Neo-Pompéian console Probably Italy Circa 1890 Painted...

Neo-Pompéian console Probably Italy Circa 1890 Painted wood Total height: 264 cm Console - Height: 98 cm; Width: 173 cm; Depth: 50.5 cm Mirror - Height: 166 cm; Width: 140 cm; Depth: 17 cm Rare neo-Pompeian painted wood console and mirror. The entire piece is covered with a painted decoration on a red background, highlighted by friezes of floral and interlacing motifs. The top of the console is decorated with a cartouche bordered by two mythological sea creatures, olive branches and a beaded garland. It stands on four curved legs decorated at the corners with olive branches. This console is probably the work of an artist inspired by what he saw on a Grand Tour. Originally, this was a long educational tour of Europe undertaken mainly by young men from the highest classes of European society. The practice, which emerged around the middle of the 16th century, grew in popularity throughout the 17th century, culminating in the 18th century. The main destinations were Italy, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Young people bought art and antiques according to their means, and visited ancient Roman ruins, as well as newly-discovered Pompeii and Herculaneum. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Grand Tour was the preserve of artists, art lovers, collectors and writers.