Marble Elephant Obelisks – Grand Tour Pair

This pair of marble elephant sculptures carries a slender obelisk on each back, the white, grey-veined marble of the animals set against the warm, wood-grained figure of the woodstone obelisks. A saddle cloth in gold leaf and a row of gold spheres sit beneath the foot of each obelisk.

The motif goes back to the Elefantino by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680), the small elephant bearing an Egyptian obelisk that was unveiled in Rome's Piazza della Minerva in 1667 for Pope Alexander VII. Its inscription reads the pairing as an emblem: it takes a strong mind to carry solid wisdom – the elephant as strength, the obelisk as the learning of ancient Egypt.

Both elephants are carved by hand and stand on moulded, stepped plinths of the same woodstone, so small differences left by the chisel are part of the pair. Pale marble, veined stone and gold leaf place them in the Grand Tour tradition of polished Italian marbles.

At 80 cm high the two have the presence to flank a doorway or a chimney breast on matching pedestals, the obelisks rising in step as a symmetrical frame.

Worldwide shipping
We work with reliable freight carriers worldwide who are experienced in transporting heavy and delicate works of art. This ensures that your order arrives safely. Shipping costs are calculated on the basis of the weight, dimensions and destination of your order. We aim for competitive rates and provide a detailed quote once the order has been confirmed.

Estimated delivery times vary depending on your location and the size of the order. Domestic shipments usually take 3-7 working days, while international deliveries can take 3-60 working days.

For shipments outside the EU, please note that import duties and taxes may apply under the rules of your country. These costs are not included in our prices and are payable by the buyer.

Warranty
We aim for the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in our bronze sculptures. All our products carry a 24-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and care. This warranty covers any problems that arise during this period; we will repair or replace the product free of charge. For warranty questions, please contact our customer service.