An early 20th Italian grand tour centre piece, Capitoline Doves also known as the Doves of Pliny. Carved sienna marble square section, stepped base, socle and bowl mounted with four carved,white Carrara marble doves. Beautiful fluted spreading stem on an integral plinth which sits on a varigated black marble base. A rare beautiful item in the manner of Benedetto Boschetti (Rome 1820-1870). Italy, probably Rome, circa 1900's Producing a piece of marble carving of this size and quality would have required the skills of a highly experienced workshop and the most likely source of this piece is the Boschetti family's premises on the via Condotti in Rome, established around 1820. Benedetto Boschetti died in 1870 but for some 50 years was perhaps the most highly respected of the artisans who supported the Grand Tour trade, producing masterful works in bronze and marble for both the international and domestic markets. This piece was likely made c.1840 at the height of the Boschetti workshop's powers and would have been affordable to only the grandest and most high profile of clients. Providing professional packaging shipping with UPS international tracked and signed