A southern Italian intaglio-inset serpentine marble 'Grand Tour' inkwell

Ships from The Netherlands

TOE
Toebosch Antiques
Premier Seller

The Grand Tour refers to the 17th -19th century custom of affluent northern European (and later American) ladies and gentlemen to take a trip through France to Italy to learn about classical culture. Visits to Naples and the excavations of Vesuvious were popular. Visitors were encouraged to return home with souvenirs such as this inkwell. 

'Serpentina Moschinata' was named by Roman marble workers who gave this stone the name Serpentina (snake like) because of its resemblance to snake skin, and Moschinata (from moscha meaning fly) due to the presence of small black specs looking like little insects. Also called 'Serpentina Moschinata Verdi' as a result of its distinctive green colour. 

One expert suggests that the oval relief cameos found on such pieces are not made from lava (from Vesuvious), but from local limestone. 

Name
A southern Italian intaglio-inset serpentine marble 'Grand Tour' inkwell
Categories
Sculptures
Origins
Italy
Periods
19th Century Antique
Materials
Marble marble bronze
Techniques
Italy, Mixed techniques
Styles
Grand Tour
Measurements
Height: 11 cm, Width: 15 cm
Reference
TOEA100697
TOE
Toebosch Antiques
Premier Seller
Founded in 1974
Artlistings seller since 2015

Located in Haarlem
The Netherlands

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