A Pair of Imperial Porphyry Obelisks
Italy, Rome, circa 1810
A well drawn and finally executed pair of obelisks in rare imperial porphyry, detailed with green porphyry banding. Obelisks of this type were highly prized in the early 19th century for their classical associations and elegant proportions, echoing the monumental forms of antiquity.
Height: 35cm
Obelisks carved in rare porphyry were prized symbols of power and longevity, admired since antiquity for their association with Roman triumphal monuments. By the early 19th century, miniature versions were produced for the Grand Tour market and elite collections, reflecting the renewed fascination with classical antiquity under Napoleon, who himself revived porphyry as the ultimate imperial stone. The combination of deep imperial porphyry with contrasting green porphyry detailing would have been especially sought after, recalling ancient precedents. Their refined proportions and high quality material suggest an original in one of the leading Roman workshops active in the early 19th century.
A well drawn and finally executed pair of obelisks in rare imperial porphyry, detailed with green porphyry banding. Obelisks of this type were highly prized in the early 19th century for their classical associations and elegant proportions, echoing the monumental forms of antiquity.
Height: 35cm
Obelisks carved in rare porphyry were prized symbols of power and longevity, admired since antiquity for their association with Roman triumphal monuments. By the early 19th century, miniature versions were produced for the Grand Tour market and elite collections, reflecting the renewed fascination with classical antiquity under Napoleon, who himself revived porphyry as the ultimate imperial stone. The combination of deep imperial porphyry with contrasting green porphyry detailing would have been especially sought after, recalling ancient precedents. Their refined proportions and high quality material suggest an original in one of the leading Roman workshops active in the early 19th century.