Rare Neo-pompeian Console And Its Mirror, Probably Italy, Circa 1890

Total height : 264 cm (103,9 in.)
Console – Height : 98 cm (38,5 in.) ; Width : 173 cm (68,1 in.) ; Depth : 50,5 cm (19,8 in.)
Mirror – Height : 166 cm (65,3 in.) ; Width : 140 cm (55,1 in.) ; Depth : 17 cm (6,6 in.)

Rare neo-Pompeian console in painted wood with its matching mirror. The set is completely covered with a painted decoration on a red background underlined by friezes with floral motifs and interlacing. The console is adorned on its tray with a cartouche framed by two mythological sea creatures, olive branches and a beaded garland. It rests on four curved feet decorated in the angles with olive branches.

This console is probably the work of an artist inspired by what he saw during a Grand Tour. It was at first a long educational trip in Europe made mainly by young men from the highest social classes of European society. This practice emerged around the middle of the 16th century and reached its peak in the 18th century. The main destinations were Italy, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Young people would buy art and antiques, and visit ancient Roman ruins as well the recently discovered Herculanum and Pompeii. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Grand Tour was made by artists, art amateurs, collectors and writers.