Classical Roman Busts
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
Pair Grand Tour Busts on Stands Bronze Jupiter Juno, 1820
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Highly collectable pair of bronze Grand Tour busts on stands in the classical manner
The busts each depict the Roman Gods Jupiter (male) and Ju...
Category
1820s Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Plaster Composite Bust of Marcus Cicero
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this vintage plaster composite bust of Marcus Cicero dates from the 1980s. Classic Roman bust is a timeless piece. Unknown maker. Very good vintage condition.
Category
1980s English Vintage Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Plaster
Vintage English Caracalla Bust With Associated Plinth
Located in Calgary, Alberta
An English vintage bust after the 3rd Century Roman Emperor Caracalla atop a classical iconic fluted column. Lovely patina.
Wonderful patina
Category
20th Century British Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Cast Stone
Grand Tour plaquette of Caesar
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Plaquette of Ceasar as a Grand Tour souvenir. The head is in Sienna marble on a base of slate stone. Inscription all around.
Category
1850s Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Siena Marble, Slate
Pietro Bazzanti 19th Century Italian Carrara Marble Bust of Roman Woman
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Pietro Bazzanti 19th Century Italian Carrara Marble Bust of Roman Woman
Dimensions : 31" Tall X 24" Wide X 10" Deep
This gorgeous marble bust was made by Pietro Bazzanti (1842-1881...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Italian Glazed Ceramic Bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica
By Santa Monica
Located in Houston, TX
Italian glazed ceramic bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica.
Italian ceramic bust of a Classical Roman with unusual iridescent glaze, marked Santa M...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Coppia di busti in Ceramica chiara- G. Cesare e Adriano imperatori-made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Giulio Cesare, Adriano busto, Scultura, busto imperatore, Busto Giulio Cesare, busto imperatore Augusto, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, busto cre...
Category
Early 2000s European Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Bust Julius Caesar carved on white and cipolin marble -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, emperor bust, Caesar bust, Julius Caesar bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient sculpture,...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Octavian Augustus bust in clear handmade ceramic made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Augustus, Octavian Augustus bust, Sculpture, emperor bust, Octavian bust, Augustus bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, refractory clay bust, sculptur...
Category
2010s Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Ebonized Plaster Bust of Marcus Tulles Cicero
Located in Stamford, CT
A Bust of Marcus Tulles Cicero, Roman Consul in 63 B.C. completed in ebonized plaster, circa 1880.
Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, lawyer and philosopher, who served as consul in the year 63 BC. He came from a wealthy municipal family of the Roman equestrian order, and is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists. (Wikipedia)
Provenance:
Collection of Brigadier General Alfred Douglas Miller...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Plaster
Bronze sculpture Marcus Aurelius
Located in Rome, IT
Description
Bronze sculpture Marcus Aurelius. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, INFORMATION OF THE LOT AND SHIPPING INFORMATION CAN BE REQUEST BY SENDING AN EMAIL.
Indicative shipping costs in Ital...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Plaster Faux Marble Bust
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Plaster faux marble bust of Antonia, made by D. Brucciani & Co. London, late 19th century. A woman emerging from a calyx of leaf came to represent the nymph Clytie. A copy of the mar...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Plaster
A fine pair of 19th c Classical bronzes by Henry Bonnard Bronze Co 1889
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and rare pair of 19th century Classical Roman bronze heads of Ajax and Minerva. Done by famed American company Henry Bonnard Bronze Co . This company was started by two Frenc...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Bronze
Busto di faraone egizio, (memento- vanitas ) scolpito su marmo bianco di Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, Vanitas, memento, busto egiziano, busto antico, busto faraone, egizio vanitas , arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, scul...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Antique Italian Terracotta Classical Bust on a Wood Base
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Italian terracotta classical bust on a wood base.
Italian patinated terra cotta bust or sculpture of a classical Roman on a wood base, circa 1920, possibly a Grand Tour piece...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Busto di Ottaviano Augusto in breccia pernice e marmo bianco Carrara -made Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Augusto, Ottaviano Augusto busto, Scultura, busto imperatore, Busto Ottaviano, busto Augusto, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Busto di Antonino Pio in marmo giallo Siena e marmo bianco Carrara -made Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Antonino Pio, Antonino Pio busto, Scultura, busto imperatore, Busto Antonino, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura , bus...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Cast Iron Bust of Nike
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
We presents for your consideration, this cast-iron bust of Nike.
A handsome decorative object for the garden, garden terrace, or interior space, Nike will add that layer of colle...
Category
20th Century English Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Iron
Two Colour Marble Male Roman Style Bust On Black Marble Stand
Located in Southall, GB
A highly decorative two colour marble Roman style bust on a black marble stand. Skilfully carved with clear features, detailing the ruffled hair and beard together with the smooth dr...
Category
Late 20th Century European Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Male Roman Style Carrara Marble Bust
Located in Southall, GB
A stunning marble decorative male bust on a attractive marble plinth base. Skilled craftsmanship is evident in the hand carved features and garments. A imposing piece that would look...
