Classical Roman Fountains
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
Antique Italian Bronze Fountain
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Antique Italian Bronze Fountain. Late 19th Century figure of a boy in a bronze Verdi Gris depicted holding a duck. The boy is standing on a platform with other ducklings at his feet....
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Classical Roman Fountains
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Bronze
20th Century Italian Stone Fountain Mask
Located in Milano, MI
This antique stone mask was probably used in a fountain. It is a very decorative Italian antique object. The mask fits as decorative object on a bureau o...
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Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Fountains
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Classical Marble Stone Period Antique Double Sink
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
A Period Antique Double Sink with superb proportion and period detailing made in Carrara marble
Circa 1850
Width 53.5" cm 136
Depth 22" ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Fountains
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Marble
Early 20th Century Italian Carved Marble Pedestal Stand with Swivel Bowl
Located in Dallas, TX
This large antique two-piece marble stand with a bowl, crafted in Italy circa 1920, showcases a timeless classical Roman design. The jardinière features a large, rounded swivel basin...
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Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Fountains
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Marble
19th Century Continental Iron and Gilt Pedestal Birdbath or Fountain
Located in Dallas, TX
Large and impressive 19th century Continental iron and parcel gilt fountain or birdbath. Beautiful detail and quality.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Fountains
Materials
Iron
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Note: We have part II video of this amazing Wishing Wellhead. Please feel free to request a copy.
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Classical Roman fountains for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman fountains for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage fountains created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman fountains 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 fountains differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,331 and tops out at $12,500 while the average work can sell for $4,400.