Pair of Ancient Greek Revival Grand Tour Terracotta Amphorae Vases

A pair of early Nineteenth Century Greek Revival terracotta amphorae vases; in the manner of Giustiniani. Decorated with mythological scenes in red on a black background depicting the Greek gods Hermes, Aphrodite and Dionysus.

The firm of Giustiniani was founded by Antonio Giustiniani and moved to Naples in 1752. The firm's most successful period was under the ownership of Biagio Giustiniani in the early Nineteenth Century. This period coincided with the publication of William Hamilton's famed collection of Ancient Greek vases and the burgeoning desire for neoclassical art among British collectors on the Grand Tour.

The Grand Tour of the Seventeenth to Nineteenth Century saw the cream of the British aristocracy travel to Europe and especially Italy in pursuit of a classical education and understanding of the arts. Many Grand Tourists collected souvenirs on their travels which decorated many of the finest British Country Houses on their return.

The term 'Grand Tour' was coined by the Catholic priest and travel writer Richard Lassels (1603-1668), who used it in his influential guide book The Voyage of Italy (1670) to describe young noblemen travelling abroad to learn about art, architecture and antiquity.