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
sculpture of Roman woman with tunic and stole in white Carrara marble- made Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Roman woman sculpture, marble sculpture, Roman matron sculpture, Roman matron sculpture with tunic and stole
carved on white Carrara marble
original sculpture made in Italy
The weigh...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Japanese 1920s Enamel and Brass Jardiniere
Located in London, GB
This is a very decorative jardiniere, made in Japan in the 1920s.
We would recommend this is used for indoor plants and not placed outside - a great u...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
$1,233 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Set Of Venetian Bronze Door Handles On Wooden Stands
Located in Bradenton, FL
Set of four 17th century Venetian bronze door handles, set on ebonized wooden stands. Each handle is a original of a bronze bust of an ancient Italian man affixed to a square wooden ...
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Craved Rock Crystal Figure of Venus, 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful carved and polished small rock crystal figure of Venus, probably Italy, carved after the antique, early to mid-20th century.
The nak...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
Antique Diskobolos Sculpture of Alabaster and Marble
By G. Ruggeri
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
Pair of Gilt Patinated Metal Ecclesiastical Style Candleholders, circa 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
A unique pair of gilt ormolu patinated metal candleholders in the ecclesiastical style.
Good antique condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
$1,102 Sale Price
30% Off
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 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
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.
...
Category
1940s French Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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
Roman Style Solid Marble Bust
Located in Countryside, 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
Herma Adriano scolpita su marmo biancoCarrara, bust rouge France base bardiglio
Located in Tarquinia, IT
busto Adriano, marmo Adriano, herma Adriano, busto scolpito made in Italy.
herma imperatore Adriano.
testa scolpita su bianco carrara
busto scolpito su Rosso Francia
base tornita in ...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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
$450 / set
Bust Apollon
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful glazed terracotta bust of Apollon. This beautiful and elegant off-white bust made in Spain around the 50’s will be a prominent element of your dec...
Category
20th Century Spanish Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
$842
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 Julius Caesar carved on white and cipolin marble -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, emperor bust, Caesar bust, Julius Caesar bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient sculpture,...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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
$8,569 Sale Price
20% Off
Roman Style Gesso over Plaster Carved Head of Jupiter on Circular Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Roman style gesso over plaster carved head of the god Jupiter on circular base. Emanating the grandeur of ancient Rome, this verist representation of the god Jupiter, intricately c...
Category
19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Gesso, Plaster
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
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
Antique Golden Frame
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Antique, rich, perfect giltwood frame, suitable for painting or mirror.
It's not necessary an ornamental frieze to place on top, but I have it (on request).
The top part looks darker...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Fruitwood
$2,166
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
A Roman White Marble Statue of Dancing Satyr, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Roman White Marble Statue of Dancing Satyr, 19th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection.
Description:
In the Grand Tour Style, the figure with only the trunk remaining...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Tiffany Studios Bronze Italian Style Urn “From the Antique” Series early 1900s
Located in Glenford, NY
Rare Very Fine Tiffany Studios Classical Roman Style Urn. Made in approximately 1908 as part of their “From the Antique” series. The series number is S113 and 1609 is marked on the ...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Collection of Italian Specimen Marble Spheres on Stands
Located in Hudson, NY
This three-piece grouping of specimen marble spheres can be sold as the group or as a pair ( the left and right are a pair or as a single in the middle) and a single. The marble is ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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
Well-Carved Pair of Italian Romanesque Style Gray Painted Wooden Masks now Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
A well-carved and stylized pair of Italian Romanesque style gray painted wooden masks now mounted as lamps; each bearded face surrounded by thick curl...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Classic antique style cup -turned in white Carrara marble -made Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Marble bowl, antique classical bowl, sculpture, marble, marble furniture, marble fruit bowl, white marble bowl, Carrara marble bowl, classical bowl.
Classical-style cup hand-turned o...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
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
Decorative Ceramic Bowl, Alexandre Kostanda, France c. 1948
Located in St Ouen, FR
Massive bowl with polychrome glazes and antique decoration.
Born to Russian parents Alexandre Kostanda very quickly tried his hand at ceramics when his parents settled in Vallauris ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Women In The Antique, Bronzes, XIXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Antique women, two brown patina bronzes of women standing in draped dresses
Wooden bases
Patina wear (traces of old gilding)
19th century
price for the set
Height 30 and 28cm
D...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Italian Carved Marble Bust of Eros . Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian hand carved marble bust of Eros with cloak & quivers. Eros signifies the god of love. Early 19th Century
Category
1820s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Vintage Round Roman Style Swirl Planter (Set of 2)
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Our set of 2 vintage round roman style swirl planters are a classic yet unique pot design that showcases a graceful swirl pattern, reminiscent of roman aes...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Cement
Italian Mid-Nineteenth Century Bronze Bust of Lucius Verus
Located in London, GB
Italian mid-nineteenth century bronze bust of Lucius Verus, circa 1860-1870, on circular waisted socle.
Lucius Verus ruled Rome alongside Marcus Aureli...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
German Figural Young Roman Bronze Mounted on Rouge Marble Base, Circa 1885
By Fritz Heinemann
Located in Charleston, SC
German figural bronze of young roman mounted on a circular squared rouge marble base, Late 19th century. Signed by sculptor Fritz Heinemann, Roma.
Category
1880s German Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
toriginal plaster head representing EL DANTE, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
original plaster head representing EL DANTE, circa 1900
Category
Early 20th Century European Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Bisque Porcelain a Stature of Boy and Girl Reading a Book, French, 19th Century
Located in Lantau, HK
A 19th century French bisque sculpture of a stature of boy and girl reading a book.
