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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
Giara in argento 800 massiccio in stile "pompeiano"
Located in VALENZA, IT
Grande giara in argento massiccio 800. La forma è tonda e panciuta nella parte centrale mentre si stringe più nettamente verso la "bocca" del vaso. Sul corpo sono stati eseguiti sba...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

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

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

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

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

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

19th Century Italian Carrara Marble Bust of the Albani Faun
Located in London, GB
Antique Marble Bust of a Faun, Antique Marble Bust of a Satyr, Antique Marble Sculpture, Antique Marble Statue, Gothic Antique Sculpture. Antique Italian Marble Bust of a Faun or Sa...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mid-19th Century French Bronze Figure of the Borghese Gladiator
Located in London, GB
A French bronze figure of the Borghese Gladiator, mid-19th century, cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, after the antique. Base dimensions: 34.5cm...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ochre Millefiori Glass Plate by Ercole Moretti
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An intricately detailed glass dish by Ercole Moretti with close-packed complex millefiori glass mosaic beads. The millefiori (or murrini) technique ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass

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

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

Medusa on trapezoid with griffin carved from carrara marble -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Original white Carrara marble sculpture. Sculpture of Head of Medusa type Rondanini placed on trapezoid with griffin and capital inspired by the model of Giustiniani collection, Torl...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Bust Apollo With Drapery, Statue Julio-Claudian Dynasty Style, Roman Empire
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Apollo with drapery statue is a faithful reproduction of an imperial family member from the reign of Augustus. This Julio-Claudian dynasty fragment stands out for its contrappos...
Category

2010s French Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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

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

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

17th Century Spanish Faux Marble Cassetta Frame
Located in New York, NY
Handcarved and parcel-gilt Cassetta frame with deep red panels and faux marble segments in sea green.
Category

Mid-17th Century European Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

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...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage 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

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

Pair of 19th Century Cast Lead Cupids from a Municipal Fountain
By Fiske Or Mott
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of cast lead cupids, originally part of a grand public fountain, now destroyed. The seated cupids hold a wine goblet in one hand, and a cluster of grapes on the other. ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Lead

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...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Italian Neoclassical Style Specimen Marble Busts of Caesars
Located in Richmond, VA
Incredible hand carved 19th century Italian specimen marble busts of Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. The life like faces are impeccably carved in...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

19th Century Ebonized Plaster Bust of Marcus Tulles Cicero
Located in Stamford, CT
A Bust of Marcus Tulles Cicero, Roman Consul in 63 B.C. completed in ebonized plaster, circa 1880. Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, lawyer and philosopher, who served as consul in the year 63 BC. He came from a wealthy municipal family of the Roman equestrian order, and is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists. (Wikipedia) Provenance: Collection of Brigadier General Alfred Douglas Miller...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

19th Century Roman Obelisks Red and Green Marble
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Roman Obelisks Red and Green Marble Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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.