Gold-flaked sculpture
09 January 2023
Description

Gold-speckled circular item.

Dimensions

~11.5 inches (~29 cm) diameter.

Provenance

Inherited from Danish father-in-law. He purchased the piece which was in two pieces and reattached the two halves. Approximately 2.5 lbs (~1.1 kg). No other information is available.

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 1 day
By Delia
Jan 10, 20:32 UTC
Fair Market Value
$800 - $1,200 USD
Suggested Asking Price $1,500 USD
What does this mean?

Hi Frederick,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
This is likely something that was picked up in Italy during someone's Grand Tour - a seminal event in a wealthy young man's education when they would travel throughout Europe to complete their "education." Souvenirs from those travels are now referred to as "Grand Tour" pieces and include but are not limited to marble or wooden architectural models, paintings, etc. that tend to be "classical" (ie refer to Greek & Roman). Somewhat surprisingly, these have never really gone out of style with collectors today. The classical scene may refer to a myth or allegory, the identity of which is eluding me at the moment.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Italian style Grand Tour carved and parcel gilt marble tondo
19th Century or earlier
The circular composition framing two standing figures in classical drapery, the male figure holding an apple (?) away from the female figure, alongside a third kneeling female figure, all against a backdrop of bullrushes. All within a cove molded rim.
approximately 11 1/2 inches (29 cm) diameter
CONDITION: some pitting and losses to parcel gilding throughout. Vertical split from top to bottom, braced on the back.
PROVENANCE: inherited
$800-1,200*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto. 

Frederick a wilding Jan 12, 04:37 UTC

Re your inquiry of material used of the gold-flaked item I submitted: It certainly isn't wood or plaster. The material is very solid. I gently tried to scratch the back of the stone. It did not scratch. Therefore, I would wager a bet that the material is most likely gilt marble or stone. The front is not smooth like you would expect on a polished marble surface. It actually has what I would describe as a "matte" feel. Attached are some more pictures, close-up. Perhaps this will help?

I don't know where you are located but I notice that Mearto is founded by two Danes? I am, coincidentally, coming to Denmark in April. Worst case, perhaps I can bring the item with me? Just an idea. ?

Please advise. Thanks for your interest.

Frederick

Delia Jan 12, 13:10 UTC

The offices in Copenhagen are solely administrative but there are no experts on site to look at this for you; the appraisers who work for Mearto are spread throughout the world.
That said, your photos and the additional information you provided were enough for me to finish this - you're all set.

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