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
17th Century Italian Carrara Marble Bust of Classical Roman
Located in Houston, TX
17th century Italian carrara marble bust of a Classical Roman.
Finely carved Classical Roman Carrara marble bust sculpture from the 17th ce...
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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
A Large Terracotta Statue of Discobolus, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Large Terracotta Statue of Discobolus, 19th Century
A Terracotta statue of the classical Greek 'Discobolus" by Myron. This particular figure is modelled after the 2nd century Roma...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
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
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
Head 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
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
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
Large Scavo Vase Attributed to Rigattieri for Seguso
By Vittorio Rigattieri, Scavo Corroso
Located in New York, NY
Scavo, Corroso bottle of Classical Roman form, produced in the 1980s by Seguso. This example is in perfect condition, unsigned.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
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 Eleonora Duse Attributable Sculptor Arrigo Minerbi Villa Callas Sirmione
By Arrigo Minerbi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Bust of Eleonora Duse attributable to the sculptor Arrigo Minerbi, from Villa Callas Sirmione of Giovanni Battista Meneghini.
Bust obtained from stone o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Set of Four Mid-19th Century French Weathered Painted Iron Medici Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant set of four 19th-century Medici vases were crafted in France circa 1860 and reflect the timeless grandeur of classical garden design. Made from cast iron, each vessel fe...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Italian 17th Century Pair Decorative Torchères Hand-Carved Walnut Giltwood
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian precious original 17th century pair of decorative columns , Torchères, hand-carved walnut gold leaf covered, on a tripod base.
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
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
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
Mid-century vintage plaster figural wall sculpture
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century vintage plaster figural wall sculpture. This wall sculpture is made of plaster with a venetian finish the surface of the p...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
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
Coppia di busti in Ceramica chiara- G. Cesare e Adriano imperatori-made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Giulio Cesare, Adriano busto, Scultura, busto imperatore, Busto Giulio Cesare, busto imperatore Augusto, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, busto cre...
Category
Early 2000s European Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
A Plaster Bust of Seneca
Located in Atlanta, GA
Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger, usually known as Seneca, was a Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome, a statesman, dramatist, and in one work, satirist, from the pos...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
$1,560
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
$1,181 Sale Price
25% Off
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
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
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
Italian Glazed Ceramic Bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica
By Santa Monica
Located in Houston, TX
Italian glazed ceramic bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica.
Italian ceramic bust of a Classical Roman with unusual iridescent glaze, marked Santa M...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Large Roman Neoclassical Plaster Foot of Hercules
Located in Houston, TX
Unusually large and well detailed neoclassical Roman plaster foot sculpture of Hercules. This vintage Italian academic plaster foot sculpture wo...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Small Antique 1900s Solid Brass Apothecary Mortars and Pestles - Set of 2
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 2 very cool heavy brass (?) antique mortar and pestles. Actually one may be brass and one copper, judging from the green aging tinge inside. They are not a matched set but ver...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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
"Diana, Hunting and Moon Goddess" - Antique Biscuit Porcelain Sculpture, 1800s
Located in Skien, NO
LARGE SIZE - Extraordinary art sculpture, figurine group, statue in primitive antique biscuit Porcelain from 1800s. RARE collectible centerpiece.
Title: "Diana, Hunting and Moon God...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
French Patinated Bronze Bust of the Greek Hero Ajax, circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
Grand Tour French, patinated bronze bust of the Greek hero/mythological warrior Ajax (Menelaus) on a socle base, circa 1880. Ajax wears a helmet with batt...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
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
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
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
$8,500 Sale Price
20% Off
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Fir Green Cement Handmade
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Category
2010s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Concrete, Metal
Byzantium Vase Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary 21st Century Majoilica
Located in London, GB
Byzantium Vase 2024, full-fire reduction faience earthenware (majolica) 28 cm diameter x 36 cm height hand painted unique piece.
Bottega Vignoli is a brand of artistic ceramics ba...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
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
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
Sculpture of Aphrodite in plaster, wax and carbon black-Alessandro La Motta
By A. Manzoni
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
Aphrodite: Timeless Elegance and Charm
This magnificent sculpture of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, is an artistic creation that combines technical mastery and deep aestheti...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Gesso
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
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
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
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
$2,149
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
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
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
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
Pompei Moon Jar Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary 21st Century Majoilica
Located in London, GB
Pompei moon jar, 2024, full-fire reduction faience earthenware (majolica) 30 cm diameter, hand painted unique piece.
Bottega Vignoli is a brand of artistic ceramics based in Faenza, one of the most representative ceramic production centres in Italy. Founded in 1976 by sisters Saura and Ivana, Bottega Vignoli stands out for its limited production, accurate details and skilful experimentation resulting in stunning unique and one of a kind pieces. Their style is immediately recognizable and expressly follows the path...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
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
Gilt Bronze Model of Ceres
Located in London, GB
A gilt bronze model of Ceres, Roman goddess of agriculture, modeled seated holding torch aloft in one hand and with a sheaf of wheat in the other, on plin...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Pair of Grand Tour Bronze Putti
Located in Montreal, QC
This charming young couple evoke summer in Italy. She with a bill hook and branch with fruiting vine, and her companion with a sheaf of wheat over his shoulder. Each is well modelled...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$2,200 / set
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Antique Decorative Bronze Roman Busts on Columns
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Miniature Bronzes of Roman Busts
On Marmore Nero Columns
In the Manner of Georges Servant
After the original models exhibited at the Paris ex...
Category
19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Classical Faux Marble Roundel with a Mask
Located in London, by appointment only
An extremely well-made copy of a classical mask after the antique, the face shown in high relief within a dished background and a border of Greek Key with discs to the four sides. No...
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Resin
Max DeMoss 1987 Bronze Figurative Abstract Sculpture
By Max DeMoss
Located in Oceanside, US
This sculpture presents a dynamic and emotive scene, likely crafted in bronze, depicting three figures interacting with a horse in a dramatic, fragmented style. The composition evoke...
Category
1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$1,120 Sale Price
20% Off
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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