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Classical Roman Fireplaces and Mantels

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

During Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D., Pompeii and Herculaneum in today’s Italy were preserved as they were on the day of their destruction. Particularly at Herculaneum, furnishings were carbonized beneath volcanic ash. This was pivotal to understanding how Classical Roman furniture was designed. Archaeological investigations and printed reproductions of discoveries would influence styles evoking this ancient civilization, from the Renaissance to neoclassicism.

While knowledge of Classical Roman furniture comes from rare surviving pieces, it is also derived from frescoes and sculptures portraying Roman life. Much of Roman art, architecture and design was informed by Greece — Roman architect, military engineer and writer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, whose timeless De architectura is taught in contemporary architecture classes and pays tribute to classical architecture, visited Greece while working under Julius Caesar and admired the country’s architectural developments. The Roman solium references the Greek thronos, a stately chair of honor with an upright form and footstool. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe and into North Africa and Western Asia, the expansion of trade for silver, silk, marble and wood allowed for more luxurious designs.

Classical Roman furniture was made from bronze, wood and stone — in particular, marble — with ornate touches like tortoiseshell veneers, bone and glass inlays and claw feet. Ornaments depicting lion heads and mythological figures were sculpted from silver, bronze and ivory. Compared to the decorative attention given to the mosaic floors and wall paintings, however, furniture for even a wealthy house was minimal. It focused on the necessities for guests arriving for both socializing and business and the rooms housing family, relatives and enslaved people.

The triclinium dining room had banquet couches, items so prized they were sometimes interred with the deceased. Tall bronze or terracotta candelabras held oil lamps for lighting. Carved marble tables reflected status, while the lararium home shrine demonstrated faith.

Find a collection of Classical Roman decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Classical Roman
Fine Italian Terracotta Mantlepiece Early 20th Century
Located in Toronto, CA
Fabulous terracotta mantel piece or fire surround, inscribed PIUS IX on the left hand side and MDCCLX (1760) on the right. The top section of the mantelpiece carved with two angels h...
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Terracotta

Fine Italian Terracotta Mantlepiece Early 20th Century
Fine Italian Terracotta Mantlepiece Early 20th Century

Fine Italian Terracotta Mantlepiece Early 20th Century

Large Bronze and Iron Urn Grate
Located in London, GB
Large bronze and iron urn grate, Mid-20th century, the rim of the urn shaped basket with bronze bead detail and scrolled handles to either side, the plinth base with applied ram's he...
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Mid-20th Century European Classical Roman Fireplaces and Mantels

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Iron

Large Bronze and Iron Urn Grate
Large Bronze and Iron Urn Grate

Large Bronze and Iron Urn Grate

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Classical Roman fireplaces and mantels for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman fireplaces and mantels for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage fireplaces and mantels created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman fireplaces and mantels made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for fireplaces and mantels differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $4,800 and tops out at $6,371 while the average work can sell for $4,950.

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