Monumental Pair of Portasanta and Rosso Antico Marble Obelisks, Italian Early 20th Century

Impressive Pair of Huge Italian Portasanta and Rosso Antico Marble Obelisks

Italy circa 1910.

Of choice cuts of Portasanta marble, visually supported on spheres carved of Rosso Antico marble, the cubical bases rising from square plinths, also of Rosso Antico marble.

Originally utilised in ancient Egypt, obelisks were later adopted by the Romans and during the height of the Grand Tour in the 19th century, some twelve different obelisks remained in Rome itself. Any grand tourist would have been proud to have brought back a pair of marble obelisks as part of their souvenirs of their experience and the workshops that produced these pieces continued to operate in to the 20th century.

Although these pieces, and modern reproductions of them, are reasonably common, it is extremely rare to find pieces of this size and quality. The mouldings are crisply carved, the marble chosen is very well figured and the contrasting sections of Portasanta and Rosso Antico provide much more visual interest than is usually encountered in the lesser pieces that one encounters.

Sure to provide a talking point in any interior, these obelisks are a decorator's dream and could provide the focal point of the scheme for a room due to their monumental size.

Portasanta is the name given by the scalpellini, the stonecutters of Rome, to the marble that forms the jambs of the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. It is also used for door jambs in other basilicas of Rome times, after the island Chios that it comes from, it medieval Italian name alludes to the door’s of St Peter’s church in Rome, whose doors are made of this marble.

Rosso antico was widely used throughout the Roman empire basically for opera sectilia, slabs, but also in rare cases for sculptures and sculptural decoration.

Width: 8 inches - 20.5cm

Height: 40 inches - 102cm

Depth: 8 inches - 20.5cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

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