Relevant categories: Bronzes,Objet d Art,Curios,Fountains and Garden
(Above photo - Antique Bust Emperor Augustus - Grand Tour Composition 1860 )
British aristocratic families used the Grand Tour in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries to expose their children to a better knowledge of the world. Grand tourists would be sent out for two to four years traveling around Europe, North Africa, and the Holy land.
As they went about these missions, the young men would acquire new knowledge and languages. They also observed the different cultures, architecture, and geography of the various places they toured in 1660. Classical Grand Tour Antiques include marble busts, obelisks, columns, temples, triumphal arches, classical statues, urns, vases and other items that have a classical beauty.Â
(Above photo - Pair Bronze Campana Urns Medici Classical Blue John )
In the 17th century, the English gentry believed that the best way to learn about something or a place was to be exposed physically. So, the grand tourists would make sure they visited most, if not all, the important historical sites in the world at that time.
The young men relied on guide books designed to provide information on visiting places. Aristocratic young men and women carried letters of introduction, which enabled them to access funds and invitations, and they moved from one place to another. Along the way, they acquired foreign languages, mingled with the continent’s upper crust, and commissioned art pieces and paintings.
(Above photo - Lifesize Bronze Three Graces Statue Female Nude Greek Figurine )
Therefore, the grand tours exposed the tourists to classical antiquity and renaissance. This was the best opportunity for these young men to hear certain music and view specific art pieces. A typical grand tour could last between a few months and several years.
Despite its many benefits, the grand tour was far from the quintessential religious or scholar’s pilgrimage. Most grand tourists traveled with coachmen, valets, cooks, and knowledgeable guides.
(Above photo - Antique Ormolu Arc De Triomphe Triumph 1880 Grand Tour Paris Monument )
Apart from providing young aristocrats with relevant cultural education, grand tours were the perfect opportunity to collect souvenirs along the way. These souvenirs are what are called grand tours antiques. They consist of paintings, pictures, sculptures, books, and other cultural items. They built drawing rooms, galleries, gardens, cabinets, and libraries where they displayed art pieces.
The collections made by the grand tourists formed the foundation of today’s antique market. With their vast collections from across the world, the tourists started a revolution in how people consume art. Grand tour antiques are still available for sale in the United Kingdom and other places in the world.
Today, most of the souvenirs available for sale are from the grand tours. They were made for buyers from the aristocracy and are of the highest quality. The items included classical, serpentine, alabaster, marble, and bronze pieces. These items are available for sale and can be yours if you can pay the price. In short, you wouldn’t have to go on a grand tour to own these souvenirs.
(Above photo - Bronze Nude David Statue - Classical Figurine )
(Above photo - Hand Carved Italian Antique Trajans Column Roman Emperor Grand Tour )
If it were not for the grand tours, Britain would never have seen some art pieces. Furniture designs would also have remained the same over the years. Grand tour antiques are the art pieces that resulted from these tours. They are in classical, serpentine, alabaster, marble, and bronze pieces. If you visit a reliable antique shop today, you can buy any item you want.
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