Description

Sold No-Reserve, or Submit An Offer. Grand Tour Italian Cameo Intaglio Set This is a large collection of classic Antique Italian Intaglios mounted in 2 wooden boxes. This is a very unique set of mostly smaller pieces with a few larger ones depicting more prominent figures of history and mythology. The set has the hallmarks of a typical high quality 19th century Grand Tour set: cameo style plaster, the serrated cardboard edges where they were cut and gilt top edge, extremely detailed design, and carefully numbered pieces. The set is displayed in a modest set of boxes but the quality is very good for them to be in such nice condition some 200 years later. It's very difficult to find a large set like this and given the box it may have been a sales piece or something used to show product to customers or the quality of production. These were generally sold as travel souvenirs in the 19th century and in the same fashion, my father probably brough it back from Italy in the 60's or 70's on one of his picking hauls. As far as condition goes. The pieces themselves are very good with only the one large figure showing an obvious worn spot, kind of a thin crack and rough spot. I really tried to comb through the rest and didn't see anything noticeable, it's a well done set. It's not the easiest thing to photograph with the glass having a bit of residue on the inside, but I'm not going to tear into a box like this to clean it. The wooden boxes aren't anything to look at. The paper background is kind of pulling up along the edges inside, the outside tape is worn, and there's some mounting holes in the back sides that go into the cases, which probably help keep them in good shape. This set has been in a box since about 2002 here in Dry Colorado and hasn't seen daylight for who knows how long. Historical Snippets Grand Tour intaglio sets were highly sought-after souvenirs collected by travelers during the 18th and 19th centuries as part of their educational journeys through Europe. These sets typically featured plaster impressions of classical figures, mythological scenes, and historic events, inspired by ancient Roman and Greek art. Originally intended as educational tools and mementos, they were prized for their ability to encapsulate the grandeur of European antiquity. Many were made in Italy, the heart of the Grand Tour, where artisans meticulously crafted them to appeal to the tastes of affluent travelers eager to bring home a piece of the classical world. These sets often featured carefully organized displays, with each intaglio numbered and arranged in decorative cases. The detailed craftsmanship and neoclassical design reflected the era's fascination with rediscovering and preserving ancient art and history. Whether used as teaching aids, keepsakes, or decorative collections, Grand Tour intaglio sets remain cherished today for their historical and artistic significance. Fulfillment I have carefully wrapped up the 2 boxes in multiple layers, then they were mounted in the middle of an extra large flat rate fedEx box which has double walls and is many times the size of what I'm shipping, so I'm super hopeful nothing will get dislodged in transport. There is a thick layer all around of packing peanuts that should cushion it well. These will ship within 1 business day of payment at close of auction and should arrive 2-day air. If you're international they'll go to the Ebay hub as normal. If the price exceeds $500 an indirect signature will be required.