Relevant categories: Objet d Art
( Above photo - Pair Marble Obelisks Grand Tour Italian Decorative )
Marble obelisks are some of the best decorative items. Their unique shape helps them to greatly enhance your interior décor. Tall, narrow, four-sided figures, these monuments imitate the obelisk as was first designed by the Ancient Egyptians. The obelisk was used in ancient times to commemorate dead Egyptian kings. Westerners created miniature obelisks, which are widely available for sale.
While some obelisks maintained the original Egyptian shape, others adapted the prevailing design style. Hence, these art pieces look differently, depending on when they were made. The following are some of the existing obelisk styles:
From the 17th to the 19th century, aristocratic families organized tours for young men through Europe. Upon return from the Grand Tour, these young men brought back several collectible items including marble obelisks.
Grand Tour obelisks were mainly made of elegant rouge marble. They originated in Egypt and had made their way to Rome during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus. The obelisks have intricate hieroglyphics of pharaohs, gods, and other important figures from Ancient Egypt.
They have sturdy square bases that supported them when placed on tables or shelves as decorations. These art pieces are original Ancient Egyptian obelisks, making them highly valuable. Many of them were used in Palazzo Montecitorio.
( Above photo - Pair Stone Malachite Obelisks French Empire Decorative )
The neoclassic period lasted between 1750 and 1850. During that time, artists in Italy created beautiful marble obelisks, which are available for sale. Besides marble, these obelisks feature veneer mosaics, giving them a distinctive brown-colored appearance.
There are also some marble obelisks that had pietra paesine finishing. Pietra paesine are fine stones with a beige, blue-green, red-brown, or ocher appearance. These colors are natural and result from the stone’s interaction with other minerals.
( Above photo - Single Italian Marble Obelisk Grand Tour )
Louis XVI marble obelisks are elegant art pieces that go beyond the obelisk shape. The solid marble is covered in shiny ormolu, making it highly decorative. These obelisks were created during the Louis XVI period and reflect the decorative arts of that time.
For example, a certain Louis XVI marble obelisk is decorated with carvings of sphinxes and nymphs. It has a rectangular base with four feet for support. Plus, it has a mantle clock, which makes gives it more utility than just a decorative art piece.
( Above photo - Pair Marble Obelisks Grand Tour Columns )
The Empire Style sprung up during the reign of Emperor Napoleon in France from 1800 to 1815. Like any other art pieces, the obelisks were created in line with the prevailing style at that time. The obelisks imitated those made in Ancient Egypt.
Besides the Romans, it was Napoleon that brought to light the unique art pieces in Ancient Egypt. The obelisks are made of purely marble and could have a dark green color. They stand on square-stepped plinths, giving them sturdy support.
In Conclusion,
Marble obelisks exist in different shapes and sizes, depending on where and when they were made. Original Egyptian obelisks have hieroglyphics of gods, pharaohs, and other features. You can use them to decorate your home. Obelisks are perfect for placing on shelves and tabletops inside your home.
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