18th Century Italian Antique / Roman "Grand Tour" Carved Marble Bust, Possibly Antoninus Pius

A charming "Grand Tour" carved marble bust. Understood to date to the late 18th century and carved from marble in the form of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius.

Antoninus Pius was a Roman emperor from 138 to 161 AD. He succeeded Hadrian and was known for his peaceful, fair, and stable rule. He avoided major wars, preferring diplomacy and the strengthening of borders. His reign was a period of prosperity and order. He was called "Pius" for his devotion to Hadrian and his respect for long-standing traditions. After his death, he was succeeded by Marcus Aurelius.

Presented on a carved marble socle. The sculpture oozes all the charm of the great collecting era of the Grand Tour.

What was the Grand Tour?

The Grand Tour was a cultural and educational journey popular from the 17th to early 19th centuries, undertaken by wealthy young European men—especially British aristocrats—upon reaching adulthood (21 years of age). Its purpose was to expose them to classical antiquity, Renaissance art, and continental society, serving as a rite of passage and a finishing touch to elite education.

Typically lasting months or even years, the tour focused on France and Italy, with Paris and Rome as key destinations. Travellers often studied languages, art, music, and manners, and collected books, artworks, and souvenirs. The journey was usually guided by a tutor or “bear-leader,” and included visits to cities like Florence, Venice, and Naples, with excursions to archaeological sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Though initially reserved for upper-class men, the tradition later expanded to include women and Americans. The Grand Tour declined with the rise of rail travel and mass tourism but left a lasting legacy in art, literature, and cultural exchange. It symbolized refinement, worldliness, and social prestige, and helped shape European perceptions of classical heritage and national identity.

Provenance - From a private collection in Italy.

Condition - Good as per the images.

Size - Height including the socle 30 cm (12")