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

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€ 5800 $ 6640 £ 4972 ¥ 1069984 DKK 43353 CHF 5330 NOK 65360 CA$ 9430 HK$ 52079

Toebosch Antiques

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Name: A southern Italian intaglio-inset serpentine marble 'Grand Tour' inkwell
Measurements: Height: 11 cm, Width: 15 cm
Reference: TOEA100697
Techniques: Mixed techniques, Italy, Ink
Colors: Green, Black, White, Brown, Beige, Gold

Categories: Fine Art Sculptures
Materials: Marble marble bronze Brass Glass Limestone Marble
Styles: Grand Tour Grand Tour Renaissance
Periods: 19th Century Antique
Origins: Italy
Subject: Portrait

Description

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.