Category
Late 20th Century European Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Roman Marble Trapezophorus circa 1st-2nd Century A.D
Located in Madrid, ES
A Roman marble trapezophorus in the Form of a Barbarian Dacian young figure.
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.
Measure: height 24 1/4 inches (62 cm).
Property from Mr. Radu Moldovan, Skokie, Illinois
Provenance:
B.C. Holland Gallery...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Bust of Egyptian pharaoh carved on white Carrara marble
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, Egyptian bust, ancient bust, pharaoh bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient sculpture, ancient bust, made in I...
Category
Early 2000s European Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Marble Bust of The Roman God Janus
Located in Southall, GB
A detailed and beautifully carved marble bust of the Roman God Janus. The God of beginnings, endings, time, duality and boundaries, the openings of doorways, gates and passages. The two faces portray this duality. They are both expressively carved with different detail to the curled horns. The features are clearly carved in a expression of contemplation framed...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
An 18th century or earlier statuary marble head of Venus
Located in London, GB
A large 18th century or earlier statuary marble head of Venus, goddess of Love. Life-size and beautifully carved with superb detail to her hair & face. Probably Italian and an early ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Roman Style Marble Torso On A Black Marble Base
Located in Southall, GB
A handsomely carved male marble torso on a black marble base. The carving is detailed and realistic, clearly depicting the contours and muscles. The marble...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Roman Bust With Helmet
Located in Southall, GB
Exquisitely detailed carving of a Roman Bust with Helmet. The Males features are intricately carved with attention given to the shape of the nose and furrowed brow as he prepares to ...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Grande Busto Caracalla scolpito su bellissimo marmo bianco (made in italy)
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, busto imperatore, busto Caracalla, busto marmo, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultur...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Beautiful Antique Bust of a Warrior in the Roman Style, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beautiful antique bust of a warrior in the Roman style, 20th century.
Antique-style nude male, bust in composite material, 20th century.
h: 82cm , w: 72cm, d: 46,5cm
Category
20th Century European Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Composition
Busto Giulio Cesare in marmo bianco Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, busto imperatore, busto Cesare, busto Giulio Cesare, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, marco Aure...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Torso maschile classico in marmo bianco di Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, Torso maschile, arte classica, arte greca, Torso, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, torso antico
Torso maschile scolpito su bellissimo marmo bianco di Carrara, model...
Category
1990s European Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Beautiful Bust of Venus, the Goddess of Love, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beautiful bust of Venus, the Goddess of Love, 20th century.
Sculpture of the bust of Venus, Roman Mythology, in composite material, 20th century.
h: 75cm , w: 38cm, d: 26cm
Category
20th Century French Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Composition
Italian Antique Stone Cast Bust of Marcus Aurelius Caracalla
Located in Encinitas, CA
This late 19th century carved stone bust made of "Grisaglia' in Italian, a mix of stone powder and lime stones, depicts Marcus Aurelius Caracalla, the roman emperor from 198 to 217 A...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Concrete
Hadrian bust in polychrome marble
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, emperor bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, Hadrian, Hadrian bust, polychrome bust, antique sc...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Early to Mid 20th Century Italian Cast Bronze Bust of Roman Emperor
Located in Middleburg, VA
Early to Mid 20th Century Italian Cast Bronze Bust of Roman Emperor. Hollow antiquity, possibly of Julius Caesar, no marks. Italy, circa 1...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Bronze
Vintage English Apollo Bust With Associated Plinth
Located in Calgary, Alberta
An English vintage composite stone bust after the 2nd Century Roman Apollo Belvedere atop a classical iconic fluted column. Great patina.
Wonderful piece in a library.
Category
20th Century British Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Cast Stone
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Augustus Caesar Bust By Antonio Frilli
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Marble Bust of Augustus Caesar by Antonio Frilli. White marble bust is on a black plinth. Antonio Frilli was a Florentine sculptor who specialized in ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Stucco head of a roman figure
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Stucco head of a Roman figure. Signed on the back (unknown).
The head is separate from the base.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Stucco
Italian Antique Cast Stone of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla Bust
Located in Encinitas, CA
Late 19th century carved stone bust of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (born Lucius Septimius Bassianus, 4 April 188 – 8 April 217), better known by his nickname Caracalla was Roman emperor from 198 to 217 AD. He was a member of the Severan dynasty, the elder son of Emperor Septimius Severus and Empress Julia Domna...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Concrete
Terracotta Bust of Roman Emperor
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This terra-cotta sculpture no doubt depicts the bust of Roman Emperor or Senator in classical dress gazing over his left shoulder. This is a magnificently robust life size bust...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Plaster Bust of Marianne
Located in Atlanta, GA
Marianne is the embodiment of the French Republic. Marianne represents the permanent values that found her citizens' attachment to the Republic: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity".
