A pair of framed Grand Tour Italian plaster intaglios c.1800-1820 featuring Caesar, Cleopatra, Marcus Antonius and Alexander and other images of ancient Greek antiquity. These intaglios are by Pietro Paolotti (1757 – 1834). The 12 intaglios are oval-shaped with numbered gilt gadrooned borders.
Made in the studio of Pietro Paoletti (Italian, 1801-1847) in Piazza di Spagna, Rome. Intaglios and cameos were popular souvenirs of The Grand Tour. Intaglios and cameos became so desired that artisans began to make reproductions in plaster, to be purchased by travellers. Plaster intaglio and cameo casts were then often mounted into books or cases to be put on display or framed once the travellers arrived home. These plaster impressions provided an opportunity to bring home miniature replicas of the masterpieces they experienced while abroad and became collectables.