Grand Tour – Views of Rome – Inkwell Set

This is an exquisite Grand Tour souvenir traveling inkwell set (often called a Cave à Encriers in French), dating to the mid-to-late 19th Century (c. 1860–1880).

Sets like this were high-end souvenirs purchased by wealthy travelers—often British or American—visiting Rome as part of their “Grand Tour.” They were designed to be both functional for writing while traveling and a prestigious display of the owner’s worldliness.

Identifying the Pictures

The set features hand-painted miniatures of iconic Roman landmarks. Based on the images provided:

• Case Front (Left): The Column of Trajan, located in Trajan’s Forum.
• Case Front (Right): The Pantheon, recognizable by its massive portico and pediment.
• Case Top Lid: This appears to be a more detailed view of the Pantheon or possibly the Temple of Vespasian and Titus (though the structure suggests the former).
• Inkwell Lid 1: The Tomb of Caecilia Metella, an ancient mausoleum on the Appian Way.
• Inkwell Lid 2: The Temple of Vesta (or the Temple of Hercules Victor) in the Forum Boarium, notable for its circular design.

Construction and Origin

• How the pictures were made: These are hand-painted miniatures, likely executed in gouache or oil on small plaques of porcelain, bone, or ivory, which were then protected under a slightly domed glass cover. This specific style of miniature-embellished leatherware was a specialty of Roman workshops.
• Material: The case is covered in Morocco leather (fine-grained goatskin),  dyed red, with gilt-brass (ormolu) mounts. The interior is lined with silk or watered silk (moiré).
• Inkwells: The inkwells themselves are heavy lead crystal with ground-glass stoppers to prevent leaks during transit. The brass collars are finely chased with floral or scrollwork patterns.
• Origin: It was likely made in Rome, Italy. While these sets rarely carry a maker’s mark, they were produced by specialized pelletier (leatherworkers) and jewelers located in the fashionable shopping districts like the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) or the Via Condotti.

• Travel: It was intended for travel, as evidenced by the locking case (to keep the components secure) and the secondary glass stoppers inside the inkwells, which ensured the ink wouldn’t spill even if the carriage or trunk was jostled.