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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
18th Century Classical Terracotta Head of Madonna on a Wood Base
Located in Catania, Sicilia
The 18th Century Classical terracotta Head of Madonna, featuring glass eyes, is a captivating piece of religious art mounted on a wood base. This exquisite sculpture showcases the de...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Terracotta, Glass, Wood

Beautiful Bust of Bacchus after Richelieu plaster
Located in UTRECHT, NL
Beautiful old bust of Bacchus. The so-called Bucchus of Richelieu. This bust derives from a full-length ancient Roman statue, The so-called bacchus Richelieu after its owner, Cardin...
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Plaster

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

An Over Life-Size Powerful Roman Male Portrait Head of Constantine the Great
Located in London, GB
An Over Life-Size Powerful Roman Male Portrait Head of Constantine the Great (c.272 - 337) Wearing the ‘Imperial Oak Wreath’ the decorative border of his ‘tunic’ can still be clearly seen on the left hand side Marble Italy Early 4th Century AD SIZE: 38cm high, 24.5cm wide, 25cm deep - 15cm high, 9¾ ins wide, 10 ins deep PROVENANCE: Ex Private collection, Cambridge, England note: For a very similar over life-size portrait head of Constantine I (the Great) wearing an identical wreath dating from the early 4th century AD see: Yorkshire Museum, York, inv. no. ‘YORYM’ 1998.23. Found in ‘Eboracum’ (York) in 1823 LITERATURE: Rinaldi Tufi, S., Yorkshire. ‘Corpus Signorum Imperii Romani (Great Britain)’; vol. 1, fasc. 3, Yorkshire. Oxford University Press, 1983; 23, no. 38, pl. 12 In AD 306, Constantine was hailed emperor in the Roman city of York; he was the first emperor to convert to Christianity. Born in Naissus, the son of Flavius Constantius, and Helena, a woman of low birth and a christian. Following his campaigns in the eastern provinces, Constantine was recalled in 305 AD to fight alongside his father in the province of Britannia. After his father’s death in 306 AD, Constantine was acclaimed as ‘imperator’ by his army at Eboracum (York) eventually being declared victorious after the civil wars against emperors, Maxentius and Licinius to become sole ruler of the Roman Empire in 324 AD. Constantine’s Christian belief cannot be underestimated, establishing the foundations of ‘Western Christendom’. In 313 AD he was influential in the proclamation of the ‘Edict of Milan, declaring tolerance of Christianity within the Roman Empire. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the purported site of Jesus’s tomb...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

French Porcelain Bust of Classical Male
Located in Houston, TX
French porcelain bust of a classical male. This vintage French porcelain bust sculpture is mounted on a marble base and dates to the 1940s. ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble

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

Stylish, Late 1800s Handmade Italian, Alabaster Column Pedestal or Plant Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful Roman column for displaying a work of art. This antique, beautiful and classical pedestal is perfect for showcasing an antique sculpture or bust. The slight wear, the shap...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Alabaster

Large Antique Marble Bust of Apollo of Belvedere, 19th Century
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique bust of Apollo of Belvedere. Finely carved carrara marble. Mid-19th century. Italian. Presented by Joseph Dasta Antiques # nude male greek roman mercury statue...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Stone, Marble, Carrara Marble

Terra-Cotta Bust of a Roman Senator
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This terracotta sculpture depicts the bust of a Roman Senator or Emperor in armor and a gown. Hi gaze is directed at about a 45 degree angle. This is a magnificently robust life size bust...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Terracotta

18th-19th Century Neoclassical Multi-Marble Bust of Roman Emperor Titus Domitian
Located in New York, NY
A striking late 18th-early 19th century bust of the Roman Emperor Titus Domitian. The head is made from hand carved white Carrara marble, the tunic and t...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Alabaster, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble

Wonderful Midcentury Made Art Deco Style Carved Alabaster Column Pedestal Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderfully stylish and perfectly hand carved alabaster column for displaying a work of art. This beautiful and classical pedestal on its oc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Alabaster

Bronze Bust of Roman Emperor
Located in New York, NY
large and impressive mid century Italian Bronze Bust of Roman Emperor on a marble base.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Italian Glazed Ceramic Bust of a Classical Roman 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

Classic Italian Roman Sculpture of the 'David' on Black Marble Base
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-20th century classic Italian Roman statue of the 'David' on a black marble base by sculptor G. Ruggeri, Italy. White resin statue is on a black marble base with tan veins. With...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble

Late 19th Century Bronze Bust of Ariadne F Barbedienne
Located in London, by appointment only
A French patinated bronze bust of Ariadne by F. Barbedienne foundry after the antique. The fine 'reduction a colis' is after a model by Bertel Thorvaldsen (circa 1805-1810). This sole bust is often paired with a famous antique...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Bronze

