Classical Roman Decorative Objects
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
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
Plaster
Category
20th Century English Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture - Hermes - France
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant and finely cast bronze sculpture of Hermes, France circa 1890. Hermes, the messenger of the gods in classical mythology, is a symbol of communication, travel, intelligence, a...
Category
1880s French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Sculpture of Diana of Gabii Cast by Collas & Barbedienne
Located in New York, NY
19th Century patinated bronze sculpture of Diana of Gabbi measuring 21.5 inches tall and 28 inches in total as shown mounted on its ebonized wooden pedestal. With the stamped mark o...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Wedgwood Jasperware lidded boxes serving bowls classicism Mid-Century England
By Wedgwood
Located in Wien, AT
The set of Wedgwood consists of three lidded boxes in different shape and design and two small serving bowls of which one can be used as an ashtray.
All is made of the famous but r...
Category
1980s English Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$760 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Puddingstone Mill from Roman France
Located in London, GB
Carved from a mosaic-like rock, this striking sculpture is the lower grinding stone from a Gallo-Roman millstone - a powerful and aesthetic symbol of life two millennia ago. It is ma...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Roman Marble Head Fragment
Located in London, GB
This fine Roman marble head fragment, with broad nose, soft lips, and bearded chin, captures the likeness of one of the most important playwrights of...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
$46,000
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...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
1970s Set of Two Cenedese Style Blue and Gray Scavo Murano Glass Vases
By Cenedese
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Two Scavo Murano glass vases hand-crafted in Venice in the Seventies, 18 cm is the height of the other vase, they are in very good condition. Scavo glass is a type of glass that has...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Basalt Tazza
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th century Italian basalt porcelain tazza is a refined study in classical elegance. With a wide, low bowl gracefully elevated on a turned foot, its proportions echo the ti...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Italian Carved Marble Boar Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Carved Marble Boar Sculpture.
We offer a well carved copy of the original Italian marble boar sculpture located in Florence Italy. This version...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Marble, Carrara Marble
Antique Bust of Young Napoleon, Carved Carrera Marble
Located in Bradenton, FL
Antique Grand Tour Carved Carrera Marble Bust of Young Napoleon posing as Caesar, Circa 1880. A finely carved antique bust of Napoleon, crafted from Carrera marble around 1880. This ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Castilian Imports Bronze Column Candlesticks, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Castilian Imports Bronze Column Candlesticks. 20th Century.
Category
20th Century Indian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Iron
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...
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Bronze
$156 Sale Price
20% Off
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...
Category
2010s European Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Travertine, Marble
Scultura di Grande Torso maschile stile classico- made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Torso maschile imponente, peso circa kg 800, scolpito su marmo bianco Carrara poggiante su base travertino Romano
ispirato al Doriforo che si trova agli uffizi di Firenze.
Modello or...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Large Vintage Italian Capodimonte Porcelain Box
By Capodimonte
Located in Houston, TX
Large vintage Italian Capodimonte Porcelain box.
Stunning large vintage Italian Capodimonte porcelain box. This lovely...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Majestic Pink Onyx Sculpture Vase Subjects Roses Leaves Floral Handmade in Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Le Vie en Rose" is not just a vase or rather a sculpture, imagine it as a memory, the memory of a nobility now dissolved, a suspended memory, forgotten in a secret garden, of those ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Onyx, Marble
Rose Sculpture Vase 13 Roses Hand Carved Italy Pink Onyx Block Limited Edition
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Roma Imperiale" is not just a vase or rather a sculpture, imagine it as a memory, the memory of a nobility now dissolved, a suspended memory, forgotten in a secret garden, of those ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Onyx, Marble
Pair of Early 20th Century Bronze Roman-Style Urns
Located in Chicago, IL
A phenomenal pair of early 20th century French cast bronze Roman-style urns with volute handles decorated with goose heads, and a frieze in low-relief depic...
Category
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
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...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Large Italian Terra Cotta 'Grand Tour' Amphora c 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare large classicist 'Grand Tour' amphora in original untouched condition.
Made of terracotta with original polychrome Etruscan paintings on white chalk undercoat. On a square woode...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta, Wood
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...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Green & Blue Byzantium Ceramic Vase Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary
Located in London, GB
Bottega Vignoli, Byzantium vase, 2022, hand-painted maiolica fired in full-fire reduction firing 17cm x 37cm height. Unique piece.
Bottega Vignoli, based in Faenza—the historic ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
An Antique French 19th Century Bronze Warwick Urn
Located in London, GB
The vase is made of bronze and features a large, bell-shaped body adorned with intricate reliefs. Its design includes classical motifs such as Bacchic (related to Bacchus, the god o...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Antique life size Torso of Venus Marble Sculpture After the Ancient
Located in New York, NY
Large antique continental marble statue depicting the torso of Venus, after the ancient Roman work, the Venus de Milo, measuring 33 inches tall. Unsigned.
Category
19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Cappelletti Rapino di Chieti Abruzzi
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Eighteenth century Italian Lidded vase, from the Castelli Maiolica school, marked 'Cappelletti Rapino di Chieti Abruzzi' to the underside of the lid and near the base of the pot, the...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Majolica Pharmacy Jar
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 18th century Italian Majolica Polychrome Pharmacy Jar or Albarello, dated 1777. These jars were use in apothecaries to hold medicinal herbs, powders...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Italian Roman Sculpture of the David
Located in New York, NY
A classic Italian Roman statue of the 'David' on a black marble base by sculptor G. Ruggeri, Italy, circa mid-20th century, Italy. White resin statue is on a black marble base with t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Antique Handcrafted Terracotta Pitcher, Rustic Amphora Roman Style Clay Vessel
Located in Miami, FL
This charming clay pot is an excellent representation of Roman pottery, echoing the craftsmanship and aesthetic of ancient times. With its classic form and earthy clay composition, i...
