Classical Roman Figurative Sculptures
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
Period: 1940s
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...
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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.
...
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1940s French Vintage Classical Roman Figurative Sculptures
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Bibliography
Dec 2022 - American Art Collector. “Room to grow”. Pages 48 and 49.
1 Oct 2018 – River Cities Reader. Article discussing a group show titled “Earth, Wind, and Fire” at Bereskin Gallery.
18 Aug 2018 – River Cities Reader. Article by Mike Schulz about my show titled “Relic” at the Quad City Arts.
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Classical Roman figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman figurative sculptures 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 figurative sculptures 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 figurative sculptures 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 figurative sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, LAGU, Massimo Marcomini, and Aristide Petrilli. 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 figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $60 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $2,892.
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