For 18th-century young British noblemen, no education was complete without a year on the Grand Tour. Although it had no official route, the Grand Tour focused on places foundational to European art, literature and architecture, including sites in France, Germany, Switzerland and, most importantly, Italy. It was an opportunity not just to witness the roots of the classics they had studied but also to take some of it home. Grand Tour furniture was among the souvenirs.
Grand Tour furniture ranged from marble architectural models replicating ancient wonders to actual antiquities often taken illicitly, leaving a legacy of looting still being unraveled today. Other items reflected the artistic richness of the Renaissance cities and other destinations. In Italy, this included scagliola tables and pedestals mimicking marble as well as tabletops and wall panels embedded with pietra dura hard stone mosaics.
Furniture was also developed to display Grand Tour purchases in the owner’s home, presenting them as a cultivated and well-traveled person. Mahogany collector’s cabinets held objects like intaglio moldings of coins and seals while others had specialized drawers that framed pietra dura panels.
Many objects were specifically produced for Grand Tour collectors. Often accompanied by retinues on journeys lasting months or years, the elite travelers, the wealthiest of whom extended their trips to Egypt and the Holy Land, required artful personal mementos befitting the experience. For example, Grand Tour micromosaics — small artworks, most not more than two inches wide — arose from the entrepreneurial impulses of artisans who had trained in the Vatican’s workshops.
Grand Tour journeys would help inform a range of decorative styles such as neoclassical, Rococo and Adam style. (Architect and designer Robert Adam toured Italy and France for five years.) The Grand Tour flourished at a time of economic prosperity and political stability, but the French Revolution in 1789 brought it to an end. Yet as the tradition faded in popularity in England, the rising wealth of the United States led to an increase in tourism across the Atlantic and a similar passion for collecting to show one’s worldliness.
Find a collection of Grand Tour decorative objects, wall decorations, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$3,626Sale Price / set|20% Off
Grand Tour and Art Déco bronze table lamps, France, 1920s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of exceptional French table lamps in bronze representing two sphinxes from Greek/Roman mythology with a woman's face, lion's body and winged, in French Empire and Art Deco style...
Brass, Bronze
$1,995 / set
French Vintage Pair of Marble Obelisk Lamps
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French vintage Grand Tour inspired marble table lamps, these diminutive stone obelisks are illuminated by medium-base bulbs diffused behind new linen shades. Brass capitals at the to...
Marble, Brass
Pair, 19th Century Grand Tour–Style Neoclassical Bronze and Siena Marble Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
An imposing pair of Grand Tour–style table lamps, conceived in the Neoclassical taste and combining richly patinated bronze with warm, variegated Sienna marble. Each rises from a ste...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Vintage Baccarat Style Cut Crystal & Gilt Bronze Urn Table Lamp, Fringed Shade
By Baccarat
Located in Morristown, NJ
A 20th-century cut crystal and gilt bronze mounted table lamp in the style of Baccarat. The crystal is executed in a classical urn form, cut with alternating bands of diamond point ...
Crystal, Bronze
$2,901Sale Price / set|20% Off
Grand Tour. Baroque style bronze table lamps, Italy, 1920s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Grand Tour style table lamps, Italy, early 20th century, set of 2. Bronze metal body in golden tones, slightly darkened. With a neoclassical and eclectic style, these lamps have a ce...
Metal, Bronze
Roman Bronze Oil Lamp With Theatrical Mask Handle
Located in Bradenton, FL
A rare Roman Grand Tour cast bronze oil lamp with a pear-shaped body leading to a curvaceous spout. Handle has a theatrical mask with expressive facial features and tight curly hair....
Bronze
Bronze and Gilt Warwick Vase Lamp on Portoro Marble Basis, by Barbadienne, 1860
Located in Rome, IT
Large gilted bronze 'Warwick' vase lamp by Barbedienne, Paris circa 1860 mounted on a portoro marble pedestal. fine and original patina led lamp 4w 230V measures: 35 X 23 cm, Hei...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Grand Tour Model of the Eiffel Tower, Now as a Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Grand Tour model of the Eiffel Tower, now as a lamp, newly wired. The architectural model stands 30" high, 33" high to the top of the socket.
