Neapolitan fisherman of the Grand Tour. Italy, ca. 1900

Neapolitan fisherman of the Grand Tour. Italy, ca. 1900.
Patinated bronze.
Chiurazzi and Fills- S. de Angelis and Fils Foundeurs.
It shows wear.
Measurements: 53 x 36 x 30 cm.

The term "Grand Tour", which appeared for the first time in "The Voyage d'Italie" by Richard Lassels, was used to define the long journey through Europe, especially Italy, that young British aristocrats used to undertake from the 17th century onwards, but especially throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The purpose of the journey was for the young men to experience the art and culture of France and Italy, to admire classical art at first hand, to learn or improve their language skills, and to establish contacts and relationships with the cultural and political elites of these countries. Often, travelers were looking for pieces with which to start their own art collections, objects to take back to their places of residence as souvenirs. For this reason, workshops specialized in replicating Roman pieces, both in bronze and marble, sprang up, some of which acquired a great reputation.