooned body, flared rim and square based socle. Unusually with a decorative black and red marble inlay on the flared ri...

19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Figure of the Dancing Faun A charming and highly decorative bronze sculpture depicting the celebrated Dancing Faun (Il Fauno Danzante), inspired by th...

A superb antique pair of French Grand Tour gilt bronze and marble Borghese Campana urns, circa 1870 in date. This pair of gilt bronze campana urns is after the Borghese models, with...

Italian Grand Tour Sienna Marble Desk Models, one of the Temple of Vespasian, the other of the Foro Romano, late 19th / early 20th cent. Note : Grand Tour travels to the sights of A...

Grand Tour Bronze and Marble Model of the Temple of Hercules Victor, Rome, Mid-19th Century A refined Grand Tour souvenir in patinated bronze and marble, representing the celebrated...

This is a beautifully detailed monumental antique Italian Grand Tour School bronze figural sculpture of Hermes, Circa 1880 in date. Mercury is cast after the original held at the Mu...

19th century Neapolitan Grand Tour bronze of a Satyr with wine skin, also known as the 'Drunken Satyr'. The cup he would have been holding was lost in the conflagration. The lean, mu...

Museum mounted grand tour Inca or Sipan silver necklace, a 20th century copy of an original neckpiece worn by an "Oficia"l of Inca or Sipan decent. Unmarked. Removable from the stand...

Absolutely Stunning Grand Tour style Patinated Bronze chisel cast example of the architectural model of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, of compact proportions. Late Nineteenth early Tw...

This pair of Italian Grand Tour-style brecciated specimen marble spheres on Carrara marble bases showcases the timeless appeal of Italy's richly colored ornamental stones. Carved fro...

Elegant Italian carved white marble urn from the 19th century, featuring a beautifully sculpted draped cloth gathered by a finely carved floral garland. The graceful classical form...

A grand tour bronze sculpture of Spinario. Measures: Height: circa 8 1/4 in. Items purchased from David Sterner Antiques must delight you....

This is breathtaking! It is an early 19th century bronze volute krater by Benedetto Boschetti, a Roman artisan. It is marked. The marble base is 4....

A delightful Italian bronze Grand Tour model of the Temple of Hercules Victor, Rome, circa 1860 in date. The bronze realistic model is cast in high relief with twenty Corinthian col...

GRAND TOUR Italy, late 19th century "Narcissus" Verdigris patinated bronze cast circa 1910 Unmarked 24 1/4" H x 10 1/8" diameter An exceedingly fine cast after the Greco-Roman s...

Absolutely stunning French chisel cast Patinated Bronze Classical standing scantily clad Cherub. First half of the Nineteenth Century. Seated on a square block of incredibly well...

19th century hand carved alabaster storage jar in the ancient Egyptian Late Dynastic style, with tapering neck topped by a wide everted rim. Great evocative decorative piece for the ...

Natural specimen from a cabinet of curiosities. A taxidermy stuffed armadillo: Nine-banded Armadillo - Dasypus novemcinctus (Linnaeus, 1757), resting on metal pins under its legs on ...

GRAND TOUR Italy, 19th century "Bust: Portrait of Socrates" Carved from a single solid block of white marble Unsigned Circa 1860-80 18 1/2" H x 10" W x 7 1/2" D Carved from a sin...

A charming pair of Venetian miniature paintings depicting lagoon and harbor views with gondolas, sailboats, distant architecture, and atmospheric skies, likely inspired by the enduri...

An Italian Grand Tour bronze tripod brazier, after the ancient Roman original excavated from Pompeii, Neapolitan late 19th century The brazier modeled after one that was used to hea...

A large 19th-century Italian Grand Tour bronze model of the seated Hermes (Mercury), after the Antique. The finely modeled figure depicts the youthful god Hermes seated upon a rocky...

Italian 19th century bronze bust of Augustus Ceasar, finely detailed and well patinated, standing on turned ebonized wood and marble socle plinth base.

A Wunderkammer naturalia agate specimen mounted in an oval shape frame over a golden wooden base, with candle holder. Italy end of 19th century.

