Fine intaglio seals. Rome c1810. Souvenirs of the 'Grand Tour'.

Code: 10079

Original nineteenth century plaster cameo seals edged in folded paper and tipped with gold, as issued by Bartolomeo Paoletti (1757-1834) and his son Pietro Paoletti (1801-1847).

These ‘Grand Tour’ souvenirs were brought home by wealthy European travellers. Rome was the ultimate destination and a tour of the treasures contained in its many museums
complimented a young man’s education. Collecting boxes and faux bindings containing plaster casts of ancient gems was a fashionable pastime and a valuable ‘aid memoir’ of 
the mythologies, gods and historical events depicted on these delicate cameos.

The Paoletti work shop, the most prolific and famous of all, was located in the Piazza di Spagna, Rome. Catherine the Great of Russia and Ferdinand III, Grand Duke of Tuscany, featured among the Paoletti’s  prestigious clients.

Presented in hand-gilded fames, with folded paper mounts.