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.
Four Seasons Italian Carrara Marble Statues
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Four Seasons Italian Carrara marble statues. Classically draped female figures in their distinguishing symbols. Autumn, winter, spring and summer dress themes True Italian high quali...
Carrara Marble
Pair of Cast Plaster Recumbent Entrance Way Garden Lions
Located in New York, NY
Attractive pair of garden statuary, entrance way lions, of heavy cast material (plaster). Both are in very good, original condition, showing only the expe...
Plaster
Large Cement Garden Statue Of A Roman Soldier
Located in Houston, TX
Large Cement Garden Statue Of A Roman Soldier. This handsome cement or concrete garden sculpture or garden ornament is a copy of the Roman original and dates to the mid 20th century....
Concrete, Cement
"Galata Morente" Sculpture in Bronze, sign: F. Barbedienne Fonduer
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
F. Barbedienne fonduer Ferdinand Barbedienne (6 August 1810 – 21 March 1892) was a French metalworker and manufacturer, who was well known as a bronze founder. The son of a small farmer from Calvados, he started his career as a dealer in wallpaper in Paris. In 1838 he went into partnership with Achille Collas (1795-1859), who had just invented a machine to create miniature bronze replicas of statues. Together they started a business selling miniatures of antique statues from museums all over Europe, thus democratising art and making it more accessible to households.[2] From 1843 they extended their scope by reproducing the work of living artists and also diversified by making enamelled household objects. With the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war in 1870 the firm briefly had to switch to cannon founding owing to the shortage of metals but resumed business afterwards. Following Barbedienne's death in 1892, he was buried in the Père-Lachaise cemetery and the firm was carried on by his nephew Gustave Leblanc until 1952. Among the principal artists reproduced by the firm were Antoine Louis Barye and Auguste Rodin. The Dying Galata (Italian: Galata morente...
Bronze
$4,800 / set
Pair of Antique Garden Lions
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of French hand-carved antique garden stone lions are crouching and are made of stone. The dimensions are for the slightly larger of th...
Stone
$88,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
American Carved Authentic Large Marble Angel Statues
Located in Surrey, BC
Now and then something fantastic comes available to acquire. Here is a pair of marble (yes marble) angel statues salvaged from an old church in New...
Marble
English Garden Stone Bust of Julius Caesar
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English garden statuary bust of Julius Caesar, the famed Roman emperor, in the Classical style (Roman or Greek) of composition stone. Perfect for a garden room or conservator...
Cast Stone
Roman Style Bronze Putti Fountain Statue
Located in Houston, TX
20th-century Roman-style bronze putti carrying a fish
Bronze
Large Weathered Garden Statue of Venus A Large stone Statue of Venus
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Weathered Garden Statue of Venus A Large reconstituted stone Statue of Venus This is a vintage classical statue, it dates from the early part of the 20th century with desirabl...
Cast Stone
Lyons by Antoine Durenne Was a French Cast Iron "Offer Free Shipping in Florida"
By A. Durenne
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
They are in Miami. We offer free shipping in Florida. They were exhibited at Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)" In the photos you can see a pair of lions of...
Iron
Antique Terracotta Recumbent Lions, Continental, Late 19th/Early 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique pair of Neoclassical style terracotta recumbent lions - unsigned - Continental - late 19th/early 20th century. The over-all condition of this pair of pre-owned antique ite...
Terracotta
$3,100 / set
Pair of Sculpted Stone Lion Garden Statues
Located in Sheffield, MA
The charmingly hand-sculpted antique reclining lions face each other and have furry manes encircling their heads, as well as tails overlapping their back legs. Having an impressive s...
Stone
Antique Roman / Etruscan Style Statue
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique Roman / Etruscan style pottery partial statue. Robed figure in draped fabric. Measures: 7.5 inches in height. Exact age unknown, the pieces in t...
Terracotta
Vintage Campania Cast Stone Torsos Male and Female
By Campania International
Located in Newtown, CT
Pair of Campania Cast Stone male and female Torsos. Distressed look, the date from around 2000. They are 30" high x 14' wide by about 12" deep. bases are 10" x 12". the male figu...
Cast Stone
A fine 19th century Italian Carrera marble statue of a femaie lady with her dog.
