Pair of beautiful amphorae. Italy, Grand Tour, 19th century

Pair of beautiful amphorae. Italy, Grand Tour, 19th century.
Bronze.
Mounted as table lamps.
Measurements: 63 cm (height).
This pair of beautiful amphorae is inspired by the examples found in the excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum, which became famous during the Grand Tour. Both pieces have an oval body decorated with figurative scenes in bas-relief. Masks, scrolls, striated and vegetal motifs ornament both pieces beautifully.
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 young British aristocrats regularly undertook 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 relations 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.