Hampton

c. 1834
Italy

Like most families who traveled abroad, the Ridgelys purchased souvenirs to remind them of the special places they had visited. Replicas of famous buildings were a particular favorite.  At least one is specifically documented, this bronze inkwell in the form of a round colonnaded Neoclassical building. Comparison to images of surviving buildings from the ancient Roman forum confirms that is the “Temple of Vesta in bronze…3. [lira?]” purchased by Eliza Ridgely in Rome on March 1, 1834.

Bronze, glass. H 10.16, Dia 8.57 cm
Hampton National Historic Site, HAMP 4619