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
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
Petite Bronze Etruscan Reproduction Sculpture 1970s Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
A small Etruscan bronze statue circa the 1970s made in Italy mounted in a black stone base the base shows a crack and repair it can easily be replaced...
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Antique Roman / Etruscan Style Statue
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique Roman / Etruscan style pottery partial statue. Robed figure in draped fabric. Measures: 7.5 inches in height. Exact age unknown, the pieces in t...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Lions Pair of Sculpture Marble Italian 13th Century Romanesque
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare, pair of 13th century, Romanesque, marble, recumbent lions
Recumbent lions were popular in 11th-13th century Italian architecture with pairs ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique 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
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
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
Antique Grand Tour Classical Bronze Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Antique Grand Tour classical cast bronze Roman figural sculpture with laurel crown.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Matching Pair of Handcarved Italian Alabaster Horses
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a lovely matching pair of handcarved Italian Alabaster horses.
Mid 20th century circa 1960.
Pair of hand-carved horses that look like ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
Female Torso in Cast Stone Karl Springer Ltd
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This cast stone female torso was purchased in 1983 from the Karl Springer showroom in 1983. We have the original receipt for the purchase which where the torso was displayed in Honol...
Category
1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Cast Stone
Early 20th Century Bronze Bust of David, Désiré Weygers
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An antique brown patinated bronze bust depicting the mythical David after Michelangelo's masterpiece displayed in the Museum of Florence. The ...
Category
Early 1900s Belgian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Siena Marble, Bronze
Testa di Medusa - gorgone mitologia greca - made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Testa di medusa, la gorgone più famosa della mitologia greca.
Realizzato con impasto di polvere di marmo e resina poliestere, detto marmo ricostituito.
dall'aspetto , molto simile al...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Composition
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 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
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
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
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
L. F. Jørgensen, Denmark, Impressive Terracotta Sculpture of Roman Warrior
Located in Copenhagen, DK
L. F. Jørgensen, Denmark, a large and impressive terracotta sculpture of a Roman warrior with a shield.
Early 20th century.
In excellent condition with minor signs of use.
Marked....
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
19th century grand tour classical Italian bronze compote
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a late 19th century Italian neo classical bronze compote. This classical bronze compote has ornate claw feet and mythical figures on either side of the bowl with rings. This ...
Category
1870s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
Alabaster Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Urban Art Home, offered is an amber-colored alabaster bud vase crafted in Tuscany, Italy.
It measures approximately 8.25" in width, and is 5.125" tall, has an upper rim...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
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
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
Alabaster Pedestal Bowl
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is an amber-colored chiseled alabaster pedestal bowl designed exclusively for Urban Art Home and made by an artisan in Italy.
The bowl measures 23" in diameter, has a round...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
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
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
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
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
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
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
Antique Patinated Bronze Figure of Roman Emperor by Mathurin Moreau
Located in London, GB
This fine, full length figure is modelled in the contrapposto pose, a position originating from ancient Greek Classical sculpture. The visual arts uses the term 'contrapposto' to des...
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Horse head walking -fragment- white marble from carrara -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, horse sculpture, marble horse, carrara marble sculpture, sculpture made in Italy.
Sculpture of a fragment of an incedent horse in the march
Resting on a basalt and iron b...
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
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
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 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 Large Patinated Bronze Figure of a Draped Religious Women Titled: Antifonh
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine 19th century French patinated bronze figure of a standing draped classical woman with a wreath to her hair holding an urn.
Titled: Antifonh
Measures:
Height 41.5" (105.4 cm)...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
Large Pair of Hand-Carved Medici Style Marble Urns
Located in Southall, GB
A highly decorative and imposing pair of marble hand-carved urns. Depicting a classical scene including dogs and winged figures which make up the middle section of the urn, with exqu...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique 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
Large Antique Rare Frieze in Gilded Wood
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Large antique rare frieze in gilded wood: wonderful! Rare to find.
It can gather two large tents in the center or become an elegant applique lamp...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Fruitwood
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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