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.
$2,086Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Bust of the Greek God Ares
Located in London, GB
Magnificent Bust of Ares Ancient Greek God of War His Head slightly turned to his Right Antique white finish Plaster
Plaster
Early 20th Century Bust - Kochendörfer - Marble - Artemis Diana
By Fritz Kochendoerfer
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
This elegant neoclassical marble bust represents Artemis, also known as Diana, goddess of the moon, chastity and the hunt. Depicted with serene expression, classical hairstyle with b...
Marble
Vintage Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Emperor Caesar Augustus on Sienna Marble
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Emperor Caesar Augustus on Sienna Marble, circa early 1900s. A piece of imperial history with this classic Grand Tour bronze bust of Augustus Caesar...
Marble, Bronze
Ancient Roman Upper part of a torso of Mercury in marble
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Upper part of a torso of Mercury. Ancient Rome · 2nd century AD. Marble. 64 cm with the stand. Provenance - Private collection of C. M., Leuven, Belgium. Acquired between 1980 an...
Marble
Ancient Roman, Toracata statue of Emperor in marble
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Toracata statue of emperor Ancient Rome · Reign of Domitian, 81-96 AD. Marble 181 cm high; 80 cm wide; 30 cm deep Documents: - Study report on the age of the piece issued by Dr....
Marble
Italian Marble Bust of Venus Italica on Frosted Lucite Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An exquisite marble bust from the early 19th Century portraying a female figure. A true testament to the craftsmanship of after Antonio Canova of Italy. This piece stands atop a 2 ti...
Marble
Ancient Roman, 2nd Century AD. Torso of Venus in Thassos marble
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Torso of Venus Ancient Rome · 2nd century AD Thassos marble 87 cm with the stand. Condition: Good state of preservation. The torso remains as a single block, although it has lost...
Marble
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. ...
Marble
$197,890 / item
Ancient Roman Apollo Citaredo
Located in BARCELONA, ES
24.5 cm with the stand. Provenance - Galerie Nina Borowski, Paris. - Private collection, Mr. Fleischman, New York, acquired from the previous owner in November 1985. - Inherited fro...
Bronze
Antique Berlin KPM Porcelain Figural Group Sculpture
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Berlin KPM Porcelain Figural Group Sculpture
Porcelain
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Petite Bronze Etruscan Reproduction Sculpture 1970s Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
A small Etruscan bronze statue circa the 1970s made in Italy mounted in a black stone base the base shows a crack and repair it can easily be replaced...
Stone, Bronze
Mid Century Cast Limestone Sculpture Bust Of A Roman Emperor Possibly Caesar
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast limestone sculpture bust of a Roman dignitary, possibly Caesar or Augustus. Great detailed casting of stone with an angled pose in typical Roman garb. Fantastic hair! P...
Cast Stone, Limestone
Rare Large Imperial Egyptian Red Porphyry specimen - partially polished
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Ancient red porphyry is a magmatic effusive lithotype characterized by a Bordeaux-red color, composed of a cryptocrystalline matrix in which floating phenocrysts of pale pinkish whit...
Porphyry
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. Dimensions : h: 82cm , w: 72cm, d: 46,5...
Composition
19th-century Italian Sculptor "Apollo Belvedere" H. 60cm
Located in Madrid, ES
19th-century Italian Sculptor "Apollo Belvedere", bronze, approx. 60 cm high (including base) Good condition
Bronze
Roman Marble Vessel Fragment with a Dancing Woman, a Maenad
Located in London, GB
This poetic fragment depicting a dancing maenad dates to the Roman Imperial Period, and likely once formed part of a large vessel or cinerary urn. Gracefully carved, the female figur...
Marble
2nd Century AD Roman Marble Relief Sculpture with Theatre Mask
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Relief with theatre mask Ancient Rome, 2nd century AD Marble 51 cm height. Provenance - Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1980s – 1990s. - Private collection, Lond...
Marble
Rare Ancient Roman Fragment of Red Imperial Porphyry
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An ancient example of a red Imperial Porphyry fragment dating back as far as 1st century Ancient Rome. This is a rare and unusual worked example of this semi-precious stone which is ...
Porphyry
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...
