Mid 19th Century Victorian Grand Tour Carved Lion Marble Desk Paperweight

Description

Handsome Victorian grand tour carved marble lion desk paperweight.

The lion sits upon a two stepped base, veined white and … more Handsome Victorian grand tour carved marble lion desk paperweight.

The lion sits upon a two stepped base, veined white and veined grey marble base

At its height, from around 1660–1820, the Grand Tour was considered to be the best way to complete a gentleman’s education. After leaving school or university, young noblemen from northern Europe left for France to start the tour.

After acquiring a coach in Calais, they would ride on to Paris – their first major stop. From there they would head south to Italy or Spain, carting all their possessions and servants with them and buying treasures along the way. These items were more than souvenirs, they were a way for young noblemen up to manage their estates and furnish their homes to the standard of polite society. less