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.
French Grand Tour Patinated Bronze Animalier Mounted Thermometer
Located in London, GB
A fine and unusual French antique Grand Tour table thermometer in patinated bronze. Set upon a naturalistic trefoil shaped patinated bronze base with...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Carved Walnut Medici Lions on Plinths
Located in Dublin, IE
An impressive and expressive pair of 19th-century hand-carved lions, each depicted standing with one paw resting on a sphere—symbolizing dominion and power. The figures are finely mo...
Walnut
Large French Grand Tour Period Bronze Sculpture Recumbent Lion
Located in Montreal, QC
Grand Tour period bronze sculpture of lion resting on a rosso levanto marble base. France: circa 1850.
Bronze
Large Antique Copeland Tile of Cherub & Lion
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large antique Copeland tile depicting a cherub and lion. This 8 inch clay tile dates to circa 1876, displaying a putti with a cape holding a fruiting cornucopia before a lion in m...
Clay
MATCHiNG PAIR OF ANTIQUE ROMAN GRAND TOUR HERCULES GILT BRASS MARBLE BASE CUPS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original pair of Circa 1880 hand made in Italy Grand Tour bronze Hercules cups with black marb...
Marble, Brass
Large Antique Plaster Sculptors Model of Mercury
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large antique painted plaster sculptors model or machete of Mercury. Dating to circa 1900, the sculpture depicts Roman God Mercury seated on a rock in a patinated plaster finish. In Neoclassical style, this French sculpture is an impressive size displaying expertly hand-carved craftsmanship. An exceptional decorative antique for properties looking to appreciate Neoclassical style and Roman mythology. Mercury Mercury is the Roman god of shopkeepers and merchants, travellers and transporters of goods, and thieves and tricksters. He is commonly identified with the Greek Hermes...
Plaster, Paint
Pair of Grand Tour 19th Century Bronze Putti Figures on Marble Bases, C 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This small pair of fine Italian Grand Tour bronze figures are of classical putti naked apart from a belt of vine leaves and grapes around their lower torso...
Bronze
pair of Italian 19th century Alabaster and Verde Ranocchia marble busts
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and small scaled pair of Italian 19th century Grand Tour Period Alabaster and Verde Ranocchia marble bust of Torquato Tasso and Michele Sanmicheli. These most decorative ...
Marble
19th Century Bronze Cherub Sculpture on Marble Base, France
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Seated Cherub Bronze on Marble Base. Handsome piece for any desk, table or surface. Purchased in France on 15/2024. One leg on chair is broken. Price accordingly. Se...
Bronze
19th century Grand Tour period Alabaster and Marble bust of Athena
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and small scale Italian 19th century Grand Tour period Alabaster and Verde Ranocchia Marble bust of Athena Of Velletri. This most charming bust is raised on square Ranocc...
Alabaster, Marble
A Italian equestrian specimen marble carved study of a wild stallion and mare
Located in Central England, GB
This remarkable horse sculpture depicts a head and shoulders study of a wild stallion and mare carved meticulously from figured and veined natural marble stone with colours ranging f...
Marble
Pair of Antique Italian Walnut Statues of Gladiators
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique Italian walnut statues, after the antique Borghese Gladiator. In Grand Tour style, this decorative pair are a stunning feature for a period property looking to app...
Marble