Superb Antique GRAND TOUR Italy Ebony & Ivory Frame - Carte de Visite, Scrimshaw-like Ivory

Superb Antique GRAND TOUR Italy Ebony & Ivory Frame - Carte de Visite, Scrimshaw-like Ivory

One of those antique works of artistry to make you marvel at the craftsmanship that earns the name 'Old World', and a truly rare and special treat. This is a fine Italian marquetry souvenir frame that dates to 1840-50, and is entirely worked in ivory against a ground of fine imported and exotic ebony wood. The ornamentation from the walls of the old Medici palace in Florence, and other period Renaissance and post-Renaissance villas and estates are echoed here on this masterpiece in the scrolling acanthus and urns. The souvenir is of Rome, however, and the 4 corners show scrimshaw-like depictions of some of the main Roman ruins and buildings an early Victorian era tourist would have visited, including the Pantheon (shown here still sporting the 'ass's ears' - 2 bell towers designed by Bernini and added in the 17th century when it was in use as a Catholic church, later removed in 1883); the Coliseum; the Temple of Vesta (I believe that's the one) and of course St. Peter's cathedral. The frame is made with imported African elephant tusk ivory, and was imported legally into the USA where we purchased it. It is a truly rare treasure! The aperture is for a carte de visite size photo, which helps us date the frame to 1840-60 when the carte de visite photographs were popular.

Very good to excellent condition, not a lift in all that scrimshaw-like engraved ivory which is painstakingly recessed into the surface of the beautiful old ebony. A remarkable work of art!

NOTE This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah office, and is not available to California customers, sorry.

Item ID: 1108frm

$1,395 $1,186 USD SALE

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