Antique alabaster marble column dating back to the second half of the 18th century.
This splendid object, crafted down to the smallest detail, depicts a classical column with an Ionic capital.
An architectural model created as a souvenir of the Grand Tour, this object represents a historical period in which Europe, and Italy in particular, were the destination of young aristocrats and tourists, primarily from England but also from the rest of the world, who ventured on a journey of art and culture, usually after completing their studies.
The main destinations of the tour in Italy were the archaeological excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Their ruins and archaeological finds aroused such interest that until the 19th century, it was common for visitors to purchase reproductions of finds and models of architectural elements as souvenirs, which they then displayed in their homes as a memento of the journey of a lifetime.
The column for sale here was electrified to make a lamp, likely in the 1950s or 1960s.
In the photos, you can see a small amount of corrosion on the base of the column. This is likely how it was originally created, as ancient materials, including those found at archaeological sites, were commonly used to make these objects.
The electrical system is working. I photographed the column with the lamp turned on and a cone-shaped lampshade mounted to give the observer an idea of the impression it might give.
The lampshade is not included in the sale.
Misure:
Base 11.5 x 11.5 cm
Altezza della colonna senza porta lume 42.5 cm
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SILVER Seller in Mantova, Italy
