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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
Icarus Statue on Stone Fragment
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Well rendered depiction of Icarus, in brown stained terracotta on an angular stone base. Statue is signed but it is difficult to interpret the signature. It appears to be "Faffa Ales...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Pair of Antique Cast Plaster Corbels
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of antique cast corbels are hollow and are secured with iron horizontal bars. Can be hung for display or use as brackets for shelving. Also will work well for bookends.
Category

19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Antique Roman style Fragment of a life size Marble Woman’s sculpture
Located in Doha, QA
The bottom of a life size marble woman’s sculpture, Roman Empire ,- a woman foot with the toes. A very decorative piece and part of the Roman Empire history. It’s rested for display...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Collection of Roman Numerals
Located in London, England
Cast metal Roman numerals. Circa 1900 H 8cm x W 5cm x D 3cm
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Marble Sculpture Bust Of Emperor Julius Caesar After The Antique Grand Tour
Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma
The sculpture realized by a Roman sculptor as from the Roman academy tradition, is carved with white marble. The sculpture represents the face of a young Julius Caesar, Julius Caesar formally known as Caesar was a Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic...
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Bronze figure of Augustus after Roman period original
Located in London, GB
Known as the ‘Augustus of Prima Porta,’ the original bronze version of this sculpture was created c. 20 BCE. That original has been lost since antiquity but is known today from a mar...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

After the Antique, Grand Tour Bronze of Aristotle
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.
Category

1850s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Large Stone Bust of Julius Ceasar
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very good stone bust of Julius Ceasar, hollow inside and in overall very good condition. 24" high 25" wiide 15" depth You are welcome to view this item at our showroom, please p...
Category

20th Century English Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Cast Stone

Life Size 19th Century Italian White Marble Sculpture Titled "The Wrestlers"
Located in Tarzana, CA
This exceptional 19th century Italian hand carved marble group titled: 'The Wrestlers' was carved after a Greek original of the 3rd century BCE. This impressive statue depicts two na...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

Head large Julius Caesar carved on white Carrara marble - made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Julius Caesar sculpture, Caesar head sculpture, Sculpture, Male head, classical art, Greek art, Julius Caesar art , white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, Portrait head of Juliu...
Category

1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Antique Diskobolos Sculpture of Alabaster and Marble
Located in Buxton, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Sculpture of Diskobolos The sculpture is carved from Alabaster with a Marble Base Signed - G.Ruggeri Circa 1950 - 1970 Italian Origin Dimens...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Marble inkwell Souvenir of the Grand Tour Rome late 18th century
Located in Pistoia, IT
Capital-shaped white marble inkwell, souvenir of the Grand Tour, Roman workshop, late 18th century. Rome was considered the stop par excellence of the Grand Tour, as it represente...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

19th Century Continental Iron and Gilt Pedestal Birdbath or Fountain
Located in Dallas, TX
Large and impressive 19th century Continental iron and parcel gilt fountain or birdbath. Beautiful detail and quality.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Antique French Bronze of The Wounded Amazon by the Barbedienne Foundry
Located in London, GB
An antique French bronze model of the Wounded Amazon by Barbedienne, mid-nineteenth century, with rich brown patina, stamped to the base.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical Romanesque Bronze Female Form Sculptures with Marble Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous pair of antique golden cast bronze roman women on newly fabricated marble bases. They are hollow and the water jugs are open so they can be used to display an arrangement wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Roman Style Solid Marble Bust
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Roman style solid marble bust This bust measures: 15 wide x 10 deep x 23 inches high This piece is in Great Vintage Condition with minor marks,...
Category

20th Century American Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Antique Italian Micro-Mosaic Plaque Depicting the Pantheon in Rome
Located in London, GB
This exquisite antique Italian micro-mosaic plaque depicts the Piazza della Rotunda in Rome, with the Pantheon at its centre. The portrayal is particularly important, as it shows the...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Classical female torso carved on imperial Bardiglio marble -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, Female torso, classical art, Greek art, Torso, Bardiglio gray marble, classical sculpture, ancient torso, venus torso Female torso carved on beautiful imperial Bardiglio m...
Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Vase made of marble Breccia Princess h 60 cm with lid
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Vase, Urn , Medicean Vase , Marble Urn , Furnishing Vase, Chalice , cup, Classic Vase, Roman Vase, Cinerary Urn. Lathe-turned Breccia Marble Princess vase complete with lid and drill...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Carrara Marble Head In Antique Style
Located in Charmes, FR
18th century or older sculpted marble head? mounted on a contemporary iron base in good condition
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