Wrought Iron
Set of Carved Giltwood and Polychrome Italian Balusters Mounted as Lamps
Located in Nashville, TN
Hard to find pair of Venetian styled Solomonic formed paint and giltwood balusters now mounted on marble bases and wired as lamps . The shades are new custom green silk . Lamp pr...
Giltwood
After Bergman Cold-painted Orientalist Market Stall Diorama Lamp
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is an early 20th-century "After Bergman" cold-painted spelter lamp, one that explicitly bears a stamp, likely for the manufacturer Müller (often associated with Müller Co. o...
Spelter
Marble and Brass Obelisk Table Lamp, Late 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Marble and Brass Obelisk Table Lamp, Late 19th Century An elegant table lamp featuring a striking black marble obelisk with finely crafted brass mounts, standing gracefully on four ...
Marble, Brass
Vintage Tole Tea Cannister Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage Tole Tea Canister Lamp, creatively repurposed from a a decorative metal tea tin and transformed into a statement lighting piece. Tea canisters have been long prized for their...
Metal
Pair Of French 19th Century Grand Tour Period Bronze, Ormolu, And Marble Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. Grand Tour Period patinated Bronze, Ormolu and black Belgian marble lamps possibly by F. Barbedienne. Each lamp is raised on an...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Grand Tour Gilt Lion & Fluted Column Table Lamp
Located in Lincoln, GB
Grand Tour Gilt Lion & Fluted Column Table Lamp A masterful table lamp, meticulously carved from solid wood in the Neoclassical "Grand Tour" tradition. This piece is a triumph of tra...
Giltwood
Grand Tour Bronze Model of Trajan’s Column Lamp w/ Emperor Finial
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely cast Grand Tour bronze model of Trajan’s Column, mounted on its original stepped marble plinth and later adapted as a table lamp, the work retaining its rare original bronze...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century Grand Tour Italian Bronze Sculpture of Nude Venus Candlestick
Located in Lisse, NL
Elegant and highly stylish candlestick or table lamp. This handcrafted and heavy quality, bronze candle stick or table lamp from the 1890-1910 era is in very good condition. This ro...
Bronze
$929Sale Price|20% Off
Grand Tour table lamp in French Empire style depicting the King Cecrops, 1920s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Grand tour table lamp in French empire style circa 1920, France. This piece depicts the King Cecrops from Greek mythology in his youth and playing an aulos (wind instrument from anci...
Brass, Bronze
Large Italian Style Patinated Bronze Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large Italian style patinated metal vessel now mounted as an ancient looking lamp. Paw feet supporting three columns with lion head tops with rings in their mouths. The center in the...
Bronze
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Grand Tour Style Sienna Marble Model Temple of Castor & Pollux, Now as a Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Grand Tour Style Sienna Marble Model Temple of Castor & Pollux, Now as a Lamp Italy, Circa 1950s A magnificent Grand Tour Style Sienna Marble Model of the Temple of Castor and Pollu...
Marble, Siena Marble, Brass
Theodore Alexander Bronze & Marble Column Lamp
Located in Savannah, GA
A Theodore Alexander grand tour style bronze and marble column lamp. 5 inches wide by 5 inches deep by 33 ½ inches tall; 20 ¾ inches tall to...
Marble, Bronze
Antique Grand Tour French Bronze Bust Trojan Greek General Ajax Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Grand Tour French Bronze Bust Trojan Greek General Ajax Table Lamp. Item features a stately patinated bronze bust depicting the famous Greek war general Ajax with some of the...
Bronze
$1,030Sale Price|20% Off
Cast Brass Classical Lady Table Lamp. Grand Tour Style, circa 1920s
By Raymond Russ Stoltz
Located in Dereham, GB
Cast Brass Classical Lady Table Lamp. Grand Tour Style, circa 1920s Classical Lady holding Floral head Dress Partial covered with draped cloth Basket with Flowers sitting behind, C...
Brass
Italian Grand Tour Style Patinated Bronze Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
An Italian Grand Tour style patinated metal vessel now mounted as an ancient looking lamp. Paw feet supporting three columns with lion head tops with rings in their mouths. The cente...