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century Italian Carrera marble hand carved female seated with her dog. Carrera marble pedestal included and optional.
Carrara Marble
Antique Pair of Cast Stone Recumbent Entrance Way or Garden Regal Lion Statues
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice pair of Antique cast stone recumbent regal lions statues - sculptures , perfect for the entrance way or garden. Removed from a historic neighborhood in University City ( where ...
Cast Stone, Cement
Pair of Early 20th Century Free Standing Carved Wood Cherubs, Putti Angels
Located in Germantown, MD
An adorable Pair of Early 20th Century Free Standing Carved Wood Cherubs, Putti Angels. One seated and the other on his knees. Measures 15.5" tall, 5.5" in width and 10" in depth. ...
Hardwood
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 19th Century Cast Lead Cupids from a Municipal Fountain
By Fiske Or Mott
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of cast lead cupids, originally part of a grand public fountain, now destroyed. The seated cupids hold a wine goblet in one hand, and a cluster of grapes on the other. ...
Lead
Jesus, Mary & Joseph in Mid Century Modern Sculptural Fiberglass & Plaster C1955
By Holy Frères
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous tall life size Joseph with Mary kneeling cradling Baby Jesus in what was a nativity scene. Molded Fiberglass with a coat of plaster over and then painted. Detailed shrouded ...
Fiberglass, Plaster, Paint
Italian Carved Marble Bust of Robbed Eros with Quivers, God of Love, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian hand carved marble bust of robbed Eros with quivers. Eros signifies the God of love. Early 19th Century
Marble
Ancient Roman Carved Marble Roundel
Located in Essex, MA
Depicting a robed man holding a scroll in a circular frame, the hairstyle recalls that Emperor Gallienus; rough technique is compatible with the late Third Ce...
Marble
Mid-Century French Polished Iron Bust of Young "Bacchante" Female
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a shell or wine cellar with this elegant bust. Hand crafted in France circa 1970, and built of iron, the bust sits on an attached round base, and depicts a young female "Bac...
Iron
$3,019
H 63 in W 39.38 in D 3.94 in
21st Century Paonazzo Carrara Marble Collection Cactus Statue Gallery stock
Located in Carrara, IT
Cactus, is part of our Paonazzo statue family made in Carrara/ Italy. If placing it alone or with second one, it is definitely an eyecatcher! Its special material, Paonazzo Marble, ...
Carrara Marble
Pair of Early 20th Century French Garden Statues
Located in Houston, TX
A lovely pair of 20th century concrete garden figures from France. He is perched next to an oak stump with foliage and acorns in hand. She carries two floral...
Concrete
Four Italian Fauns Stone Garden Statues Representing Musicians
Located in Rome, IT
A set of four delicious hand carved limestone fauns figures on shaped pedestals. Typical example of statues that was inserted in the large parks of the Venetian Villas.
Limestone
Pair of Life Size Penguin Garden Statues
Located in Hastings, GB
A super pair of life size garden statues, modeled as Penguins and made from reconstituted stone, English, circa 1970's. Aging and moss from tim...
Stone
Bronze Sitting Life Size Greyhound Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Bronze sitting life size sculpture of a greyhound dog. The dog well cast with soft facial features and ribbed and muscular body, the patina in warm Copper tones. Dimensions: 24" Wi...
Bronze
Large and Whimsical Cast Stone Windmill Garden Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A vintage cast stone windmill garden sculpture with window, doorway and faux patches of worn casing revealing the brick superstructure below. The conical roo...
Cast Stone, Copper
$45,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 34 in W 53 in D 24 in
Large Pair Patinated Life Size Bronze Statues Sculpture of Regal Big Cats Lions
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Large pair patinated life size bronze statues sculpture of Regal Big Cats Lions. Exceptional detailed high quality Large pair of Patinated bronze statues of...
Bronze
Fine Pair of Intricately Carved Marble Garden Foo Lion Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of opposing foo lions with elaborately carved curled fur and seated on bases. One places a paw on a ball, the other on an upside down baby foo lion. Overall fine time worn sur...
Marble
$1,995 / set
H 23.5 in W 21 in D 17 in
Pair Large Vintage English Cast Cement Horse Head Garden Statues
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, these cast cement / stone garden statues of horse heads date from the 1990s. Substantial size - these stand just under two feet high with nicely rendered detail. Ve...
