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.
Baker Furniture Company Italian Style Hand Painted Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage Baker Furniture Company Italian Style Serpentine Low Dresser featuring three spacious drawers with faux keyholes and original hand painted finishes. Signed inside drawer. The...
Wood, Paint
Marquetry Three Drawer Stand with Breccia Stone Top
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Three drawer stand with working key pulls having intricate abstract motif on front and striking dimensional cubic design on side panels. The stand with cantered corners with full ver...
Breccia Marble
Vintage Boho Painted Grand Tour Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your space with eclectic charm through this vintage boho painted Grand Tour cabinet. Adorned with artistic, hand-painted details, this piece brings together old-world craftsma...
Wood, Paint
Narrow Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinet, Hand-Painted Wood, USA, 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Narrow vintage Chinoiserie cabinet, USA 1970's Elegant and refined vintage narrow Chinoiserie circa 1970's featuring an exceptional and vibrant hand-painted Chinoiserie scene across ...
Wood
Antique Multi-Drawer Cabinet with Angled Top
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Industrial Hamilton Printer's Cabinet with Slanted Top Overall Dimensions: 27 1/2" deep x 48 1/2" wide x 52 3/4" high Top Angle: 45" - 52 3/4" high Drawer Dimensions: 21" ...
Steel
$3,495
H 32 in W 72 in D 19.25 in
Baker Furniture Chippendale Mahogany Seven-Drawer Dresser or Chest of Drawers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Chippendale style seven-drawer long dresser, credenza, or chest of drawers By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Carved solid mahogany, with original bras...
Brass
$2,995
H 33 in W 44 in D 20.5 in
Baker Furniture Chippendale Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dresser Chest
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Chippendale style serpentine front dresser or chest of drawers By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston Collection" USA, Late 20th Century Carved mahoga...
Brass
Baker Empire Chest of Drawers
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Brass
$11,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 44 in W 32.5 in D 10 in
Wall Cabinet with Marquetry Inlays and Drawer Art Nouveau Vienna Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wall cabinet with 4 drawers and marquetry inlay Door. Perfect as a furniture in your dressing room for your lingerie or in your living room. It could also be great at the w...
Metal
$3,295
H 35 in W 48 in D 22.25 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Green Lacquered Mahogany Dresser Chest, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Georgian style bow front four-drawer dresser or chest of drawers In the manner of Baker Furniture By Finch Fine Furniture ...
Brass
Vintage Style Painted Elm Wood Cabinet with 2 Door
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This charming vintage elm wood cabinet is a one-of-a-kind piece with beautiful age and patina that adds character to any space. Its patina painted elm wood finish showcases the natur...
Reclaimed Wood
$3,595
H 33 in W 43.75 in D 20.13 in
Baker Furniture Chippendale Mahogany Serpentine Dresser Chest, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Chippendale style serpentine front dresser or chest of drawers By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston Collection" USA, Late 20th century Carved ...
Brass
Vintage Three-Drawer "Campaigner" Dresser by Dixie Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Three-Drawer “Campaigner” Dresser by Dixie Furniture Co. featuring classic campaign-style design with warm wood tones, recessed brass-tone hardware, and clean mid-century lin...
Wood
$5,995
H 33 in W 56.75 in D 23.75 in
Baker Stately Homes Chippendale Serpentine Mahogany Bachelors Chest Dresser
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Stately Homes Chippendale Serpentine Mahogany Bachelors Chest Dresser This bachelor chest measures: 56.75 wide x 23.75 deep x 33 high We take our photos in a controlled light...
Mahogany
English Painted Bedside Cabinet
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Small English three drawer painted bedside beech cabinet. 1890. Height to worktop: 28-inches (71cm) Code: 9082 Dimensions: W: 21" (53.3 cm) H: 31" (78.7 cm) D: 16" (40.6 cm)
Beech
Grand Tour Style Polychromed Greek Motif Cabinet on Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Grand Tour style polychromed Greek motif cabinet on stand, with beautiful decoration on all sides. In two parts. Fitted with two 8" x 14" H doors with bras...
Brass
Italian Grand Tour Style Brass Octagonal Table Vitrine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian grand tour style brass octagonal table vitrine, with lift top mirrored base raised on eight paw feet.
Brass