Extremely Rare Roman Glass Fragment with Iridescent Patina – 1st–4th Century AD
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A remarkable and rare fragment of ancient Roman glass, dating from the 1st to 4th century AD. The glass is preserved in excellent condition and displays a stunning natural iridescent...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Large Imperial Black Porphyry specimen
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Rare and Large Imperial Black Porphyry architectural fragment partially polished, 23,5 x 15 x 12 cm Porfido Nero is a rare Black Variety of Imperial Porphyry from Gebel Dokhan (th...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Porphyry

Swedish Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950
Located in Bronx, NY
Sweden, 1950s ceramic vase by Gunnar Nylund, for Rörstrand in quartz green excellent condition and signed on the bottom.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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...
Category

1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Plaster Skinned Anatomical Figure, circa 1900s, Ellegible Signature
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Plaster Skinned Anatomical Figure, circa 1900s, Ellegible Signature
Category

Early 20th Century Andorran Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Antique Italian Wood Frieze on Plexi Base
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
This antique italian wood frieze, hand carved and named "half a palm", still has traces of lacquer, silver and gold, almost erased by time. It can also be the base of a lamp. ref. ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Cast Stone Corbels
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Classical style figural cast stone corbels. Each depicting a child supporting a shepherds shelf with garland swags. Dimensions: Height 48", width...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Cast Stone

Large Antique NeoClassical Gold Color Bronze 6 arm Candle or Electric Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent quality and great looking, solid bronze chandelier. If you are looking for a truly remarkable and highly decorative fixture then this stunning and large size candle chande...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Statue With Warrior on Horseback
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This dramatic sculpture depicts a triumphant mounted figure mid-charge, rendered in a weathered gray finish that echoes aged bronze. With one hand raised in victory and the other com...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Turned and Polished Set of Two 16" Tall Granite Urns / Planters
Located in Toledo, OH
Set of two 16" granite turned and polished planters / urns in shades of rose and gray. Slightly different in shape and opening size but work well together. Very good condition, ready...
Category

20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite

Sculpture in Polychrome Wood Representing Saint Marguerite, 18th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture in polychrome wood representing Saint Marguerite, 18th century. Sculpture of Saint Marguerite in carved wood and polychrome wood, France, 18th century. H: 54cm, W: 22cm, D...
Category

18th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Sculpture Bust Stone Brutus
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
After the antique. This bust conveys the character of Brutus his courage, strength, power, nobility, honour and conviction. Measures: height 34cm., 13.5" diameter 20cm., 8" Fashioned after the c1539 statue of Brutus by Michelangelo, Bargello Museum in Florence. Marcus Junius Brutus Caepio (c.85-42): Roman politician, murderer of Gaius Julius Caesar and one of the last defenders of the republic. Marcus Junius Brutus is one of the great names of Roman history. Central to the notorious conspiracy that resulted in the assassination of the dictator Julius Caesar on the Ides of March 44 BC, Brutus gave brief hope to those who longed for the restoration of republican government. Yet by August of the same year he was on his way from Italy to the Greek east; a little over two years later he had committed suicide in the face of defeat at the hands of Mark Antony...
Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Cast Stone

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Serpentine Marble Fluted Column, Circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Serpentine Marble Fluted Column, Circa 1880
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

After Niccolo Roccatagliata Ceres Bronze Sculpture
By Niccolo Roccatagliata
Located in Astoria, NY
After Niccolo Roccatagliata (Italian, born Genoa, active 1593-1636) Ceres, or Demeter, Patinated Bronze Sculpture, depicting the goddess of harvest upholding sheath of wheat. 10" H ...
Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Porcelain Candelabra
Located in Lantau, HK
Decorative with figures followers in relief. Porcelain hand painted, marked and the engraving 4611 12. Minor chips Shipping included Free and fast delivery door to door by air...
Category