Cement
Pair of Georgian Style Stone Sphinx Garden Statues
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Pair of reclaimed Georgian style stone sphinx garden statues. Egyptian decor had a revival in the Georgian and Regency period, this gave statues ...
Stone, Composition
Gorgeous Cast Stone Italian Statue
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Well detailed cast Vicenza stone garden statue of a young lady standing in robes and holding a basket of fruit, head slightly turned to the right; naturally weathered finish.
$3,864Sale Price|20% Off
H 66.93 in W 15.75 in D 14.57 in
20th Century Italian Large Garden Statue "Dancing Venus"
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Fantastic garden statue "Dancing Venus" the Roman divinity Venus moving in an elegant and sinuous dance. Made with Carrara marble dust and white cement, this Italian sculpture was mo...
Cement
Bronze Gladiator Statue Horse Casting Classical Roman
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous large Italian bronze Roman gladiator on horseback Good size at 51 inches high - 129 CM Of course can live outside with no fear of rusting Bought from a dealer on Marche Daup...
Bronze
Weathered garden sculpture David concrete bust
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
Fantastically weathered bust made of concrete in a depiction of David. Probably made in Germany in the 60s. The bust is partially open at the bottom and can also be mounted on an app...
Concrete
Sold
H 58.25 in W 16.38 in D 16.38 in
English Garden Stone Figure of a Child Putti Playing Flute on a Plinth Base
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English garden statue or ornamental figure of composition stone, featuring a cherub or child putti in the Classical style, posed in a sitting position, playing a flute, on a b...
Cast Stone
Sold
H 10 in W 16 in D 27.5 in
Antique Pair of Cast Stone Recumbent Entrance Way or Garden Lions Statues
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice pair of Antique cast stone recumbent Lions statues - sculptures , perfect for the entrance way or garden. Nice age patina.
Cast Stone, Cement
Sold
H 19.69 in W 11.42 in D 9.45 in
Antique Terracotta Classical Bust Sculpture/Planter, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE PORTRAIT BUST Depicting Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (c.63 BC-12 BC), a notable general, architect and the right-hand man and son-in-law to the Roman emperor Augustus. Amongst other things Agrippa was responsible for many military victories including 31 BC’s Battle of Actium defeating Marc Anthony and Cleopatra...
Terracotta
Sold
H 36.62 in W 25.6 in D 11.82 in
Antique Roman Stone Garden Statue Large Life Size Bacchus Sculpture
Located in Buxton, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Fabulous Statue - Infant Bacchus Harvester This fantastic Outdoor or Indoor Statue, is of the young Roman God Bacchus. The statue is nicel...
Composition
Pair, Carved Lion Garden Statues Painted White, Denmark circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, lion statues carved in limestone and painted white. Male lions with impressive manes are in sitting position. The aged patina including distress to finish, wear, old lichen/sta...
Limestone
Barbezat et Cie Cast Iron Painted Classical Sculpture of a Female Water Carrier
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Mid 19th century cast painted iron sculpture of a Classical form female water carrier on pedestal, with oval foundry stamp “Barbezat et Cie” at her feet, on a round scroll, sh...
Iron
Sold
H 51.5 in W 17 in D 12.25 in
Garden Statuary of Standing Female With Wine Jugs, Denmark circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Carved limestone garden sculpture, figure of standing female with wine jugs on capital. The worn patina reflects years of exposure outside in the elements, leaving an aged pitted pa...
Limestone
Limestone Garden Figure of Standing Neptune, Denmark circa 1930-50
Located in Round Top, TX
Limestone garden figure of Neptune with weathered patina. Pitting, nicks, small cracks, lichen/stains all signs of wear from weather and outd...
Limestone
Pair, Carved Limestone Lion Garden Statues, Denmark circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, early 20th century French lion statues carved in limestone. Male lions with handsome mane are in sitting position. The aged patina including distress to finish, wear, old liche...
Limestone
Early Cast Stone Architectural Garden Ornament
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This meticulously crafted garden ornament showcases a captivating blue hue that carries an air of sophistication, while the skillful paint chipping across its body lends a naturally ...
Stone