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.
Neoclassical Grand Tour Solid Marble Pink and Cream Obelisks, Set of 5
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning set of five neoclassical Grand Tour style solid marble pink & cream obelisks. A favorite of designers, obelisks add a touch of classic decor to traditional or modern inter...
Marble
Italian Grand Tour Gouache of Mount Vesuvius Erupting at Night, Circa 1872
Located in Stamford, CT
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...
Giltwood, Paper
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Bronze Brazier, Ancient Pompeii Original
Located in Stamford, CT
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...
Marble, Bronze
Collection of Grand Tour Style Neoclassical Brass Figures on Marble Bases
Located in Elkhart, IN
A refined collection of Grand Tour–style brass figures mounted on richly varied marble bases, each piece evoking the scholarly romance of 19th-century European travel. The grouping i...
Marble, Brass
A Greek Black Figure Style Grand Tour Amphora, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Greek Black Figure Style Grand Tour Amphora, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: Amphora, specifically, were used for storing and transporting li...
Terracotta
Antique Italian Grand Tour Bronze Sculpture of the Farnese Bull /Nelli foundry
By Giambologna
Located in New York, NY
Antique (late 19th century) Grand Tour bronze sculpture of the Farnese bull, after the classical period original, cast by the Nelli foundry in Rome, mounted on marble plinth with bla...
Marble, Bronze
Grand Tour in Bronze. Model of the Temple of Hercules Victor, Mid-19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
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...
Marble, Bronze
Antique Grand Tour Model Temple of Hercules Victor, Rome, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
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...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Antique Grand Tour Bronze Figure of "Dionysus, called Narcissus" 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb large antique Grand Tour patinated bronze figure of "Dionysus, called Narcissus" dating from the mid 19th Century. Dionysus is the ancient Greek God of wine, wher...
Marble, Bronze
Grand Tour Ancient Egyptian Style Alabaster Storage Jar
Located in Stamford, CT
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 ...
Alabaster
Grand Tour Bronze Volute Krater / Vase / Urn by Benedetto Boschetti , C. 1840
Located in Kennesaw, GA
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....
Marble, Bronze
Neoclassical Grand Tour Solid Marble Brown and Gray Obelisk
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning neoclassical or Grand Tour style solid marble gray and brown obelisk Measures: 2"W x 2"D x 8"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Marble
Vintage Trompe L'oeil Embossed Leather Faux Books Round Side Table
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous trompe l'oeil faux books embossed leather side table with storage Circa 1980s Measures: 19.13"W x 19.13"D x 22"H. Good original vintage condition.
Leather, Wood
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Set of Portrait Medals of The 12 Roman Emperors
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Italian Grand Tour set of silvered bronze portrait medallions of The 12 Roman Emperors, Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitelliu...
Bronze
19th C. Italian Bronze Grand Tour Sculpture Nude Discuss Athlete, in Repose
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th C. Italian Bronze Grand Tour Sculpture Nude Discuss Athlete, in Repose Attributed to the Naples Foundry, mid-19th century or older casting A 19th-century Italian Grand Tour ...
Bronze
$3,325Sale Price|30% Off
NAVAL CANNON 19th Century Model Battery Signal Cannon In Bronze & Wood
Located in Miami, FL
A 19th century presentation naval battery signal cannon. This is a superb large scale model of a naval battery cannon made in the 19th century, circa 1825-1850. The antique presenta...
Bronze
Antique Set 17 Framed Grand Tour Giovanni Liberotti Intaglios 19th Century
Located in London, GB
An elegant giltwood frame enclosing seventeen Grand Tour Giovanni Liberotti intaglios dating from the early 19th Century. The various round and oval shaped plaster intaglios featur...
Plaster, Giltwood
Neoclassical Grand Tour Crystal and Cobalt Blue Obelisk
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning neoclassical or Grand Tour style solid crystal obelisk with cobalt blue accents USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 4."W x 4"D x 18.25"H. Very good original vintage condit...
Crystal
Grand Tour Antique Italian Carved Marble Bust of Young Caesar Augustus
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GRAND TOUR Italy, circa late 19th/early 20th Century Bust of Young Gaius Octavius Augustus Carved Carrara marble, unsigned 17 1/4" H x 8 3/4" W x 5 5/8" D A good Grand Tour bust ...
Marble
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Large 19th Century French Grand Tour Venus de Milo Marble Column
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large 19th-century Grand Tour Venus de Milo Marble Column France, circa 1880 A magnificent 19th-century Grand Tour Venus de Milo marble column from...
Marble, Bronze
Zuber & Cie. Early 20th Century Screen "View of New York Bay from New Jersey"
By Jean Zuber
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
"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 seven...
Wood, Paper
Italian Grand Tour Antique Marble Column Pedestal, late 19th century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
SOLID GRAY-VEINED MARBLE PEDESTAL Probably Italian, late 19th century 34 1/4" H x 14" W x 14" D ref. 512RBG20P A solid marble display pedestal...