Italian Roman Sculpture of the 'David'
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Italian Roman statue of the 'David' by sculptor G. Ruggeri, circa mid-20th century, Italy. With maker's mark's and marked 'Italy' as show in im...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Resin

Ancient Roman Portrait Bust of a Man, 1st Century BC
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A portrait of Roman aristocrat executed in the Veristic style. From the Latin "verus" meaning truth, the practice represented everyday subjects with great realism often including signs of age with exacting detail. Wrinkles, furrowed brows, and moles are presented as signs of wisdom and power and suggest the philosophical and moral character of the sitter. With the ascent of Emperor Augustus, eternal youth again took center stage, and verism fell into disfavor. The style enjoyed a resurgence after Emperor Vespasian came to power in 69 AD, Italy, 1st century BC. Provenance - the collection of Spanish fashion designer Elio Berhanyer...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble

Large & Stunning Early 1900s Roman Classical Alabaster Column Pedestal Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful antique column for displaying a work of art. This beautiful and classical pedestal is perfect for showcasing an antique sculpture or bust. The slight wear, the shape and t...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Alabaster

19th Century Italian Alabaster Bust
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Italian alabaster bust. Well sculpted antique Italian alabaster or marble bust of a classical female mounted on a plinth. This is a beautifully detailed antique alabaster bust...
Category

1860s Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Alabaster

17th Century Italian Carrara Marble Bust of Classical Roman
Located in Houston, TX
17th century Italian carrara marble bust of a Classical Roman. Finely carved Classical Roman Carrara marble bust sculpture from the 17th ce...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble

Marble Bust of Caesar
Located in New Haven, CT
This very handsome 40" tal marble bust was hand-carved in Italy in the Grand Tour period. Made of rouge- grey- and Statuario-Marbles. Circa 1860. It is possibly of Marcus Junius Brut...
Category

1860s Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble

Antique Carved Wood Classical Sculpture
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and very unusual antique sculpture, carved from solid wood. This looks like it is most likely Italian, it depicts an intimate scene from biblical times. It is hard to dat...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Wood

19th Century Young Emperor Bust
Located in Roma, IT
19th century bronze bust of young emperor. This object is shipped from Italy. Under existing legislation, any object in Italy created over 70 years ago by an artist who has died re...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Bronze

Bust Eleonora Duse Attributable Sculptor Arrigo Minerbi Villa Callas Sirmione
By Arrigo Minerbi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Bust of Eleonora Duse attributable to the sculptor Arrigo Minerbi, from Villa Callas Sirmione of Giovanni Battista Meneghini. Bust obtained from stone o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Stone

20th Century Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius Marble Bronze Roman Busts
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius bronze and marble Roman busts.
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

18th / 19th Century Carved Citrine Roman Emperor Bust
Located in London, by appointment only
One of the most important carved gemstone busts ever created, a stunning work of art with this beautiful flawless semi-precious stone, standing 6cm tall. Important, Incredibly Rare...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Quartz

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

17th Century, Italian Ancient Carved Stone Bust of Roman Emperor
Located in IT
17th century, Italian ancient carved stone bust of Roman Emperor Measures: H 33 (with base) H 28.5 (sculpture only) x 25 x 7 cm. The ancient bust, in ...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble, Stone

Small Marble Bust of Dante, Italy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Italian Marble Bust of Dante, circa 1900.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble

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

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

Busto imperatore romano Adriano - materiale composito polvere marmo
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Busto di Adriano imperatore romano. realizzato con impasto di polvere di marmo e resina poliestere, detto marmo ricostituito. dall'aspetto , molto simile al vero marmo, solo un poco ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Other

Mask Voltaire plaster
Located in UTRECHT, NL
This mask of Voltaire (1694-1778) the French enlightment writer, is from the full-length statue, created by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Voltaire was 83 years old when this statue is made of...
Category

1950s French Vintage Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Plaster

White Plaster Bust of Socrates on a Black Marble Base, around 1940
Located in Berlin, DE
The "White Plaster Bust of Socrates on a Black Marble Base, around 1940" is a striking sculptural piece that pays homage to the ancient Greek philosop...
Category

1940s French Vintage Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble

Italian Bust of Caesar in Plaster and Fiberglass, around 1960
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful Italian Bust of Caesar in Plaster and Fiberglass was made around 1960 and would be a great Statement piece for your interior. A unique piece which is a great eye-catch...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Fiberglass, Plaster

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

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

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

Busto Giulio Cesare scolpito su marmo bianco e cipollino -made in Italy
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, scultura a...
Category

1990s Italian Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Marble

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

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 com...
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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