Biscuit porcelain with indistinct signature to base 'LIARD',
Shipping included
Free and fa...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
19th Century Young Emperor Bust
Located in Roma, IT
19th century bronze bust of young emperor.
This object is shipped from Italy. Under existing legislation, any object in Italy created over 70 years ago by an artist who has died re...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$857 Sale Price
25% Off
Antique Roman Bronze Statue of Diana - 60cm
Located in Buxton, GB
This exquisite sculpture depicts Diane the Huntress in all her glory, after Houdon. The beautiful bronze sculpture taken from the famous marble masterpiece by J Houden, exhibited at ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
17th Century, Italian Ancient Carved Stone Bust of Roman Emperor
Located in IT
17th century, Italian ancient carved stone bust of Roman Emperor
Measures: H 33 (with base) H 28.5 (sculpture only) x 25 x 7 cm.
The ancient bust, in ...
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Stone
Maestro Imperio Rossi, Vintage Murano Millefiori Art Glass Vase, 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Dimensions:
Height 18-3/4 inches
Diameter 8-3/4 inches
Found in the middle section of the vase’ neck, there is a round glass medallion with letter “m”, indented into it for Maestro Imperio Rossi...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Antique North African Red Slip Ware Vase
Located in Katonah, NY
Antique handmade African red slip ware vase. Circa 300-600 CE (AD), this beautiful handmade piece red slip ware pottery was handmade in North Africa. This pi...
Category
15th Century and Earlier North African Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
White Carrara marble sculpture of Hannah and Samuel by F. Andrei. Inv. E.
Located in New York, NY
Depicting Hannah with draping robes holding Samuel in her left arm and placing a donation in a trunk with an engraved Menorah to its front, signed 'F. Andrei. Inv. E. Scolp. Roma 186...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara 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
Venus Medici, Head in Carrara White Marble, Late 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Venus medici - head in carrara white marble.
Late 19th century
Measures: Height 36 cm
Width 20 cm
Depth 19 cm
Weight 15 kg
Maximum projection 44 cm
Statue base 12 x 10 cm
Place where...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Mid-Century French Polished Iron Bust of Young "Bacchante" Female
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a shell or wine cellar with this elegant bust. Hand crafted in France circa 1970, and built of iron, the bust sits on an attached round base, and depicts a young female "Bac...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Italian Marble Sculpture of a Dog, Circa 1900
Located in Nantucket, MA
The antique sculpture portrays a mastiff, sitting upright in an attentive pose with ears cocked, head canted, and mouth open. Hand carved from a block of green marble, unsigned. The...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
$1,706 Sale Price
25% Off
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
Bronze Figure of Cupid, a Goose Under His Arm
Located in Montreal, QC
A figure of a nude, winged boy (Cupid), carrying a goose under his left arm. The source for this sculpture is a two-foot high bronze fountain figure...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Eros on Dolphin Sculpture, Made with Compressed Marble Powder 7.1" (Large)
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Eros, who is considered the god of love in Greek mythology, also appears as a savior. It is not only a symbol of love, but also of everlasting creative reproduction. The original of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
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
A fine 19th century French signed bronze of Victory. Parcel gilt details .
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century French bronze depicting Victory. Signed with beautiful details and parcel gilt sword and wreath.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
A fine pair of late 19th century Alabaster and marble Roman dignitary busts
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of late 19th century to early 20th century Italian alabaster and black Belgian marble busts of Roman dignitaries. Hand carved and fine detail
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster, Belgian Black Marble
Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder, 'Medium'
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Eros, who is considered the god of love in Greek mythology, also appears as a savior. It is not only a symbol of love, but also of everlasting creative reproduction. The original of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder 4.2" (Small), Museum Replica
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Eros, who is considered the god of love in Greek mythology, also appears as a savior. It is not only a symbol of love, but also of everlasting creative reproduction. The original of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Marble Roman relief representing a Christogram
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Marble Roman relief representing a Christogram
Roman relief - 4th century
25 x 22 x 8 cm
Provenance :
Collection of the Château de B. À Nevers by Georges C.S., scholar born in 1833 and deceased in 1909
The entire castle and its collections were acquired in 1938 by the current owners of the estate
A christogram is a monogram or combination of letters that forms an abreviation for the name of Jesus Christ.
This rare fragment combines chi (X) and rho (P), the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek and it is one of the oldest and most popular early christian symbol. The monogram of Christ, or chrismon, is also a powerful symbol of imperial victory: it appeared to Emperor Constantine the Great before his battle against Maxentius in ad 312, promising victory in the name of Christ. In Plato's Timaeus, it is explained that the two bands which form the "world soul" (anima mundi...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
$3,533 Sale Price
30% Off
Pair of molossi dogs in green marble Alps
Located in Milano, IT
The pair consists of two reproductions that can be traced back to the Grand Tour period, thus between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, of a Molosso marble sculpture of Roman o...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
$3,610 / set
Venus Bust Wall Plaque in Plaster
Located in Buxton, GB
This beautiful antique sculpture depicts the Roman goddess Venus and is a true masterpiece of art. The sculpture is a large, life-size bust made of high-quality plaster and was prod...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Pair of 19th Century Cast Iron Female Figures Holding Pestle and Mortar
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A pair of 19th century cast iron female figures holding pestle and mortar.
A lovely pair of figures, they are very heavy each of the figures is holding ...
Category
1860s Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Pair Grand Tour Busts on Stands Bronze Jupiter Juno, 1820
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Highly collectable pair of bronze Grand Tour busts on stands in the classical manner
The busts each depict the Roman Gods Jupiter (male) and Ju...
Category
1820s 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.