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Classical Roman Picture Frames

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
Calvary XVIIth Century, Religious
Calvary XVIIth Century, Religious

Calvary XVIIth Century, Religious

Located in Madrid, ES

Calvary XVIIth century, religious 17th Century Calvary, religious Ancient Calvary from the 17th century carved in boxwood Boxwood is characterized by its hardness and difficult pruning. It has traces of polychromy and gold. Measure: 65x45...

Category

1670s European Antique Classical Roman Picture Frames

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Giltwood Picture Frame, Classical Roman Style, France, 1790
Antique Giltwood Picture Frame, Classical Roman Style, France, 1790

Antique Giltwood Picture Frame, Classical Roman Style, France, 1790

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

Antique, rich, perfect giltwood frame, suitable for painting or mirror. It's not necessary an ornamental frieze to place on top, but I have it (on request). The top part looks darker...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Picture Frames

Materials

Fruitwood

17th Century Spanish Faux Marble Cassetta Frame

17th Century Spanish Faux Marble Cassetta Frame

Located in New York, NY

Handcarved and parcel-gilt Cassetta frame with deep red panels and faux marble segments in sea green.

Category

Mid-17th Century European Antique Classical Roman Picture Frames

Materials

Gold Leaf

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Original Ancient "Sansovino" Wood Frame, 17th Century
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French Crucifix Vitrine and Oval Frame, Late 19th Century
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Classical Roman picture frames for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman picture frames for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 18th Century and Earlier, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage picture frames created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fruitwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman picture frames made in a specific country, there are and Europe 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 picture frames differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,839 and tops out at $28,000 while the average work can sell for $15,419.