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.
Antique Regency Pair Francesco Bartolozzi Hand Colored Stipple Engraving Lady
Located in Dublin, Ireland
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...
Giltwood
$1,250Sale Price / set|58% Off
Pair of Italian Capriccio Landscape Paintings of Classical Ruins in Gilt Frames
Located in Elkhart, IN
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—...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Pair of Venetian Grand Tour Miniature Marine Views in Ebonized Frames
Located in Atlanta, GA
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...
Hardwood, Paint
Antique Regency Francesco Bartolozzi Hand Colored Stipple Engraving Irish Intrst
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptional example of a Regency period hand colored stipple Engraving of seldom found large size by Francesco Bartolozzi titled The Fall of Rosamond from the original by English ...
Giltwood
$12,000 / set
Set Of Six Neapolitan Framed Gouaches Of Vesuvius
Located in Essex, MA
Various scenes of Naples and the eruption of Vesuvius in ebonized frames. Each scene titled. Each hand painted in a gouache medium.
Glass, Wood, Paper
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 Grand Tour Watercolour of Pompeii
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th Century Grand Tour Watercolour of Pompeii. A distant view of Pompeii, taken on a hazy morning. Mount Vesuvius can be seen in the distance, o...
Wood, Paint
Antique Regency Pair Hand Colored Stipple Engravings Children Richard Westal 18C
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptional example of a rare pair of late Eighteenth Century period hand colored stipple Portrait Engravings after Richard Westal (1765-1836). Engrave by Thomas Ryder 1746-1810) ...
Giltwood
Painting of Travellers at Tivoli Falls Outside Rome After Claude Joseph Vernet
By Claude-Joseph Vernet
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A museum worthy large painting depicting travellers before the falls of Tivoli outside of Rome, with the Temple of Vesta in the background, after the 18thC French artist Claude Joseph Vernet...
Canvas
Italian Capriccio Landscape Painting with Classical Ruins in Shaped Gilt Frame
Located in Elkhart, IN
A distinctive Italian capriccio landscape, painted in oil on a shaped panel and presented in a softly worn giltwood frame. The composition draws from the Grand Tour tradition—romanti...
Wood, Paint
19th Century Oil Painting of The San Giorgio Maggiore After Francesco Guardi
By Francesco Guardi
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century oil painting of the San Giorgio Maggiore after Francesco Guardi (1712 - 1793). Within this bustling Continental School veduta, ships and gondolas float along the icon...
Wood, Paint
Grand Tour Italian Vedute Painting of the Pantheon, Rome, circa 1850
Located in CH
Overview: A captivating mid-19th-century Italian vedute painting executing in oil on canvas, depicting a lively everyday scene in Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, featuring the iconic Pan...
Canvas, Wood
Regency Silk Embroidered Sampler Anjelica Kauffmann Engraving Shakespeare's Tomb
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stylish Hand Embroidered Silk Thread Grand Tour Gilt Framed Sampler, early Nineteenth Century, after an example of a hand engraving by Anjelica Kauffmann Depicts an oval form view ...
Giltwood, Silk
Grand Tour Style Venetian Canal Oil Painting - Signed - Italy - Circa 1950's
Located in Chatham, ON
Post Impressionist Grand Tour style Venetian oil painting on prepared Masonite panel - titled verso 'PALAZZO DUCALE, VENEZIA' - featuring the Doge's Palace on the Grand Canal with bo...
Masonite, Paint
19th Century Oil Painting of Venice Grand Canal After Francesco Guardi (1712-93)
By Francesco Guardi
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century oil painting of the entrance to the Venice Grand Canal after Francesco Guardi (1712 – 1793). Within this bustling Continental School veduta, ships and gondolas surrou...
Wood, Paint
Camillo de Vito, View from Naples Pier, Gouache, c.1820s
Located in Savannah, GA
Camillo de Vito (Italian, active 1794-1845) Veduta del Molo di Napoli (view from the Naples pier), circa 1820s. A gouache on paper depicting a sailing ship with men battling turbul...
