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.
$13,000
Pair of Porcelain Candelabra
Located in Lantau, HK
Decorative with figures followers in relief. Porcelain hand painted, marked and the engraving 4611 12. Minor chips Shipping included Free and fast delivery door to door by air...
Porcelain
Roman Style Gilt Patinated Bronze Candelabra, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Roman Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra, late 19th century, after the antique, each with five branches atop fluted tapering columns on griffon monopodia feet. 24.5" ...
Bronze
$2,600 / set
H 16.5 in W 7 in D 3.25 in
Pair of French Charles X Patinated Bronze and Gilt Figurative Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of figurative candelabras in the form of a patinated bronze cherub running with a gilt torchiere in each hand. The cherubs stand on a...
Marble, Bronze
Pair 19th Century Meissen candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality pair of 19th Century German Meissen porcelain three branch candelabra. Each with classical female figures holding a child, the scrolling foliate decoration to the...
Porcelain
Meissen Pair of Musicians Seated in Ormolu Candelabra
Located in Basildon, GB
Meissen Porcelain Figurines, Pair of seated Musician figures. 14cm high figures, Crossed swords mark to rear of base, c1745. Both figures mounted in an 18th Century ormolu arbour ...
Ormolu
Pair 19th Century Meissen Candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality pair of 19th century German Meissen porcelain three branch candelabra, each with two children representing 'Summer' and 'Fall' holding the harvest and grapes. Bl...
Porcelain
$14,850 / set
H 9 in W 8 in D 6 in
Pair 18th Century Meissen Porcelain & French Doré Three Arm Bronze Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
18th Century Meissen Porcelain and French Doré Bronze Candelabras with Applied Porcelain Flowers Step into an era where Meissen porcelain meets French doré bronze in a harmonious bl...
Ormolu
$16,500 / set
H 27 in W 13 in D 12 in
Pair of Regency Gilt and Patinated Bronze Atlas Figural Candelabra
By Messenger & Phipson
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Regency or William IV figural candelabra in form of Atlas and a globe. Six arms issuing from top. Patinated bronze, gilded bronze and bronze. A truly rare from. Attributed to...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of 19th century Meissen Porcelain five branch candelabra, each having wonderful floral and fruit encrusted decoration, with figures of children play beneath and r...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain candelabra, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This exquisite pair of late 19th century Meissen porcelain candelabra showcases the intricate craftsmanship characteristic of the renowned German manufacturer. Each candelabra featur...
Porcelain
Pair French Parrot Candelabras Porcelain Bird Candlesticks
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Quirky pair of French porcelain parrot candelabras Birds stand perched on the porcelain branch Also features ormolu fixtures original Very bright and colourful, would add energy to a...
Ormolu
19th Century Pair of Porcelain Birds in Ormolu Candelabra
By Edmé Samson
Located in Basildon, GB
19th Century Pair of Porcelain Birds in Ormolu Candelabra arbour set, 20cm overall height Crossed swords mark to rear of base of each porcelai...
Ormolu
$17,747Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 19.6 in W 9.4 in D 9.4 in
19th century Meissen Porcelain Candelabras figurine white and Blue Union, a Pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Meissen Porcelain Candelabras antique German porcelain - a pair Each with 4 lights and 2 figures, emblematic of the four seasons. The cand...
Porcelain
$13,161 / set
H 29.93 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in
Neoclassical Style Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
The leading bronze manufactory of the French Belle Époque, Barbedienne, is responsible for the design of these exquisite candelabra. The Barbedienne foundry was established in 1838 b...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Carved Painted and Metal Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
Make an elegant statement in your home with these ornate antique candelabras. Crafted in Italy, circa 1950, each candle holder stands on a urn form...
Metal
Pair of Early 20th Century French Iron and Brass Candelabras Medici Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1920, these antique vases stand on a square base with a wide mouth at the top; each top, filled with moth, is dressed with a...
Brass, Iron
Vintage 1950s Brass Dragon Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and elegant Gothic pair of solid brass candle holders. This rare pair present the mythical gothic winged dragon. The figures are full of detail and...
Brass
Sold
H 24 in W 19.5 in D 11.75 in
Antique French Giltwood and Mirrored Shell Form Wall Candelabra, 20th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French wall candelabra offers giltwood plate in shell form having three s-scroll arms terminating in foliate form candle receivers, 20th century. Measures: 24" H x 19.5...
Metal
Antique Japanned Finish Two Candle Candelabra
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous antique candelabra or candleholder for two candles with a Japanned finish. It is in wonderful antique condition with a beautiful deliberate pa...
Metal