19th Century German Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Italian Male Bust Sculptures Grand Tour
Located in New York, NY
A set of three (3) Italian male sculpture busts by R. Santini, in the classical Roman or Grand Tour design style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. This set of busts could be used for a library, office, etc., on a shelf, table, etc. Marked on bottom as shown in images. Dimensions L to R: Nerone: 4.63" Width x 6" Height Augusto: 4.13" Width x 5.75" Height Traiano: 4.63" Width x 6.19" Height Italian table, search ref. #: LU1314231162942 (SOLD.) For Corinthian capitol columns...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition

Red & White 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

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

Small Classical Roman Cast Bronze Putto Statue
Located in Sheffield, MA
A 7 3/4" high petite statue of a young male figure sculpture on 3" x 3" stand -- this 19th century Italian bronze putto is partially covered with a cloth ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Roman travertine cup classic style -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Travertine cup, antique classical cup, sculpture, marble, marble furniture, marble fruit holder, white marble cup, marble cup , Roman travertine cup ,Carrara, classical cup. Classica...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Bronze Laurel Wreath
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Some years ago I found this bronze laurel wreath: I liked it, I bought and placed it on a beautiful marble head. ref. O/6843.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Laurel Wreath
Bronze Laurel Wreath
$578 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Nineteenth Century Italian Bronze Sculptures of Creugas and Damoxenes
Located in London, GB
Mid-nineteenth century Italian bronze sculptures of Creugas and Damoxenes after the eighteenth century original 'I Pugilatori' by Antonio Canova, set atop serpentine columns. Creuga...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Serpentine, Bronze

Bust of Mark Anthony
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Well-figured decorative composition/resin bust of Roman Emperor.
Category

Late 20th Century British Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Bronze Statue Of Emperor Augustus, Roman Imperial Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This bronze statue is a figurative sculpture representing a ruler from the roman empire, inspired by classical depictions of emperor Augustus. Shown in a balanced contrapposto stance...
Category

2010s French Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Roman Lion's Protome - Gallo-Roman, 2nd century AD/3rd century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Roman Lion's Protome Sandstone Gallo-Roman, 2nd century AD - 3rd century Provenance : Private Collection Prof. Giesen (Konstanz on Bodensee), pré 1945 Most likely from the Chateau a...
Category

15th Century and Earlier German Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandstone

Calvary XVIIth Century, Religious
Located in Madrid, ES
Calvary XVIIth century, religious 17th Century Calvary, religious Ancient Calvary from the 17th century carved in boxwood Boxwood is characterized by its hardness and difficult pruning. It has traces of polychromy and gold. Measure: 65x45...
Category

1670s European Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Pair of 19th Century French Weathered Iron Campana Form Garden Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a backyard or a patio with this elegant pair of classical Roman antique urns. Crafted in France circa 1850, each vase stands on a square base with pedestal over a gadrooned ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Antique Plaster Bust of Homer After Hellenistic Work of Antiquity
Located in Kent, CT
An antique plaster bust of Homer, modeled after a Hellenistic prototype from antiquity. The sculptural form captures the poet’s deeply set eyes, furrowed brow, and flowing beard with...
Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

19th Century Carved Marble Portrait of a Woman
Located in Basildon, GB
19th Century Carved Marble Portrait of a Woman. Carved of reddish-brown coloured marble, shown in classical style, inserted into a bust of alabaster and fitted with a socle of dark g...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Bacchus, Plaster Statue, France, circa 1930
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful old plaster statue, in the neoclassical spirit, representing young Bacchus. France, National Museums molding workshop, circa 1930.
Category

1930s French Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Marble Head of an Elderly Man, likely Roman
Located in Greding, DE
Fragmentary Roman male head depicting an elderly man with a receding hairline, pronounced eyebrows, strong cheek structure, and deep facial wrinkles. Traces of original polychromy re...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Marble

19th Century French Bronze Tazza Dish by Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A Roman-classical style decorative bowl, cast in bronze, brown patinated finish. This antique coupe is signed by Ferdinand Barbedienne (France, 1810-1892). In the center a depiction ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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.