Glass, Fruitwood, Paint, Paper
Antique Religious Grand Tour Plaque Last Supper Painting Alabaster Champleve
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning Example of a Religious Grand Tour heavy gauge wall hanging or free-standing Patinated Bronze Cast Rectangular Hand Painted Porcelain Plaque of generous proportions and Continental origin possible France, depicting a classical scene of the Last Supper, after Leonardo da Vinci. Last quarter of the Nineteenth Century. Beautifully mounted on to a rectangular light green Alabaster or Onyx plaque with highly ornate Champleve enamel detailing in colours, which is mounted on to a polished brass backing. Condition: Good condition with nice patination and no losses, no imperfections anywhere, backing support is very sturdy. Beautiful and quite unusual religious offering, wonderful gift. Height: (entire as image one) 8" (20cm). Width: (at base) 10.75” (27cm). Location: Dublin City, Ireland. Affordable fixed price Worldwide Store to door shipping offered by Seller. Please take time to scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our Shop PATRICK HOWARD ANTIQUES...
Bronze, Ormolu
Bay of Naples Gouache Seascape with Vesuvius Erupting, 1906
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Bay of Naples Gouache Seascape with Vesuvius Erupting, 1906, a fine gouache on paper seascape with the panoramic Bay of Naples stretching wide, wit...
Paper
Set of Four Grand Tour Sepia Watercolors, Early 19th Century, Framed
Located in South Paris, ME
Fabulous 19th century Grand Tour watercolors, done with the sepia technique. Painted by a traveling English gentleman on his Grand Tour in Rome. The watercolors feature: the Temple o...
Hardwood, Paper
Alfred Ayscough Wilkinson 19th Century Grand Tour Watercolour of Minerva Temple
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An Alfred Ayscough Wilkinson 19th Century Grand Tour Watercolour of The Temple of Minerva, Rome. Painted circa 1880, this scene depicts Le Colonnacce at the Temple of Minerva. A vib...
Wood, Paint
Giovanni Domenico Campiglia (1692–1768) Prints of Lucilla & Bacchus
By Giovanni Domenico Campiglia
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of Giovanni Domenico Campiglia (1692–1768) prints of Lucilla & Bacchus. Dating to the late 18th century this pair of Intaglio prints are taken from the multi-volume Musei...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Pair of Watercolour Paintings Depicting The 1906 Mt. Vesuvius Eruption
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Pair of Watercolour Paintings Depicting The 1906 Mt. Vesuvius Eruption. In April 1906, Vesuvius exploded in a fiery eruption, the largest volcanic event of the 20th century. This ...
Wood, Paint
19th Century, Grand Tour Grisaille Allegory Of Victory With Roman Standard
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking 19th-century grand tour era neoclassical grisaille oil on canvas, painted in trompe-l’oeil imitation of carved bas-relief and depicting a winged female personification of ...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Oil on Canvas, Orientalist Scene, Signed Louis Saphier
Located in Houston, TX
Oil on canvas, orientalist scene, signed Louis Saphier. This lovely painting was executed around 1920. Louis Saphier was active and lived in both New Yor...
Canvas, Wood
19th Century Italian School Oil Painting of A Saint
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century Italian school oil painting of a saint or apostle, possibly Saint Phillip or Saint Jerome. This tondo depicts the figure in a very dark and sombre light, as many of t...
Wood, Paint
19th-Century Italian Reverse Glass Painting Oval Bucolic Landscape Lacquer Frame
Located in Firenze, IT
This late 19th-century antique Italian reverse glass painting oval landscape in a faux marble frame is a rare and highly collectible wal...
Gold
Ferdinand Ongania (1842-1911) Heliographic Prints From La Basilica San Marco
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of Ferdinand Ongania (1842-1911) heliographic prints from La Basilica San Marco in Venezia. This set of framed prints were published between 1881-1893 as part of the “La Basi...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$700Sale Price|41% Off
Late 19th Century Romantic Still Life of Flowers & Fruit, Grand Tour Period
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Romantic still life of flowers and fruit from the late Victorian Grand Tour Period. Although unsigned, this oil on original canvas has two intriguing "R" insignias, on the gold chate...
Paint
Jean Le Pautre (1618–1682) Framed Engravings Of Bacchanalian Scenes
By Jean Le Pautre 1
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of Jean Le Pautre (1618–1682) framed engravings of Bacchanalian scenes. These colourised prints date back to circa 1900 are later versions of 17th century designed by prolifi...
