{"product_id":"3-bronze-oval-grand-tour-portraits","title":"Set of 3 Antique Grand Tour Bronze Portrait Plaques – Roman Emperors Vespasian \u0026 Augustus, 19th Century Italian","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e9\" H X 6.75\" W\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSourced and imported from the UK (purchased from an Italian antique dealer)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSet of Three 19th-Century Grand Tour Bronze Portrait Plaques – Roman Emperors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"906\" data-start=\"421\"\u003eSet of three antique Italian bronze portrait plaques dating to the mid-to-late 19th century, made as Grand Tour souvenirs for European travelers exploring the classical world. Each plaque features a finely cast profile of a Roman emperor in low relief, with Latin inscriptions modeled after imperial Roman coinage and medallions. These were created during the height of the neoclassical revival when collecting bronze reproductions of antiquities became a mark of status and education.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1228\" data-start=\"908\"\u003eThe first plaque is labeled \u003cstrong data-end=\"957\" data-start=\"936\"\u003e“VESPASIANVS AVG”\u003c\/strong\u003e and depicts Emperor Vespasian (ruled 69–79 AD), known for stabilizing the Roman Empire after civil unrest and commissioning the Colosseum. His portrait features closely cropped hair and a stern expression, echoing his reputation as a military leader and pragmatic ruler.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1721\" data-start=\"1230\"\u003eThe second and third plaques both reference \u003cstrong data-end=\"1286\" data-start=\"1274\"\u003eAugustus\u003c\/strong\u003e, Rome’s first emperor. One is inscribed \u003cstrong data-end=\"1345\" data-start=\"1327\"\u003e“AVG DIVI FIL”\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning “Augustus, son of the divine [Julius Caesar],” a title Octavian used to reinforce his legitimacy. The other reads \u003cstrong data-end=\"1491\" data-start=\"1469\"\u003e“C. CAES T. F. A.”\u003c\/strong\u003e, a compressed Latin inscription likely referring again to Augustus or his imperial lineage. Both are shown with a laurel crown and classical drapery, traditional iconography that emphasized their authority and semi-divine status.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2044\" data-start=\"1723\"\u003eThese pieces were originally intended for display in libraries, studies, or salons—spaces where classical references were both aesthetic and intellectual. Cast in solid bronze with rich, aged patinas and high relief detailing, they embody the blend of history and artistry that defined 19th-century Grand Tour collecting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2237\" data-start=\"2046\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\" data-end=\"2074\" data-start=\"2046\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2074\" data-start=\"2048\"\u003eItalian, circa 1850–1890\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\" data-end=\"2123\" data-start=\"2075\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2123\" data-start=\"2077\"\u003eSolid bronze with original dark brown patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\" data-end=\"2160\" data-start=\"2124\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2160\" data-start=\"2126\"\u003eSubjects: Vespasian and Augustus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\" data-end=\"2212\" data-start=\"2161\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2212\" data-start=\"2163\"\u003eOriginal mounting holes at top for easy hanging\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCondition: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1252\" data-start=\"903\"\u003eAll three plaques are in very good antique condition with an even dark patina and sharp relief throughout. Light surface wear and subtle tonal variations are consistent with age and handling. No repairs or modern alterations are present. The inscriptions remain legible, and the detailing in the hair, drapery, and facial features is well preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Austyn Marie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50000015950102,"sku":"AMD-0661","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0896\/4623\/5926\/files\/4DF11840-AED0-4053-AE54-205667D50F2A_1_201_a.jpg?v=1759773555","url":"https:\/\/austyn-marie-design.myshopify.com\/products\/3-bronze-oval-grand-tour-portraits","provider":"Austyn Marie Design","version":"1.0","type":"link"}