Marble
Italian Neoclassical Terracotta Vase with Mythological Frieze, circa 1880–1920
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and impressive work of sculptural art. An impressive Italian neoclassical terracotta vase, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, inspired by ancient Greek vase paint...
Paint, Terracotta
Italian Grand Tour Bronze Sculpture Bust of Diana by Del Nerro Foundry
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GRAND TOUR Italy, mid-19th century Bust of the goddess Diana Cast by Del Nero Foundry, Rome, crisp inscription to base of neck verso DEL NERO ROMA Patinated bronze raised on a mottled pink marble...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Italian Grand Tour–Style Green & Gilt Jasperware Intaglio Wall Plaques
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Italian Grand Tour–Style Green & Gilt Jasperware Intaglio Wall Plaques, Circa 1960s This elegant pair of Italian Grand Tour–style wall plaq...
Pottery
Italian Empire Mahogany Center Table Grand Tour Specimen Marble Chessboard Top
Located in Forney, TX
A visually striking Empire style bronze mounted mahogany guéridon centre table with spectacular round exhibition style specimen marble top with central inlaid chessboard. Featuring ...
Stone, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Multi-gemstone, Marble, Belgian Black Ma...
Neoclassical Solid Marble Onyx Green and Brown Obelisk
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning neoclassical or Grand Tour style solid marble onyx green & brown obelisk Measures: 3"W x 3"D x 12.25"H. Very good original vintage condition. Minor surface wear expected...
Marble
Neoclassical Solid Marble Obelisk, Red & Brown, Grand Tour Style
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning neoclassical or Grand Tour style solid marble red, purple & brown obelisk Measures: 2.63"W x 2.63"D x 10"H. Very good original vintage condition. Minor surface wear expe...
Marble
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
19th C Grand Tour Painting on Porcelain View of Vatican/St. Peter's Basilica
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century Grand Tour Painting on Porcelain View of Vatican/St. Peter's Basilica Italy, circa 1880s Standing in rectangular gilt bronze engraved frame with applied stylized flo...
Bronze
Early 19th Century Bronze French Grand Tour Urns (Pair)
Located in Louisville, KY
This pair of early 19th century Grand Tour Period bronze gilt volute krater urns on stone bases are absolutely breathtaking. The base is a heavy black slate with etched Neo-classic f...
Stone, Slate, Bronze
Vintage Shell Encrusted Center Hall Table With Scagliola Pigmented Plaster Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This extraordinary center hall table is a tour de force of maritime artistry, perfectly capturing the whimsical luxury of the Coastal Grotto style. The substantial pedestal base is a...
Coral
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...
Alabaster, Marble
19th Grand Tour Century Italian Painted Wood Architectural Model
Located in Essex, MA
19th Century Florence, Neoclassical style structure, featuring intricate design work incl. faux marbleized column supports, baluster railings, urn pediments, hinged door to back open...
Pine
Plaster Bust of Roman Emperor Augustus on Wood Pedestal
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous bust of Roman emperor Augustus. USA, Circa mid-20th century Plaster bust on wood pedestal base Measures: 2.75"W x 2.75"D x 7.5"H. Good original vintage condition.
Plaster, Wood
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
19th C. Italian Grand Tour Micro-Mosaic "Doves of Pliny" Box After Antiquity
By Vatican Mosaic Studio
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian, likely Circa 1880. This beautiful box has an exceptional Grand Tour Micro-mosaic plaque depicting the Capitoline Doves or Doves of Pliny after the Roman antiquity. Also by ...
Slate, Bronze
$4,617
Grand Tour Dining Chairs
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine Grand Tour design mahogany Egyptian revival dining chair in the manner of Marc Du Plantier. This chair can be upholstered in the client’s own material. Please note we are cur...
Mahogany
Lorenzo de Medici Marble Sculpture After Michelangelo
Located in New York, NY
Our antique (late 19th century) white marble Grand Tour sculpture of Lorenzo de Medici, Duke of Urbino (1492-1515). Sculpture 22 by 9 by 10 inches. The sculpture, carved from Carr...
Carrara Marble
Early 19th Century French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A STUNNING Early 19C French Gold Box with Enamel and Miniature Portrait. Box made with brass but has been plated with 18ct Gold with beau...
Gold, Enamel
Italian Florentine Pietra Dura Stone Inlay Marble Table Top
Located in Roma, IT
Italian Florentine Pietra Dura Stone Inlay Marble Table Top Classical Italian Florentine rare and spectacular pietra dura inlaid marble with an octagonal form top decorated by flo...
Marble
Grand Tour Bronze Casket Athena Greek Processional Friezes, Attrib. Henri Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Grand Tour Archaeological Revival Bronze Casket with Athena and Greek Processional Friezes, Attributed to Henri Picard, Paris, circa 1865–1885 A finely cast gilt and patinated bronze casket executed in the Grand Tour archaeological revival taste, attributed to the Paris bronzier Henri Picard and dating to the late 19th century. The object reflects the fascination with ancient Greek antiquity...