Wood, Paint
Italian Capriccio Landscape Painting with Classical Ruins in Shaped Gilt Frame
Located in Elkhart, IN
A distinctive Italian capriccio landscape, painted in oil on a shaped panel and presented in a softly worn giltwood frame. The composition draws from the Grand Tour tradition—romanti...
Wood, Paint
David With The Head of Goliath After Hendrick de Somer (1602–1655) Oil Painting
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
David with the head of Goliath after Hendrick de Somer (1602 – 1655) oil on canvas. A 19th century depiction of the biblical story David and Goliath after the Flemish artist Hendric...
Wood, Paint
19th Century Italian School Oil Painting of A Saint
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century Italian school oil painting of a saint or apostle, possibly Saint Phillip or Saint Jerome. This tondo depicts the figure in a very dark and sombre light, as many of t...
Wood, Paint
19th Century Watercolour of the The Temple of Olympian Zeus
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century watercolour of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This wonderful Grand Tour vista titled on the reverse as ‘On the Appian Way, Rome’ shows the Temple of Olympian Zeus in it...
Wood, Paint
Samuel Prout (British, 1783-1852) Watercolour of Ruins on The Appian Way
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century watercolour of ruins on the Appian Way. Attributed on the reverse to Samuel Prout (British, 1783-1852) and dated ’34, this painting is of the scattered ruins along th...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Grand Tour Pen & Ink Wash Drawing Bearded Patriarch, After the Italian Baroque
Located in Atlanta, GA
A spirited 19th-century Continental pen and ink wash drawing on laid paper, depicting a bearded patriarchal figure, his robes sweeping in dynamic folds as he gestures commandingly to...
Wood, Paper
Oil on Canvas Painting of Donatello’s Saint George of England
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An oil on canvas painting of Donatello’s Saint George of England. A side profile of Donatello’s marble sculpture of Saint George. The sculpture stands amongst fourteen others commis...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Pair of Oil Paintings Depicting Heraldic Family Coats Of Arms
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of oil paintings depicting heraldic family coats of arms. Presented in ornate gilt frames, these crests have possible links to Spanish families. On the left, a vibrant and d...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Set of Six 19th Century Grand Tour Gouaches
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A rare of 6 mid C19th classical Grand Tour gouaches of unusual scenes depicting Naples, Pompéi and Vesuvius, with broad gold slips and ebonised reeded frames. Circa 1860 Largest 4 - ...
Paint
Ferdinand Ongania (1842-1911) Heliographic Prints From La Basilica San Marco
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of Ferdinand Ongania (1842-1911) heliographic prints from La Basilica San Marco in Venezia. This set of framed prints were published between 1881-1893 as part of the “La Basi...
Glass, Wood, Paper
A Set of Antique Overpainted Photographs of Regent House, Surrey
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Set of eight Antique Overpainted Photographs of Regent House, Surrey. This unusual collection of images consist of eight photographs of a large Georgian era house and its grounds,...
Wood, Paint
Pair of Italian Capriccio Landscape Paintings of Classical Ruins in Gilt Frames
Located in Elkhart, IN
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—...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
A Fine Early 19th C. Grand Tour Portrait by Friedrich Moosbrugger, Dated 1827
By Friedrich Moosbrugger
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A finely executed & extremely charming 19th century portrait of young Italian woman, probably that of Vittoria Caldoni. Vittoria Caldoni was an Italian woman from Albano most favoured as a sitter by several of the German artists working in Italy at this time. Oil on canvas, signed and dated 1827 bottom right, re-lined and set within a carved and ebonized frame. Canvas dimensions, 23.75” H x 18” W. Framed dimensions, 27.25" high x 21.75" wide x 2" deep. Artist Bio: Friedrich Moosbrugger (1804 - 1830) was a German genre...
Canvas, Wood
Mautelli (20th Century) Large Oil on Canvas Depicting Temple Ruins in the Desert
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A huge, impressive scale oil on canvas painting depicting a section of temple ruins in the desert, signed ‘Mautelli’ to the lower right hand corner. Beautifully bordered with an orn...
Canvas, Paint
A Set Of Four Vibrant Neoclassical Watercolour Paintings
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four vibrant neoclassical watercolour paintings. Featuring views of four iconic Roman landmarks, these mixed media paintings are drawn with a fine ink pen giving incredible...