Bronze
$2,316Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century, French Grand Tour "4 Seasons" Bronze & Sienna Marble Urn Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, 19th century. A pair of good quality bronze urns decorated with playful cherub or putti. The putti figures each represent one of the four season graces after the original my...
Siena Marble, Bronze
A Fine Grand Tour Style Bronze of Mercury Mounted as a Table Lamp, Circa 1900
By Giambologna
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The large & finely proportioned cast bronze figure of Mercury - Roman god of abundance & commercial success, shown cradling a caduceus in one hand - the other arm outstretched toward...
Marble, Bronze
1960s Grand Tour Style Large Italian Simulated Marble Table Lamp
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Large Italian Simulated Marble Table Lamp The lamp has a large baluster ceramic bowl which is decorated as simulated Italian marble detailed with Gold leaves, it has its own shad...
Ceramic
A Stunning Pair of Grand Tour Style Alabaster Table Lamps, Early 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
An extremely handsome pair of highly figured alabaster accent / table lamps. Both translucent, vasi-form bodies retaining their original fitted lids, raised overall upon turned socle...
Alabaster
Pair Of French 19th Century Grand Tour Period Bronze And Marble Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century Greek Revival st. Grand Tour Period Patinated Bronze, Ormolu and black Belgian marble lamps, possibly by Barbedienne. The pair of lamps are rai...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
air Of French 19th Century Grand Tour Period Bronze Lamps, Signed Barbedienne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century Néo-Grec st. Grand Tour Period patinated Bronze lamps, signed Barbedienne. The pair of original oil lamps are raised on circular socle shaped bases below the stunning and high quality busts of the goddess Athena. Each oil lamp displays wonderful and richly chased classical scenes of female figures playing instruments and weaving while dressed in elegant flowing fabrics. Above is a mottled top cap below our signature Cedric DuPont...
Bronze
Art Deco table lamp vienna around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco table lamp vienna around 1920s Polished and stove enameled Original antique glass shade
Brass
Art Deco Table Lamp, Vienna, 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco table lamp, Vienna, 1920s Brass hammered Polished and stove enameled Shade replaced ( New ).
Brass
Exquisite Art Deco Crystal Table Lamp by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Art Deco table lamp by Baccarat features a well proportioned base for stability adorned with a spherical detail extending to a fluted stem. It has antique brass fittin...
Crystal
Pair of Vintage French Leather Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1950's French leather bound table lamps. Measurements: Height of body: 16" Height to shade rest: 25.5" Diameter: 5.25"
Leather
Baccarat Crystal Spiral Urn Form Table Lamp
By Baccarat, Paul Haasen
Located in Norwood, NJ
Baccarat spiral urn form table lamp. Baccarat style urn or vase form lamp on square black veined marble base with subtle gilt bronze embellishments, by...
Marble, Bronze
$6,500 / set
H 12.5 in Dm 5.75 in
A Stunning Pair of Grand Tour Style Alabaster Table Lamps, Early 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
An extremely handsome pair of highly figured alabaster accent / table lamps. Both translucent, vasi-form bodies retaining their original fitted lids, raised overall upon turned socle...
Alabaster
Circa 1920s Art Deco Table Lamp
Located in CA, CA
Art Deco early 1920s Lamp with original glass ball shade. Both shade and base are decorated with a floral relief.
Bronze, Nickel
1940's Marble Obelisk Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Marble Obelisk Lamp, American, circa 1940's. Chic charcoal gray color marble obelisk with deep forest green color base, believed to be catalin. It is an impressive size, meas...
Brass
French Art Deco Table Lamp, Wrought Iron & Alabaster, 1920s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This French Art Deco table lamp from the 1920s features a striking wrought-iron base and an elegant alabaster shade, combining classic Art Deco design with functional beauty. Its hei...
Alabaster, Wrought Iron
$1,616Sale Price|20% Off
H 22 in Dm 6 in
Antique French Cut Crystal / Glass Table Lamps attrib. Baccarat Medallion Series
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair French Hollywood Regency Crystal Table Lamps attrib. Baccarat. Medallion series with cut crystal shades.
