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ID #SA1200744
FOR SALE
£2,800
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Pair of Grand Tour Marble Obelisks
For sale by Cella
for sale €3,276     $3,556
£2,800
Cella

Cella

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2019
Browse dealers 75 items
  • About Us
    Specialists in the grand tour and french decorative objects, clocks and furniture, circa 1780-1880.
Id #SA1200744
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Pair of Grand Tour Marble Obelisks

19th century
For Sale by Cella
Description

Very elegant and striking pair of Italian late 19th century Grand Tour Rouge Griotte and Sienna marble obelisks, after the antique. Classical form with stepped carved profile base and tall elegant obelisks very much in the Roman taste. Italy, probably Rome, circa 1890.

Physical Dimensions
Height
49cm (19.29")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Depth
9cm (3.54")
Declaration

Cella has dated these Grand Tour Marble Obelisks to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1200744
Dealers Internal Reference
CA1071
Dealers Notes

Based in London, we are dealers in fine decorative antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. We specialise in this era of enlightenment, neoclassicism and the Grand Tour, with its far reaching influence on style and taste in Britain, Continental Europe and beyond: elegance in the age of Napoleon. Our extensive stock covers all aspects of this period and decorative antiques influenced by the period. We constantly source new, beautiful items and upload to our site regularly. We are first and foremost antique collectors with over thirty years of experience; we only buy what we love and we hope you will too. Additional images can be supplied on request. More items are available on our website http://www.cellantiques.co.uk. We ship worldwide.

Description
Very elegant and striking pair of Italian late 19th century Grand Tour Rouge Griotte and Sienna marble obelisks, after the antique.
“
Classical form with stepped carved profile base and tall elegant obelisks very much in the Roman taste.
Cella

Italy, probably Rome, circa 1890.

Height
49cm (19.29")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Depth
9cm (3.54")
Date of Manufacture

Cella has dated these Grand Tour Marble Obelisks to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1200744
Dealers Internal Ref
CA1071
Cella
Cella
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2019

Specialists in the grand tour and french decorative objects, clocks and furniture, circa 1780-1880.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Cella Profile Page

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A pair of antique Grand Tour obelisks crafted from dark red variegated marble mounted on light yellow marble plinths.
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Archive I A pair of antique Grand Tour obelisks crafted from dark red variegated marble mounted on light yellow marble plinths.

Pair of Grand Tour Marble Obelisks

Archive II A pair of antique Grand Tour obelisks crafted from dark red variegated marble mounted on light yellow marble plinths. View II
Archive III A pair of antique Grand Tour obelisks crafted from dark red variegated marble mounted on light yellow marble plinths. View III
Archive IV A pair of antique Grand Tour obelisks crafted from dark red variegated marble mounted on light yellow marble plinths. View IV
Archive V A pair of antique Grand Tour obelisks crafted from dark red variegated marble mounted on light yellow marble plinths. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 020 8299 4945
Location
London
United Kingdom
Verified Since May 2019
Items For Sale 75
Items Sold 305
Cella
Cella
Verified Since May 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Verified
May 2019
For Sale
75
Sold
305
A pair of antique Grand Tour obelisks crafted from dark red variegated marble mounted on light yellow marble plinths.
Pair of Grand Tour marble obelisks
Ref: SA1200744
A pair of antique Grand Tour obelisks crafted from dark red variegated marble mounted on light yellow marble plinths.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Objects
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGrand Tour
  • MaterialMarble
  • ColourRed and Yellow
  • MotifsPyramidal apex, Tapered shaft, Stepped plinth base, Variegated marble
  • SizeH 49 cm (19 in) x W 9 cm (4 in) x D 9 cm (4 in)

This pair of nineteenth century Grand Tour obelisks is after the antique, in the Roman taste originating from Italy. Each piece is formed from a tall tapered shaft of dark red variegated marble with a pyramidal apex, mounted upon a light yellow marble stepped plinth base with carved mouldings. The physical attributes include a square footprint, a polished surface finish, and sharp vertical edges, showing minor surface scuffs from age. Measuring 49 cm high, 9 cm wide, and 9 cm deep, these decorative objects suit placement on a mantelpiece or shelf in a gentleman's library or study. They add classical symmetry and rich earthy tones to a traditional interior surface.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, European travellers embarking on the Grand Tour acquired miniature marble obelisks as souvenirs. Inspired by ancient Egyptian monoliths re-erected in Rome, these tabletop ornaments symbolised classical learning and architectural appreciation.

Grand Tour obelisks were typically crafted from Italian marbles and hardstones, such as Rouge Griotte, Giallo Antico, Nero Marquina, and lapis lazuli. The shafts were carved and mounted onto stepped square plinths using traditional mason techniques.

Authentic 19th-century specimens exhibit hand-carving details, minor age-related surface wear, and traditional construction between the shaft and plinth. Original pieces often feature coloured marbles sourced from historic Italian quarries.

Marble obelisks add vertical height and classical symmetry when displayed in pairs on a fireplace mantelpiece, sideboard, or book tower. They integrate into traditional libraries, maximalist displays, or contemporary spaces as structured architectural accents.

Clean marble surfaces using a soft, dry lint-free cloth or a slightly damp cloth with pH-neutral soap. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaning agents, as these react with calcium carbonate and dull the polished finish.
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