Wood, Paint
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
Paestum Ruins Watercolor Painting, Signed, Gilt Wood Frame, Italian Circa 1900
By Vincenzo Loria
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian watercolor painting of the Paestum Ruins, circa 1900. By Vincenzo Loria, Italy 1850-1939, signed. Framed measures 17 inches x 24 inches, art measures 10 inches x 16 inches....
Paper, Giltwood
19th Century View Of The Molo, Venice Oil On Canvas After Canaletto (1697-1768)
By Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canaletto)
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century view of the Molo, Venice oil on canvas after Canaletto (1697-1768). This vedute of a Venice scene depicts a view of the Molo in Venice looking towards the Zecca (the ...
Wood, Paint
Grand Tour Pietra Dura Plaque of Cavaliers Drinking in a Cellar, Florence c.1885
Located in London, GB
A fantastic large Grand Tour Florentine antique pietra dura plaque depicting a group of drunken cavaliers carousing in a cellar. The image in this piece is all made of pietra dura:...
Stone
Vintage Original Monumental Still Life Oil on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This breathtaking original oil painting is a tour de force of hyper-realistic artistry, capturing the visceral beauty of a harvest-themed still life on a truly monumental scale. The ...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Vintage Italian Capriccio Framed Oil on Canvas Painting of Landscape With Ruins
Located in Elkhart, IN
A distinctive Italian capriccio landscape, painted in oil on a shaped canvas and presented in a softly worn giltwood frame. The composition draws from the Grand Tour tradition—romant...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
$4,440Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Italian 19th Century Neapolitan Gouaches
Located in Bradenton, FL
An absolutely exquisite pair of Italian 19th century Neapolitan gouaches in 20th century giltwood frames. One depicts the volcano eruption of 1822 in Naples, the other is an affluent...
Paint
Pair 18th or 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Gouaches Of Vesuvius, Bay of Naples
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of 18th or 19th century Neapolitan gouaches of Virgil's Tomb, one with a view of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. This is a wonderful high quality pair of a rare subject. A...
Paper
Italian Landscape Painting “View of Roman Campagna Ruins” by Hermann Corrodi
Located in Shippensburg, PA
HERMANN DAVID SALOMON CORRODI Italian, 1844-1905 "The Roman Campagna at Sunset with Ruins of an Ancient Aqueduct" 35 1/4" H x 3 1/8" D x 58 3/8" W (framed) 26 1/8" H x 49 1/2" W (c...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
$4,334Sale Price|20% Off
ANTIQUE GRAND TOUR MARCUS AURELIUS STATUE CORINTHIAN PiLLAR ROMAN OIL PAINTING
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original circa 1860-1880 Italian Grand Tour Oil on Board painting of Roman Temple Ruins with a...
Wood
Camille Corot Follower 19th Century Italian Landscape
By Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
Located in Roma, IT
Camille Corot Follower 19th Century Italian Landscape Beautiful oil on panel work by a very close artist Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. It depicts, in his typical style, a suggestive ...
Wood
19th Century European School Oil on Canvas Coastal Scene
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th Century European School oil on canvas of a coastal scene. Dated to circa 1890, this vibrant coastline features Cyprus trees and the ruins of a temple. The unknown artist capt...
Wood, Paint
Y. Gianni, Italian the Gulf of Naples, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Y. Gianni (Italian) The Gulf of Naples, 19th Century. A beautiful signed "Y. Gianni" gouche on paper, framed and matted with description & name on matti...
Paper
Lucas Vorsterman & Boetius à Bolswert Engravings of Seneca & Julius Caesar
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 17th century Lucas Vorsterman (1595-1675) & Boetius à Bolswert (1585-1633) engravings of Seneca & Julius Caesar. Taken from the renowned series of ‘Twelve famous Greek and ...
Wood
Watercolor of St. Paul's Cathedral in London Sergio Manfredi, Italian
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Watercolor A view of St. Paul's Cathedral in London- Sergio Manfredi (1932-?) Italian painter, Signed and dated "S. Manfredi 1958" lower left and inscribed "London St. Paul's Cathedr...
Paper
19th Century Oil Painting of The Rialto Bridge Venice After Francesco Guardi
By Francesco Guardi
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century oil painting of the Rialto Bridge Venice Grand Canal after Francesco Guardi (1712 – 1793). Within this bustling Continental School veduta, ships and gondolas crowd th...
Wood, Paint