“SIR, A MAN WHO HAS NEVER BEEN TO ITALY IS ALWAYS CONSCIOUS OF AN INFERIORITY” (SAMUEL JOHNSON): SPLENDID SET OF 243 “GRAND TOUR” SOUVENIR PLASTER MEDALLIONS OF CLASSICAL VIGNETTES, HOUSED IN SEVEN WOODEN TRAYS

(ART). Souvenir Plaster Medallions. No place: circa 1910. Seven thin wooden trays containing 243 plaster medallions, housed in original wooden storage box, measuring 17 by 12 by 5 inches. $5800.

Lovely set of 243 miniature plaster medallions depicting scenes from classical Roman mythology and daily life.

When the Grand Tour opportunity spread from the aristocracy to the new industrial and professional elites, tourist destinations such as Rome shifted their attention from the privileged class to meeting the needs of the monied middle-class, including a healthy souvenir trade. Also, by the mid 19th century, Rome was attracting increased numbers of artists and connoisseurs in search of an on-site education in the classical art of antiquity. Intended for the burgeoning tourist trade, souvenir engravings of tourist attractions began to appear everywhere. In addition to prints, "the Grand Tour offered another very popular type of travel souvenir, the now nearly forgotten cameos… The taste for these engraved antique gems was revived as part of the classical revival and later reproduced as miniature plaster casts known as 'sulphers' … [providing] a minutely detailed cabinet of neoclassical knowledge and art" (Princeton University). This extensive "cabinet" of 243 plaster medallions depicts famous scenes from classical literature and mythology. These are plaster casts, as opposed to enamel relief medallions or shell cameos. They measure from one inch to three inches across. Mounted to the upper edge of each is the owner label of John Tyrrell.

Wooden lid with one split, but holding; wooden storage case without one side panel. A very good collection.