Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
An 18th Century Italian Antique Walnut Architectural Model of a Roman Temple with Bronze Venus, Grand Tour Interest
An 18th Century Italian Antique Walnut Architectural Model of a Roman Temple with Bronze Venus, Grand Tour Interest
Couldn't load pickup availability
A charming and unusual 18th-century Italian architectural model of a Roman temple, of Grand Tour interest.
Constructed with an oak carcass overlaid in walnut veneer with inlaid marquetry decoration, the model takes the form of an elongated, cushion-formed pediment above a central niche, inset with a neoclassical bronze figure of Venus. The whole is raised on a polygonal base terminating in a shaped foot, and the walnut has mellowed to the most wonderful warm patina.
Objects of this kind belong to the world of the Grand Tour — the 18th-century rite of passage in which the sons of European and British gentry travelled to Italy to complete their education among the ruins of antiquity. Travellers returned with paintings, bronzes, intaglios and architectural souvenirs evoking the classical world, and cabinet pieces such as this — part architectural model, part shrine to Venus — were made to sit in the library or on the chimneypiece as a permanent memento of Rome.
The combination of cabinetmaking, marquetry and bronze sculpture in a single small object is what gives these pieces their appeal: they are miniature works of architecture in their own right. This example displays beautifully on a desk, mantelpiece, bookcase or library table, and would sit as happily in a classically furnished interior as in a modern one, where its sculptural quality carries the room.
Provenance: Italy, 18th century.
Material: Oak carcass overlaid with walnut veneer with a bronze figure.
Condition: As per the images. A further condition report is available upon request.
Dimensions: 17½ in high × 13¾ in wide × 9½ in deep (44.5 cm × 35 cm × 24 cm)
🚚✈️🚢 We ship worldwide!
You can buy with 100% confidence too!
We are a member of the following 4 Professional Associations:
1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) – LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;
2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);
3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and
4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.
Wish to purchase this item?
1. Buy online via this website; OR
2. Tel: 00 44 7551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone.
Want further information about an item or wish to discuss shipping costs?
1. Email us via this website; OR
2. Email us via:
info@holtantiquefurniture.com
We will aim to respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt of your enquiry.
🚚✈️🚢 Shipping & Customs Information
Please Note: Prices shown exclude customs clearance fees. Where applicable, these charges will be levied directly by your receiving courier, designated importer, or local government authority. These fees vary by destination and are the responsibility of the buyer. For guidance on potential charges, we recommend contacting your local customs office prior to purchase.
