Italian Grand Tour Alabaster Paperweight with Hollow-Carved Warrior, 19th Century
Price:5500 SEK490 EUR528 USDChange Currency
Dimensions: Height 5.5 cm (3 inches) x Width 10 cm (4 inches) x Length 15.5 cm (7 inches)
An unusual Italian Grand Tour paperweight, finely carved in alabaster and dating from the 19th century. The oval base is worked in relief with the head and upper body of a bearded warrior wearing a wrapped headdress, with a shield and other details visible behind him. Particularly interesting is the construction of the face, which is hollowed from behind and pierced through the eyes. When held towards a light source, the translucent alabaster allows light to enter the hollow head and softly illuminate the face from within, creating a striking effect. A finely executed and highly decorative example of the carved alabaster souvenirs produced in Italy for Grand Tour travellers.