Category
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Composition
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.
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
$1,006
Pair of Antique Garden Lions
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of French hand-carved antique garden stone lions are crouching and are made of stone.
The dimensions are for the slightly larger of th...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
$4,800 / set
19th Century Bronze of the Borghese Gladiator
Located in London, GB
Nineteenth century bronze of the Borghese Gladiator, Italian or French, mounted on a richly figured Convent Sienna marble base.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Siena Marble, Bronze
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Polished Roman Marble Head of a Satyr
Located in London, GB
This finely polished Roman marble head of a satyr is an impressive and characterful sculpture. Depicted with full, parted lips, with teeth visible in between, a pointed goat’s ear, t...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Giambologna "Mercury" Patinated Bronze
By Giambologna
Located in Astoria, NY
After Giambologna (Jean de Boulogne, Italian, 1529-1608) "Mercury" Patinated Bronze Sculpture, the god lacking his caduceus, on a later simulated marble base. 27" H x 8" W x 14" D.
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
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...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Carrara Marble
Late 20th Century Vintage Horse Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This bronze horse head sculpture features a strong, elongated form with expressive detailing in the mane and muzzle. The finish is aged with hints of patina, lending it a sense of ti...
Category
Late 20th Century American Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
A Roman Marble Sculpture of Hercules, Circa 1st / 2nd Century AD Ex Sotheby's
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Roman Marble Sculpture of Hercules, Circa 1st / 2nd Century AD
The sculpture is nude except for the draped Nemean lion skin.
Provenance: Sotheby's London, December 14, 1981, lot ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
$46,750 Sale Price
44% Off
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Stucco
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 ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta, Wood
Julius Caesar bust in white Carrara marble
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Antique Handcrafted Bronze & Brass Table Centerpiece / Fruit Bowl w Goat Sculpt.
Located in Lisse, NL
Exceptional 19th Century bronze and brass Tazza / Bowl with sculptural goats, great quality patina.
Every now and then, a piece emerges that truly captures the soul of 19th-century ...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Very nice Jaeger 8 days table clock. This is a Classic car clock, circa 1920s. It is mounted over a Classic Alfa Romeo small radiator. Fantastic piece of A...
Category
1920s Swiss Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
$1,800 Sale Price
28% Off
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
Terra Cotta “Wrestlers” after 3rd Century BCE Greek Sculpture
Located in Kent, CT
Grand scale terra cotta after the Roman marble Wrestlers sculpture at The Uffizi.
Wrestlers (also known as The Two Wrestlers, The Uffizi Wrestlers, o...
Category
19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Bronze Figure of Silenus, God of Wine
By Fonderia Sommer Napoli
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This 19th Century bronze figure of Silenus, God of wine, and tutor of Dionysus, is depicted wrestling a serpent. The serpent represented wisdom and eternal life to the Ancients. It i...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Ancient Classical Style Antique Iridescent Glass Bottle
Located in New York, NY
Antique classical style glass bottle on lucite stand
Lucite base holder Measures. 3.4" x 4.2" x 1.8"L.
Category
Mid-18th Century Unknown Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Pair of 19th Century French Cast Iron Medici Urns with Original Patina
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a patio, garden, or sunroom with this elegant pair of antique urns. Crafted in France circa 1850, each classical vase stands on a square base supporting a baluster-shaped pe...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
19th Century Bust – F. Aulde – Gilt Bronze – César
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant late 19th century gilt bronze bust of César, attributed to French maker F. Aulde. Executed in a neoclassical style, the bust represents a Roman figure—likely Julius Caesar—dr...
Category
1880s French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Ancient Wooden Wing on Iron Base
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
An angel lost a wing.. and I picked it up for Christmas time..
I cannot write the exact sizes of this wing because 1stdibs deletes every number.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Fruitwood
$568 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Handcrafted Bronze Table Centerpiece Bowl by F. Levillain & Barbedienne
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning French bronze tazza with wine & Bacchus theme, by Ferdinand LEVILLAIN (1837-1905).
Every time we find an antique of this extraordinary quality and beauty we wonder what p...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Nice Pair of 7ft Bronze Classical Maidens
Located in London, GB
Large Pair of Bronze Classical Maidens Holding A Urn
These originally were part of a Fountain
But could be used as Free Standing Sculptures and Wired to a Fountain
Category
20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Marble Statue
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
A large (almost life-sized) antique Carrara marble statue of a Roman legionary. Dressed in typical Roman soldier costume and with sword and shield in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
$47,773
Life Size Horse Head in Plaster on Pedestal
Located in Tilburg, NL
Wonderful large horse head in plaster. Big scale and great details and patina. The white plaster creates a beautiful interplay of light and shadows.
Shows great movement in the way the head is depicted. Reminiscent of equivalent plaster casts of horse heads from the Parthenon frieze...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster, Boxwood
Classical Roman decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, LAGU, F. Barbedienne Foundry, and Bottega Vignoli. 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 decorative objects 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 $2,800.
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