Bronze
$41,456
Soane Paestum Model On Stand
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A finely carved grand tour model of the temple of Paestum. The finely hand-carved architects model rests upon an ebonised table base with a brass name plaque and fine cast brass corn...
Mahogany
19th Century Finely Carved Wooden Wall Panel with Sphinx, Dolphins & Scrollwork
By Black Forest, Brienz Switzerland
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exceptional masterpiece of the 19th Century showcases remarkable craftsmanship with finest detailing. The carved wooden wall panel shows a composition featuring a central mythol...
Wood
Pair of Italian Gilt Bronze Lions, after Antonio Canova , late 19th Cent
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of Italian Gilt Bronze Recumbent Lions, after Antonio Canova, on Red Griotte Marble base, late 19th Century 6 ½ W by 3 ½ D by 4 ¾ H in. Note : This pair of bronze lions w...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Antique French Bronze Grand Tour Model of The Arc de Triomphe 19th Century
Located in London, GB
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....
Bronze
Grand Tour Specimen Marbles Plaque, Italy, circa 1850
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A wonderful third quarter 19th century Italian 'grand tour' ancient marbles specimen plaque in original silver-gilt frame.
Marble
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Giustiniani Egyptian Motif Pottery Plate with Gilt Highlights, Rodent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Giustiniani Egyptomania Pottery plate with gilt highlights, and a central Rodent Neapolitan manufacture (Biagio Giustiniani & Sons) dated to 1830-1840 19th century, impressed scrip...
Pottery
Antique Grand Tour Italian Bronze Sculpture of Dancing Faun of Pompeii
Located in Shippensburg, PA
THE DANCING FAUN OF POMPEII After the model of Antiquity Grand Tour, Italy cast ca. 1880 With a fine verdigris patination and "ancient" surface treatment...
Bronze
$896Sale Price|25% Off
Giustiniani Egyptomania Pottery Plate with Gilt Highlights, Urn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Giustiniani Egyptomania Pottery plate with gilt highlights, and a central urn Neapolitan manufacture (Biagio Giustiniani & Sons) dated to 1830-1840, impressed script Giustiniani an...
Pottery
Framed Group of Seven Italian Grand Tour Cast Plaster Intaglios, 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Framed Group of Seven Italian Grand Tour Cast Plaster Intaglios, 19th Century This refined framed composition features a group of seven Italian Grand Tour intaglios, executed in cas...
Fabric, Plaster, Giltwood
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Bronze of “The Dying Gaul”
Located in Kastrup, DK
A neoclassical Grand Tour sculpture in dark-patinated bronze depicting The Dying Gaul — an iconic motif after the famous ancient original from Pergamon. Mounted on an oval Siena marb...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Pair of Oil on Board Harbour Scenes Manner of Luigi Maria Galea
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Manner Of Luigi Maria Galea (1847-1917) circa 1900 The Grand Harbour, Valetta, early morning; and The Grand Harbour, Valetta, at dusk signed illeg...
Paint
$2,950 / set
Italian Grand Tour Marble Models of Roman ruins
Located in Greenwich, CT
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...
Marble
Relief medallion in plaster
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Relief medallion in plaster by Antonio Canova (1757-1822). The depiction of this relief is 'living from the land'. (It can be hang up)
Plaster
$3,800 / set
Pair Of Grand Tour Style Marble Obelisks
Located in Essex, MA
Made with many types of marble including lapis , Verona and carnelian. Typical form.
Marble
$69 / item
Hand Wood Big Serving Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Hands means protection, sheltering and coziness This tray is made out of Birchwood and is a different and original option for home serving trays.
Wood
Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Circular Chessboard Plaque Pietra Dura 19th C
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely crafted circular pietra dura plaque, likely originating from Italy during the mid-to-late 19th century, this specimen marble and hardstone inlaid chessboard combines decorat...
Marble
19th Century Petite Italian Grand Tour Souvenir Bronze Bust of Dante Alighieri
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique 19th Century petite Grand Tour souvenir bronze bust of Italian poet Dante Alighieri. This handsome bust is well cast with exquisite details and lovely original patina....
Bronze
$69 / item
Face Wood Big Serving Tray blue
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
This tray is made out of Birchwood and is a different and original option for home serving trays.
Wood
Grand Tour Marble Sculpture Statue Bust of Venus de Milo after the Antique
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GRAND TOUR MODEL OF VENUS DE MILO AFTER ANTIQUITY Italian a late 19th to early 20th century copy of the original of Antiquity carved from a single block of Carrara marble unsigne...
Carrara Marble
The Traveler’s Monument – Marble and Onyx Grand Tour Obelisk, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Grand Tour Specimen-Marble Obelisk, Italian, 19th century A jewel-like tabletop obelisk built from alternating bands of polished specimen stones—giallo Siena, rouge griotte, verte an...
Onyx, Marble