Alabaster
Roman Bronze Figure of Hygeia
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hygeia was the daughter of the god Asklepius and the personification of health and hygiene. Here she is depicted wearing a long chiton that fans out at the hem, with a himation wrapp...
Bronze
Classical male torso carved on white Carrara marble -made in Italy
By Lorenzo Todini
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, Male torso, classical art, Greek art, Torso, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient torso, Greek torso, statuary marble sculpture. Male torso carved on statuar...
Carrara Marble
Large specimen of Imperial Egyptian Red Porphyry - Partially polished
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Ancient red porphyry is a magmatic effusive lithotype characterized by a Bordeaux-red color, composed of a cryptocrystalline matrix in which floating phenocrysts of pale pinkish whit...
Porphyry
English 20th Century Stone Bust of Alexander the Great
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
English, early 20th century or very late 19th century, bust of Alexander the Great to add Classical beauty to any garden or art collection. The solid, reconstituted stone–a concrete ...
Stone
Ancient Roman Marble Dionysiac Herm Bust
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lively and enchanting depiction, this exquisitely rendered flat-backed Herm bust depicts the Roman Bacchus (Dionysus to the Greeks). The youthful god of wine is shown with promine...
Marble
Roman Marble Foot with Sandal
Located in London, GB
This evocative Roman marble foot fragment is a timeless remnant of the overlifesized sculpture it was once part of. Sensitively carved and polished, the outer sole of the sandal rema...
Marble
Ancient Roman Bronze Foot Fragment A.D. 1st-2nd Century
Located in York, GB
A finely cast bronze foot fragment from an ancient Roman statue with a wonderful green patina consummate with age. Provenance from the Mintici collection, Belgium 1970's-1990's.
Bronze
Ancient Roman Bronze Herm on Stand, 1st-4th Century AD
Located in Bradenton, FL
Ancient Roman Bronze Herm Statue dating from the 1st to 4th Century A.D. A herm was a statue consisting of a a head atop a square pillar, originally an artifact to honor the god Herm...
Bronze
Grand Tour Italian Carved Marble Bust - Psyche of Capua
Located in Langenfeld (Rheinland), DE
An elegant late 19th-century Italian marble bust of Psyche of Capua, inspired by classical Roman models. Finely carved with delicate features and flowing drapery, this piece embodie...
Marble
Antique Italian Marble Bust of Augustus Caesar
Located in Newark, England
Grey Marble Socle From our Sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer this exceptional Antique Italian Marble Bust Augustus Caesar. The bust...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Male torso "Torso Gaddi" carved on white Carrara marble - made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, Male torso, classical art, Greek art, Torso, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient torso, Gaddi torso Sculpted male torso on white marble from carrara, origi...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Roman torso in stone
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Muscular torso in stoneware, after the classical greek and Roman sculptures. with a good patina. Signed but not readable (see last picture). Probably circa 1930.
Stoneware
1st Century AD Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury Polykleitos Classic Antiquities
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A unique historic artifact – a Roman bronze statuette of Mercury, holding a caduceus, with ram at side, of Polykeitan style. Circa 1st Century A.D. Displayed on base pedestal. Polykl...
Bronze
Ancient Roman Marble Sphinx Fragment, Hand-Carved, Circa A.D. 100-200
Located in York, GB
Provenance: Private collection, Canada and Israel (before 1955); by descent. Carved in white marble, this fragment preserves the body a Sphinx and dates to around the A.D. 2nd cent...
Marble
Italian Classical Roman Style Plaster Torso Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Classical Roman Style Plaster Torso Sculpture. Offered is an outstanding Italian plaster female torso sculpture In the Classical Roman style. This large plaster torso is well...
Plaster
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...
Marble
Antique Stone Lion Mask Pedestal
Located in Sheffield, MA
19th century English Romanesque antique stone pedestal has protruding lion mask carved on pedestal. Base measurement: 9.25" x 9.25" Top meas...
Stone
Bust Octavian Augustus in white Carrara marble -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, emperor bust, Octavian bust, Octavian Augustus bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, Marcus Aurel...
