Perfectly proportioned and impressive in size, this striking pair of obelisks is crafted from specimens of rosso antico and Siena marble with ormolu accents. The duo were almost certainly made in Italy in the 19th century during the height of the Grand Tour, when the fervor for all things ancient pervaded the decorative arts. Egyptian-inspired objects such as these were particularly prized, especially those crafted in fine examples of Italian hardstones.  Interest in Egyptian art first began to grow in the 1790s when Napoleon invaded Egypt, which lead to an influx of Egyptian art and design into French culture. The acquisition of Egyptian-inspired decorative arts, particularly those of such quality materials, was a pursuit in which only the most privileged members of society initially indulged, and the wealthy filled their drawing rooms with the new, extravagant decor. The fervor for Egyptian-style art and architecture continued to grow over the coming decades, and the style remains highly fashionable among both collectors and designers today. Circa 1850 4 5/8" wide x 4 5/8" deep x 34 1/2" high