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Plaster
Head of Lucius Verus in the antique roman style
Located in Madrid, ES
Bust of Lucius Venus made of moulded and carved limestone, following models of classical Rome.
It is solid stone. It is part of a series of 8 copies distributed exclusively by our g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Cast Stone
A Plaster Bust of Seneca
Located in Atlanta, GA
Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger, usually known as Seneca, was a Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome, a statesman, dramatist, and in one work, satirist, from the pos...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Plaster
Italian Majolica ceramic Bust of a Man - Roman Empire Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful white ceramic glazed bust of a man.
Depicting a man from the Roman Empire.
Estimated origin and date: France, circe 1910-1920.
Dimensions: 39 (h) x 41 (w) x 26 (d) cm....
Category
1910s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Ceramic
A fine pair of late 19th century Alabaster and marble Roman dignitary busts
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of late 19th century to early 20th century Italian alabaster and black Belgian marble busts of Roman dignitaries. Hand carved and fine detail
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Alabaster, Belgian Black Marble
Plaster Bust of Paolina Borghese Bonaparte
Located in Atlanta, GA
The plaster bust portrays Napoleon's sister, Pauline Bonaparte, as Venus Victorious.
It was commissioned by her husband, Camillo Borghese, and originally sculpted in Rome from 1805 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Plaster
Late 19th Century Bronze Bust of Cupid by Agathon Léonard
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A finely bust of Cupido/Amor, made of patinated bronze. Fine quality casting and chiseling. Signed on the right shoulder Agathon Léonard. On the back the bronze foundry mark F. Golds...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Bronze
Bust of Antinoos in the style of classical Rome
Located in Madrid, ES
Bust of Antinoos made of moulded and carved limestone, following models of classical Rome.
It is solid stone. It is part of a series of 8 copies distributed exclusively by our gallery.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Cast Stone
17th Century Set Of Venetian Bronze Door Handles On Wooden Stands
Located in Bradenton, FL
Set of four 17th century Venetian bronze door handles, set on ebonized wooden stands. Each handle is a original of a bronze bust of an ancient Italian man affixed to a square wooden ...
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Bronze
French Plaster Bust of a Classical Roman Male
Located in Houston, TX
French plaster bust of a classical roman male.
Handsome Italian stone bust of a Classical Roman, circa 1920. This beautiful classical male bust sculpture i...
Category
1920s French Vintage Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Plaster
Roman Emperor Bust Plaster Life Size Mark Anthony
Located in Buxton, GB
This beautiful sculpture is a stunning depiction of the famous Roman emperor Mark Anthony. The piece is made of high-quality plaster and stands at an impress...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Plaster
19th Century English Diminutive Parian Bust of Apollo Belvedere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century English diminutive Parian bust of apollo Belvedere, a well executed example, raised on a 3-inch diameter solace base. Unmarked.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Ceramic
17th Century Marble Bust of Man
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautiful, albeit heavily distressed stone bust depicting an authoritarian man on a pedestal. Softly colored grey stone with many details intact including draping on tunic, eyes, be...
Category
17th Century French Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Stone
Roman Style Gesso over Plaster Carved Head of Jupiter on Circular Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Roman style gesso over plaster carved head of the god Jupiter on circular base. Emanating the grandeur of ancient Rome, this verist representation of the god Jupiter, intricately c...
Category
19th Century Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Gesso, Plaster
French Patinated Bronze Bust of the Greek Hero Ajax, circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
Grand Tour French, patinated bronze bust of the Greek hero/mythological warrior Ajax (Menelaus) on a socle base, circa 1880. Ajax wears a helmet with batt...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Bronze
Venus Bust Wall Plaque in Plaster
Located in Buxton, GB
This beautiful antique sculpture depicts the Roman goddess Venus and is a true masterpiece of art. The sculpture is a large, life-size bust made of high-quality plaster and was prod...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Plaster
19th Century Italian Terracotta Bust of a Classical Male
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Italian terracotta bust of a classical male.
This monumental antique Italian terracotta bust sculpture of a classical Roman male is a
well executed statement piece and...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Terracotta
1990s Bust of Roman Hand Carved in Carrara White and Alicante Red Marble
Located in Marbella, ES
1990s bust of a Roman, hand carved by craftsmen using Carrara white marble for the head and Alicante red for the toga, where the white veins give movement and realism to the cloth. S...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Marble
Italian Mid-Nineteenth Century Bronze Bust of Lucius Verus
Located in London, GB
Italian mid-nineteenth century bronze bust of Lucius Verus, circa 1860-1870, on circular waisted socle.
Lucius Verus ruled Rome alongside Marcus Aureli...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts
Materials
Bronze
Classical Roman busts for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman busts for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage busts created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, marble and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman busts made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original busts, popular names associated with this style include A. Santini, Europa Antiques, F. Barbedienne Foundry, and Friedrich Goldscheider. 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 busts differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $220 and tops out at $79,080 while the average work can sell for $3,651.
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