A delightful French bronze Grand Tour model of the Arc De Triomphe, circa 1860 in date. The beautifully realistic model is cast in high relief and is mounted on a black marble base....

Early 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Neoclassical Urn Wonderful yellow-veined fine Blue John style urn from the early 19th century set upon a square bronze base . The "Mediceo" urn...

"VIEW OF NEW YORK BAY FROM NEW JERSEY” Produced by Zuber & Cie. Rixheim, Alsace, France, originally designed in 1834, by Jean-Julien Deltil (1791-1863). Recently mounted as a s...

This tray is made out of birchwood and is a different and original option for home serving trays.   

Various scenes of Naples and the eruption of Vesuvius in ebonized frames. Each scene titled. Each hand painted in a gouache medium.

Pair of Neoclassical and Grand Tour style reliefs depicting mythological scenes, Italy, 1950s. These medallions are made of molded bakelite, with a chrome-plated golden metal frame a...

The hinged Burl walnut book inlaid with tulipwood opens to reveal 18 varieties of marbles. Including imperial porphyry, green porphyry,

Italian Grand Tour gouache of Mount Vesuvius erupting at night with a full moon over the Bay of Naples. In the original gilt wood frame. This is a very fine and large example of this...

Beautifully preserved Grand Tour book-form box housing a collection of twenty-seven classical Intaglio Medallions by Giovanni Liberotti. Bound in faux-marbled paper, box opens to re...

FAUN PLAYING THE DOUBLE FLUTE After the Renaissance model attributed to Camelio (Vittore Gambello), itself after Antiquity Italian, nineteenth century or earlier Bronze on a later v...

A finely cast French patinated bronze bust depicting Menelaus, the legendary King of Sparta and one of the principal heroes of Homer's Iliad, executed after an important classical pr...

Bring artistic flair to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a striking Persian inspired design. Perfect for adding color and character to coffee tables, shelves, or...

The cover inlaid with the title 'COLLECTIO MARMORUM' incorporating ebony, tulipwood and mahogany. The hinged wooden book having the appearance of gold pages and opening to reveal a t...

GRAND TOUR MARBLE BUST OF THE YOUNG CAESAR AUGUSTUS Italian, circa 1860 to 1880 22" H x 9" D x 12 1/2" W A finely carved white marble bust thought to represent the young Augustus ...

A finely detailed late 19th–early 20th century decorative thermometer modeled after a Roman triumphal column, inspired by classical monuments such as Trajan’s Column in Rome. Cast in...

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta aryballos (oil flask) decorated with Grecian figures in red and black. Dimensions: Measures 8.5" tall x...

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...

Elegant Grand Tour Urn, Neoclassical style, hand-carved from intense Italian Breccia marble with ochre and gray veining, 19th century. With a Neoclassical profile, the urn is presen...

This is a superb pair of antique candle sconces, with Italian Grand Tour allure, dating to the mid Victorian period, circa 1860. Radiating classical elegance and fine detailing, thes...

Antique French giltwood figural Cathedral floor lamps - a pair.

GRAND TOUR MODEL OF THE PYTHIAN APOLLO BELVEDERE Probably Italian, possibly French, circa 1860 to 1890 Unmarked Patinated sand-cast bronze 21 3/8" H x 13 1/4" W x 8" D This bronze...

A pair of red gorgonian branches from the Wunderkammer in the shape of a fan. The bases are in carved and silvered wood with heraldic crests. Italy, circa 1870.

Grand Tour bronze bust of Moses after the marble original by Michelangelo. Mounted on a Sienna marble socle base. Signed Otto Muller. Karsruhle. Germany circa 1890. Beautifully cast...

Exceptional Grand Tour Carrara marble bust of the Roman goddess, Diana the Huntress (Artemis in Greek mythology), by the widely admired master, Eugenio Battiglia, of Firenze (Florenc...

Bronze venus de Milo, dark patinated, stamped by the renowned foundry Compagnie Anonyme des Bronzes de Bruxelles. The sculpture is a beautiful Grand Tour object!