CA0371 Early 19th century Grand Tour Tomb of Scipio in Siena marble

A rare large early 19th century Sienna marble Grand Tour model of the Tomb of Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, Roman consul and victor over the Etruscans at the Battle of Volterra in 298 BC, also known as the Tomb of Scipio, after the classical original now housed in the Museo Pio Clementino in the Vatican in Rome. Beautifully carved marble with incised hand painted dedication to the front which translates 'Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, the son of Gnaeus, a courageous and wise man, whose beauty was as great as his manliness, was consul, censor and aedile in your country. He conquered Taurasia and Cisauna, in the Samnium, and subjugated the whole of Lucania, bringing back hostages'. Removable lid with palm-scrolled ends, to expose a carved triple compartment inkwell and desk tidy. Good example presented on a black marble slab base. Old repair to lid and nibbles to edges as you would expect. Italy, probably Rome, circa 1820.

H 11.75cm x W 20.5cm x D 7.25cm