What is the history behind Grand Tour plaster intaglios?

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, aristocratic travellers on the Grand Tour across Europe collected plaster impressions of carved gemstones, coins, and classical sculptures. These small relief casts served as tangible records of historical artwork visited in museums and private collections across Italy and Greece.

What traditional materials were used to create plaster intaglio collections?

The intaglios were cast using Fine Plaster of Paris or gypsum poured into wax or sulphur moulds created directly from carved gemstone originals. Once set, the plaster reliefs were often mounted onto paper, card, or velvet backings and framed in gilded or turned wood frames for protection and display.

How do you identify authentic late nineteenth-century intaglios?

Authentic pieces exhibit crisp profile details corresponding to classical iconography, alongside subtle age-related patination, light discoloration, or minor edge chipping. Period framing typically features hand-finished gilding, period glass with characteristic imperfections, and historic mounting board or paper.

How can framed plaster intaglios be styled in a modern interior?

Framed intaglios function effectively as focal points on gallery walls, placed within traditional reading rooms, or hung above a sideboard or mantelpiece. Their neutral cream tones against dark mounts contrast well against saturated wall colours, adding architectural depth to contemporary or classic spaces.

How should antique plaster intaglios be cleaned and preserved?

Preserve framed intaglios by displaying them behind protective glass in stable environmental conditions away from high humidity and direct sunlight. To clean, wipe the exterior glass and frame with a dry microfibre cloth, avoiding liquid cleaners or moisture near the unsealed plaster casts.

for sale €690 $749

£590

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Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

Name: Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1233919
Price: 590 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artsonline

Description

Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

Brief Description:

This is a magnificent and highly decorative collection of eighteen late 19th-century Grand Tour style Cameo Intaglios, beautifully presented together within a substantial giltwood glazed display frame.

Dating to circa 1880-1900, the collection comprises eighteen individually modelled classical plaques of varying shapes and sizes, each worked in relief with subjects inspired by the art, mythology and antiquities of Ancient Greece and Rome.

The fascinating collection depicts an array of classical figures, deities, chariots, portrait busts and mythological scenes, with the impressive large central oval portraying Ganymede and the Eagle, one of the best-known subjects from Greek mythology.

Other plaques feature finely detailed figural groups, winged figures, horse-drawn chariots and scenes derived from celebrated antique gems, cameos, sculptures and classical works of art.

Such collections became particularly fashionable as souvenirs of the European Grand Tour, allowing wealthy travellers and collectors to assemble representations of admired works from the ancient world.

The eighteen pieces have been arranged extremely effectively against a deep black ground, which contrasts beautifully with their pale colouring, and are housed behind glass within an impressive antique giltwood frame.

A wonderfully decorative and fascinating collection which displays magnificently and would make a superb addition to a classical interior, library, study or collection of Grand Tour antiquities.

Attributes:

Grand Tour Style

European

Classical / Greco-Roman subjects

Collection of 18 Cameo Intaglios

Circa: 1880-1900

Glazed giltwood display frame

Condition:

The collection is offered in good antique condition commensurate with age.

There are various small chips, losses, surface marks and areas of wear to a number of the individual plaques, all consistent with their considerable age and delicate nature.

The antique giltwood frame also displays age-related wear, rubbing, small losses and imperfections to the gilded finish, adding considerably to its period character.

Please study all images carefully as they form an integral part of the condition report.

Framed Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 17.5'' | 4.4 cm

Width: 14.8'' | 37.5 cm

Depth: 1.1'' | 2.7 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

*A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and much time are taken to ensure the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders are welcome.

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Physical Dimensions

Height

44.4cm (17.48")

Width

37.5cm (14.76")

Depth

2.7cm (1.06")

Declaration

Artsonline has dated this Grand Tour Plaster Intaglios to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1233919

Dealers Notes

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Tel: 01749 595 507

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Description

Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

Brief Description:

“

This is a magnificent and highly decorative collection of eighteen late 19th-century Grand Tour style Cameo Intaglios, beautifully presented together within a substantial giltwood glazed display frame.

Artsonline

fig 1. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 1. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

Dating to circa 1880-1900, the collection comprises eighteen individually modelled classical plaques of varying shapes and sizes, each worked in relief with subjects inspired by the art, mythology and antiquities of Ancient Greece and Rome.

fig 2. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 2. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

The fascinating collection depicts an array of classical figures, deities, chariots, portrait busts and mythological scenes, with the impressive large central oval portraying Ganymede and the Eagle, one of the best-known subjects from Greek mythology.

fig 3. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 3. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

Other plaques feature finely detailed figural groups, winged figures, horse-drawn chariots and scenes derived from celebrated antique gems, cameos, sculptures and classical works of art.

Such collections became particularly fashionable as souvenirs of the European Grand Tour, allowing wealthy travellers and collectors to assemble representations of admired works from the ancient world.

fig 4. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 4. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

The eighteen pieces have been arranged extremely effectively against a deep black ground, which contrasts beautifully with their pale colouring, and are housed behind glass within an impressive antique giltwood frame.

fig 5. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 5. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

A wonderfully decorative and fascinating collection which displays magnificently and would make a superb addition to a classical interior, library, study or collection of Grand Tour antiquities.

Attributes:

fig 6. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 6. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

Grand Tour Style

European

Classical / Greco-Roman subjects

Collection of 18 Cameo Intaglios

Circa: 1880-1900

Glazed giltwood display frame

Condition:

The collection is offered in good antique condition commensurate with age.

fig 7. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 7. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

There are various small chips, losses, surface marks and areas of wear to a number of the individual plaques, all consistent with their considerable age and delicate nature.

The antique giltwood frame also displays age-related wear, rubbing, small losses and imperfections to the gilded finish, adding considerably to its period character.

fig 8. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 8. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

Please study all images carefully as they form an integral part of the condition report.

Framed Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 17.5'' | 4.4 cm

Width: 14.8'' | 37.5 cm

Depth: 1.1'' | 2.7 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

fig 9. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 9. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

fig 10. Eighteen cream-coloured plaster intaglio casts depicting classical figures, displayed on a dark blue background within a ribbed gilt wood frame. — fig 10. Late 19th Century Grand Tour Collection of 18 Classical Cameo Intaglios

Great care and much time are taken to ensure the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders are welcome.