Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

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.

Style: Classical Roman

Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set

By Hermle

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Italian Roman Style Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set The Vintage Italian Roman Style Ornate Mantel ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set

Architectural Clock Depicting Medici Lion & Cassolettes in Bronze, Set of 3

Located in CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FR

Clock, architectural form, in black and green marble, the dial in gilded bronze, pilasters in patinated bronze with Corinthian capitals, the pediment framing a terrace welcoming the ...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Architectural Clock Depicting Medici Lion & Cassolettes in Bronze, Set of 3

French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu and green marble clock garniture. Having a pair of four branch candelabra with classical busts to t...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Provincial Three-Piece Clock Set

H 17 in W 12 in D 5 in

French Empire Figural Bronze Clock Depicting an Allegory to Prudence or Wisdom

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A rare model of a French Empire mantle clock depicting an allegory to "La Prudenzia" or Prudence, Wisdom or Sound Judgement. This virtue is represented as a patinated bronze statue of of a classically draped bearded standing male figure leaning on a gilt bronze plinth legs crossed and with a sword in its scabbard by his side. There is an an open scroll on top of the plinth held in place by the figure's elbow arm raised and forefinger of his hand pointing at his temple in a gesture associated with thinking. The plinth housing the clock dial and movement is decorated with a serpent coiled around a rod which along with the sword and scroll are associated with "La Prudenzia". The whole sits on a gilded rectangular base decorated with a finely cast frieze centred by a rondel showing the two Janus heads...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Figural Bronze Clock Depicting an Allegory to Prudence or Wisdom

H 25 in W 15.5 in D 6.5 in

Empire Gilt-Bronze Clock Depicting Diana the Huntress. French, c 1820

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A fine Empire Period gilt bronze clock depicting Diana the huntress. The dial signed 'Thomas a Paris'. The white enamel dial with Roman numerals and Breguet hands, the case sur...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Empire Gilt-Bronze Clock Depicting Diana the Huntress. French, c 1820

H 21.66 in W 16.54 in D 7.09 in

Tiffany & Co. Ormulu Bronze Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock Garniture

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Guaynabo, PR

Tiffany's clock case with enamel roman numbers and bronze snake dials. At the top, the clock is adorned with an Indian palace gallery and dome that has a crane finial over it and dra...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Tiffany & Co. Ormulu Bronze Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock Garniture

H 21.5 in W 11 in D 7 in

French 19th Century Empire Portico Clock

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This elegant period Empire ormolu-mounted white marble portico clock, circa 1830, is from France. The floral-and-foliate ormolu-mounted frieze sits above four Doric columns with gilt...

Category

1830s French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble

French 19th Century Empire Portico Clock

H 19.875 in W 11.125 in D 5.75 in

19th Century French Empire Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th Century finely chased and cast dore bronze mantle clock. Porcelain dial in excellent condition. Signed "Millet." Original pendulum. Don't have original key, but can have one made.

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Empire Clock

H 19 in W 13.5 in D 5.25 in

French 19th Century Mantle Clock

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

French metal mantle clock with ‘Boiscontier a Paris Rue De Caumartin’ printed on its face. The crest is a basket with elaborate foliate motif over a symme...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Mantle Clock

H 15.75 in W 11 in D 5.38 in

Napoleonic Clock, France, 19th Century

Located in Paris, FR

Small Napoleonic clock. Second empire style. France, 19th century. The clock doesn't work.

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Napoleonic Clock, France, 19th Century

H 9.45 in W 4.34 in D 4.93 in

Sevres Clock Set (Garniture)

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Bronx, NY

This vintage decorative garniture set is beautifully designed with its original gold gilt over wonderful sculpted bronze embellishments. Also, the gilt bronze clock body & the matchi...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Sevres Clock Set (Garniture)

H 15.5 in W 12 in D 18.5 in

Fire-Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock

Located in Budapest, HU

French Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock with Rare Double Patina, Around 1830 ~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~ A beautiful, original ant...

Category

1820s French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Fire-Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock

H 14.57 in W 9.45 in D 3.94 in

Bronze Mountain Lion with Tiffany & Co. Clock

By Giacomo Merculiano

Located in Bronx, NY

This vintage majestic bronze animal sculpture & clock date from early 1900’s. The sculpture was created & signed by the artist, MERCULIANO. The stunning patinated dark green bronze s...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Bronze Mountain Lion with Tiffany & Co. Clock

H 16.5 in W 25 in D 11.25 in

Antique Bronze and Brass Mantel Clock, Enameled Roman Numerals, Lion Sculptures

Located in Lisse, NL

Elaborate and fine quality workmanship clock from the late 1800s. If you have never had the pleasure of owning a beautiful antique clock then ...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Metal, Brass

Antique Bronze and Brass Mantel Clock, Enameled Roman Numerals, Lion Sculptures

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H 16 in W 10 in D 7.5 in

Classical Roman mantel clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman mantel clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage mantel clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, marble and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman mantel clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original mantel clocks, popular names associated with this style include and Hermle. 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 mantel clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,441 and tops out at $6,813 while the average work can sell for $2,662.