The Traveler’s Monument – Marble and Onyx Grand Tour Obelisk, 19th Century

Grand Tour Specimen-Marble Obelisk, Italian, 19th century
A jewel-like tabletop obelisk built from alternating bands of polished specimen stones—giallo Siena, rouge griotte, verte antico, breccia, Portoro nero, and other richly veined Italian marbles—each slice mitre-jointed for crisp edges that create a striking barber-pole effect. The octagonal shaft rises from a tiered plinth of matching marbles and is crowned by a moulded entablature and a faceted marble finial that catches the light. Subtle wear to high points and a few minute edge nicks attest to a century-plus of Grand-Tour admiration; otherwise excellent, retaining a high polish all around. Dimensions: 16 ¾ in H × 3 ½ in W × 3 ½ in D (≈ 42.5 × 9 × 9 cm). A vivid study in geology and Victorian craftsmanship, perfect for a desk, mantel, or cabinet of curiosities.