Marble
Large Meissen Porcelain Figurine 'Dancing Vestal Virgin' By E.J. Haenel, Ca 1880
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent large and rare Meissen figurine from the 19th century: Fully sculpted porcelain figurine of an antique-style young beauty standing in a dancing pose in an elaborately pleat...
Porcelain
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...
Marble
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...
Terracotta
Antique Bronze Aristotle Sculpture on Marble Base, Italy, 1850
Located in Montreal, QC
The philosopher in oratorical pose, with an urn of his writings at his feet. A 19th century casting, good crisp quality on marble base.
Marble, Bronze
$2,700 / item
Bust of Mark Anthony
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Well-figured decorative composition/resin bust of Roman Emperor.
Resin
TOGATUS STATUETTE, A Roman marble togatus. 2nd-3rd century AD.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
TOGATUS STATUETTE Depicting a male figure dressed in a toga and himation, held by his right hand. Presence of a prop on the right thigh, implying that this fragment was part of a sta...
Marble
Antique Roman / Etruscan Style Statue
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique Roman / Etruscan style pottery partial statue. Robed figure in draped fabric. Measures: 7.5 inches in height. Exact age unknown, the pieces in t...
Terracotta
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...
Bronze
Vintage Italian Bronze Wall Sculpture of Roman Warrior, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Whether this bronze wall plaque depicts a Roman Gladiator or Legionaire is uncertain. It was brought home from Rome in 1970 or 71. It is made from solid bronze that has a rich brown ...
Bronze
Rustic Travertine Stone Sculpture, Roman Empire - 130 AD, Gallery Display, HAAND
Located in St Petersburg, US
Inspired by the grandeur of the ancient Hadrian's Gate, this handcrafted travertine sculpture captures the essence of history and craftsmanship. Commissioned in the year 130 AD to h...
Stone, Travertine, Marble
$1,773Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Marble
Antique Black & White Alabaster Lotus Flower Pendant Light, Top Quality Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
Top-class antique light fixture with a stunning hand-carved alabaster shade, brass chains and an alabaster canopy. Thanks to its unique design and generous size, this antique alabas...
Alabaster, Metal, Brass
Large Antique Sculpted Marble Figure of Caesar Augustus
Located in London, GB
Large antique sculpted marble figure of Caesar Augustus Italian, early 20th century Measures: Height 186cm, width 118cm, depth 44cm Known as the ‘Augustus of Prima Porta,’ the o...
Marble
17th Century Italian Carrara Marble Bust of a 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...
Marble
A Large Heavy Bust of Apollo This is a good looking bust
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Large Heavy Bust of Apollo This is a good looking bust, it has been on display outdoors so has a slightly weathered appearance, a piece with good presence The Statue is 21” high ...
Cement
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Crafted Italian Marble Bust of Dante, Circa 1900
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Italian Marble Bust of Dante, circa 1900.
Marble
Busto di Marco Aurelio in marmi policromi -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, busto imperatore, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, marco Aurelio, scultura antica, busto antico,...
Carrara Marble
$560Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Flying Cherub, Italian, Plaster, Classical, Romantic, Putto Figure, 1980
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage flying cherub. An Italian, plaster putto figure with leather hanging strap, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. A decorative accent piece, ideal for suspen...
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...
Plaster
Large Lion Sculpture in Glazed Terracotta, Romanesque Style, Early 20th Century
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Majestic large lion sculpture in white glazed earthenware, crafted in the early 20th century and reflecting an exquisite Romanesque style. This pi...
Terracotta
A Duo Of A Young And Older Julius Caesar Plaster Heads
Located in London, GB
A duo of plaster heads of a young and older Julius Caesar. Late 20th century some age and patina, work well together. Form and scale is pleasing. Continental 20th century classical...
Plaster
Roman Bronze Hand Mirror with Beautiful Patina, circa 1st Century
Located in Austin, TX
A simple and elegant Roman bronze hand mirror, late Republic Period, circa 1st century, Italy. The bronze mirror of simple form. The round face with a pierced border design. The openwork handle...
Bronze
French Terracotta Sculpture of a Classical Male
Located in Houston, TX
French terracotta sculpture of a classical male. This stunning French terra cotta sculpture of a classical Roman male is expertly executed ...
Terracotta, Wood