A very fine and tall “Grand Tour”, circa 1850-1890, bronze of the famous “Venus de Milo” with an excellent rich umber patina. The “Grand Tour” was principally a 17th to late 19th-century custom of a traditional trip through Europe, with Italy as a key destination. Initially undertaken by upper-class aristocratic young British men & later women who were typically accompanied by a tutor or family member when they had come of age (about 21 years old). As well as marvelling at artistic masterpieces, “Grand Tourists” brought back souvenirs to commemorate and display their journeys at home.

The original Venus de Milo is an ancient marble statue considered to be a primary example of the Greek Hellenistic art period and is thought to represent the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. Discovered on the island of Milos, Greece in 1820, it is today in the collection of the Louvre Museum in Paris and visited by millions of viewers annually. Along with the Mona Lisa and a select group of other artworks, the Venus de Milo is among the most famous works of art globally.

Dimensions: height 40″ x width 12″ x depth 9″