Pair of emperors: Grand Tour, 18th century. Gilt... Lot 50

Pair of emperors: Grand Tour, 18th century. Gilt bronze. Provenance: private collection conceived since the 70's between London and Madrid. Measurements: 36 x 17 x 11,5 cm (x2). Pair of 18th century busts showing the Roman emperors Caligula and Marcus Salvius Otho. Both pieces are inspired by classical sculptures made in classical antiquity. It is likely that the conception of these pieces was linked to the Grand Tour. The term 'Grand Tour', which first appeared in Richard Lassels' 'Voyage d'Italie', was used to define the long journey through Europe, especially Italy, which was usually undertaken by young British aristocrats from the 17th century onwards, but especially throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The purpose of the journey was for young people to become acquainted with the art and culture of mainly France and Italy, to admire classical art at first hand, to learn or improve their knowledge of languages, and to establish contacts and relationships with the cultural and political elites of these countries. Travellers were often looking for pieces with which to start their own art collections, objects to take back to their places of residence as souvenirs. For this reason, workshops specialising in the replication of Roman pieces, both in bronze and marble, sprang up, some of which acquired a great reputation.