Crystal
Classic Matched Pair of Alabaster Obelisk Table Lamps, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic matched pair Alabaster Obelisk table lamps, Italy, wonderful architectural design. Fit seamlessly into any modernist, antique, eclectic or contemporary environment.
Alabaster
Antique Table Lamp Art Deco Gilt Bronze and Frosted Lamp, France, 1920s
Located in Bastogne, BE
A French Art Deco table lamp from 1920s. A shade is enhanced with intricate geometric motifs in clear frosted glass. The lampshade is authentic in th...
Bronze
Anglo Indian Silver Plated Table Lamp
Located in Altrincham, GB
Anglo Indian Silver Plated Table Lamp in the form of elephants raised on a circular base - Early 20thC Grand Tour Souvenir- 12"diam x 20"h - all li...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 16.5 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Bust Table Lamp, Attributed to Boschetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A richly detailed Grand Tour bronze bust table lamp, attributed to the celebrated 19th-century Roman sculptor Benedetto Boschetti. Cast in dark patinated bronze, the bust depicts a h...
Bronze
Sold
H 15.5 in W 5 in D 5 in
Pair Antique Grand Tour French Empire Pate-sur-Pate Jasperware Ormolu Urns Lamps
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An Exceptionally Stylish Pair of Grand Tour French Pate-sur-Pate Jasperware and Ormolu mounted French Urns of Museum quality and of French origin, now converted to a Pair of Electric...
Bronze, Ormolu
Alabaster Column Lamps
Located in Savannah, GA
A pair of Italian alabaster table lamps, mid 20th century. Columnar-form with tapering fluted columns on round feet with ionic capitals, elevated by square plinths. 5 ½ inches wide ...
Alabaster
Early 20thC Indian Embossed Brass Table Lamp
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Indian Embossed Brass Table Lamp, of compressed orbicular form with three elephant pattern supports to the platform base and frosted glass minaret shade. 8" diam x 14"h -...
Brass
Italian 19th Century Grand Tour Urn Table Lamp in Carved Alabaster Marble
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century carved and turned alabaster classical ‘Grand Tour’ vase, mounted as a lamp. Italian, c. 1820. Supplied with an off white dupion silk shade.
Alabaster
Vintage Carved Grand Three Bulb Table Lamp - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Spectacular vintage pair of carved gilt table lamps. These incredible lamps have three bulbs all operated with their own pull string. Their intricate detailing matched with their sca...
Wood
Pair, David Linley Fluted Sycamore & Marble Candlestick Lamps
By David Linley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Each lamp is constructed of sycamore wood, mounted to a black marble base and accented by a brass rim. Distressed wax candle sleeves added to each. David Linley, son of Princess Margaret and Anthony...
Marble, Brass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Tall Antique Wooden Table Lamp in the form of a Classical Roman Column
Located in Leesburg, VA
Anonymous Early 20th century; North America Wood Approximate size: 30.5 (h) x 6.5 (w) x 6.5 (d) A handsome desk lamp in the form of a fluted Roman column set upon a square ebonized...
Wood
Italian Grand Tour Silver Table Library Lamp Depicting Mercury, Rome, 1830
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Italian grand tour silver table library lamp depicting mercury, Rome, circa 1830, after the Antique. With Italian silver hallmarks and makers marks throughout. The stem representing the Giambologna Mercury...
Marble, Silver
Pair of Italian Grand Tour Style Carrara Marble Table Lamps
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: H: 29 1/4in W: 4 3/4in D: 4 3/4in Shade Dimension: W: 16 1/4in D: 14in This Pair of Italian Grand Tour Style Carrara Marble Table Lamps are truly made if the highest ...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass
Sold
H 16.5 in W 6 in D 6 in
Antique Pair Gilt Bronze Dore Ormolu Table Lamps Clodion Grand Tour Cherubs 19ct
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A very fine quality pair of French Louis XV inspired Chisel cast heavy gauge patinated and gilt bronze figural electric table lamps of outstanding quality and good Size proportions d...
Siena Marble, Bronze, Ormolu