On A Grand Tour Through History

Souvenirs from Grand Tours

When we open the doors for the autumn auction in Copenhagen, a rich selection of antique furniture pieces, carpets, bronzes and clocks will be on display. It is rare for us to be able to present a whole collection of Grand Tour souvenirs. The objects are the result of longer educational trips, which many of the wealthier people in society undertook in the period from the 17th to the early 20th century. The travellers were inspired by the cultures of classical antiquity in Italy and Greece, and they acquired original antiquities or had objects from the era reproduced to be used as decorations in their homes once they returned from their trip. The offered Grand Tour collection includes items such as marble figures from classical antiquity, Pompeiian furniture pieces and Roman coins. View all the lots with Grand Tour souvenirs here 

A Piece of Furniture by Jacques Dubois

The auction also includes an exquisite Louis XV commode from the mid-18th century by the famous French cabinetmaker Jacques Dubois (1694-1763). He designed and made furniture pieces for King Louis XV, Princess Louise Élisabeth, the Duke of Orleans and several other nobles in France. The settling of the estate after Dubois' death revealed a large body of work with a varied production, including secretaries, desks, pedestals and clocks. Many of these pieces were decorated with flower marquetry or Asian lacquer. The offered chest of drawers is signed "I.DUBOIS" and "JME" and decorated with his characteristic star-shaped gilt-bronze fittings and amaranth marquetry.

English Table Clocks and Beautiful Textiles

It is also rare for us to be able to present two early English table clocks from the 17th century in such a fine condition as is the case at the autumn auction. Both table clocks were made in London during the second half of the 17th century and come from Danish private collections. One was made by clockmaker Richard Jarratt, while the other is by clockmaker Edward Burgis.

The highlight among the Persian carpets was made in the 19th century in one of the famous textile workshops in the mountain town of Bakshaish. The carpet represents the region's artistic and abstract style extending back to the carpet motifs of ancient Persian. Another piece of masterfully crafted textile art is a woven 1700s Gobelin tapestry with a motif depicting a series of allegorical figures during a picnic in a castle park with a plethora of exotic fruits, flowers and wines around them. The tapestry is very well-preserved and has retained its wonderful bright colours.

Auction: Wednesday 19 September at 2 pm at Bredgade 33, Copenhagen

Preview: 13-17 September at the same address
 

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