Cod: 448859

Period: Early 19th century

Precious and rare collection of plaster casts, approximately 1,000 casts, made around 1820 and housed in two boxes, each containing seven stackable trays. The casts reproduce ancient cameos, masterpieces from museums and art collections, and the main monuments of archaeological and architectural interest in the Italian peninsula and the most famous European cities. This collection is extraordinary not only for the quantity of pieces, but above all for the perfect state of preservation of the casts, still stored in their original wooden cases today. The plaster casts were delivered to the customer in small stackable boxes or bound in volumes ready for consultation. In an era when photography was still far from being invented, these artistic artifacts were vital aide-mémoires, souvenirs, or postcards from times gone by, helping tourists on the Grand Tour recall the beauties seen during their journey. Rome, circa 1820 18 x 32 x 21 cm