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
Ancient Roman Portrait Bust of a Man, 1st Century BC
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A portrait of Roman aristocrat executed in the Veristic style. From the Latin "verus" meaning truth, the practice represented everyday subjects with great realism often including signs of age with exacting detail. Wrinkles, furrowed brows, and moles are presented as signs of wisdom and power and suggest the philosophical and moral character of the sitter. With the ascent of Emperor Augustus, eternal youth again took center stage, and verism fell into disfavor. The style enjoyed a resurgence after Emperor Vespasian came to power in 69 AD, Italy, 1st century BC.
Provenance - the collection of Spanish fashion designer Elio Berhanyer...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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
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
Late 19th Century Bronze Bust of Ariadne F Barbedienne
Located in London, by appointment only
A French patinated bronze bust of Ariadne by F. Barbedienne foundry after the antique.
The fine 'reduction a colis' is after a model by Bertel Thorvaldsen (circa 1805-1810). This sole bust is often paired with a famous antique...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
Rare Antique Classical Roman Bronze & Glass Inkstand with Crystal Glass Inkwell
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish, rare and mint condition bronze, brass and glass desk piece.
This completely original inkstand dates from the late 19th century and it has a large number of striking Roman...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
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
Antique Carved Wood Classical Sculpture
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and very unusual antique sculpture, carved from solid wood. This looks like it is most likely Italian, it depicts an intimate scene from biblical times. It is hard to dat...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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 depicting a man and woman chasi...
Category
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassical Romanesque Bronze Female Form Sculptures with Marble Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous pair of antique golden cast bronze roman women on newly fabricated marble bases. They are hollow and the water jugs are open so they can be used to display an arrangement wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Italian Alabaster Group of Children Pushing a Cart
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This enchanting 19th century Italian carved Alabaster group of four putti playing whilst pushing and pulling a wooden cart, entitled; 'From the harvest'
By Prof; A. Petrill, Firenz...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
Pair of Antique Garden Lions
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of French hand-carved antique garden stone lions are crouching and are made of stone.
The dimensions are for the slightly larger of th...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Italian Marble Sculpture of Apollo
Located in London, GB
Italian marble sculpture of Apollo
Italian, 19th century
Measures: Height 64cm, width 61cm, depth 43cm
This large and fine carved marble ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Carrara Marble
Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Jewelry Dish in Gold and Green
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian porcelain dish by designer Richard Ginori with emerald green center and gold decorative edge detail, circa Mid-20th century or earlier, Italy. Colors include gree...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Large Antique Sculpted Marble Figure of Caesar Augustus
Located in London, GB
Large antique sculpted marble figure of Caesar Augustus
Italian, early 20th century
Measures: Height 186cm, width 118cm, depth 44cm
Known as the ‘Augustus of Prima Porta,’ the o...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
1970s Handcrafted Black Marquina Marble Table Centerpiece, Fruit Bowl or Planter
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and multi-purpose, Italian marble tazza or deep bowl in a Roman Classical style.
This remarkable centerpiece of classical beauty and elegance is one of the most striking an...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Italian Roman Sculpture of the 'David'
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Italian Roman statue of the 'David' by sculptor G. Ruggeri, circa mid-20th century, Italy. With maker's mark's and marked 'Italy' as show in im...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Resin
Antique Bronze Female Sculpture by Eugene Antoine Aizelin, 19th Century, France
Located in Montreal, QC
Exquisite bronze sculpture by Eugene Aizelin (French 1821-1902) featuring a strikingly beautiful statue of a female figure standing and reading a letter; set on plinth base. Dimensio...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Wonderful Midcentury Made Art Deco Style Carved Alabaster Column Pedestal Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderfully stylish and perfectly hand carved alabaster column for displaying a work of art.
This beautiful and classical pedestal on its oc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
Early 20th Century French Bronze Decorative Dish with Classical Roman Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique bronze centerpiece was crafted in France, circa 1920. The shallow dish sits on an intricate round base; the top is dec...
Category
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Classic Italian Roman Sculpture of the 'David' on Black Marble Base
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-20th century classic Italian Roman statue of the 'David' on a black marble base by sculptor G. Ruggeri, Italy. White resin statue is on a black marble base with tan veins. With...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Pair of Patinated Bronze Models of the Townley Vase Cast by Delafontaine
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine pair of patinated bronze models of the townley vase, cast after the antique, by Auguste-Maximilien Delafontaine.
The bronze stamped to the under...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Italian Bronze Wall Sculpture of Roman Warrior, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Whether this bronze wall plaque depicts a Roman Gladiator or Legionaire is uncertain. It was brought home from Rome in 1970 or 71. It is made from solid bronze that has a rich brown ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Porcelain Figurine of a Couple Playing Chess, Germany, Hand Painted
Located in Lantau, HK
A 19th century porcelain figurine of a couple paying chess, the gentleman kissing the lady’s hand.
Marked in under-glaze blue of a...
Category
19th Century German Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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
Bisque Porcelain Couple in Conversation, French, 19th Century
Located in Lantau, HK
A 19th century French bisque porcelain figurine of a couple seated and engaged in a conversation. The figurine is marked on back and ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Monumental Mid-20th Century Italian Ceramic Urn
Located in Chicago, IL
A fantastic monumental Italian mid-20th century tortoise shell glazed ceramic urn of classical form with a thick lip, fluted body, narrow foot, and two applied handles each with two ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Style Specimen Marble Busts of Caesars
Located in Charleston, SC
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
Pair of Medici Vases, Hand Painted Porcelain, French, 19th Century
Located in Lantau, HK
A pair of elegant vases finely painted with flowers and butterflies in brilliant colors, richly gilded on handles and base.
Shipping included
Free and fast delivery door to door ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
18th-19th Century Neoclassical Multi-Marble Bust of Roman Emperor Titus Domitian
Located in New York, NY
A striking late 18th-early 19th century bust of the Roman Emperor Titus Domitian. The head is made from hand carved white Carrara marble, the tunic and t...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble
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
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
Life-Size Carved Marble Allegorical sculpture of Hope
Located in Dallas, TX
Life-size carved marble allegorical sculpture of hope
circa 1900, unsigned, the woman wearing a Roman style gown and depicted perched on a cra...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers
Located in Lisse, NL
Tasteful and unique wooden wall clock with sculptural front.
The magnificent front of this midcentury era wall clock is entirely hand carved out of solid wood. It is difficult to se...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Large Scavo Vase Attributed to Rigattieri for Seguso
By Scavo Corroso, Vittorio Rigattieri
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
Antique Stone Lion Mask Pedestal
Located in Sheffield, MA
19th century English Romanesque antique stone pedestal has protruding lion mask carved on pedestal.
Base measurement: 9.25" x 9.25"
Top meas...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Large Antique NeoClassical Gold Color Bronze 6 arm Candle or Electric Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent quality and great looking, solid bronze chandelier.
If you are looking for a truly remarkable and highly decorative fixture then this stunning and large size candle chande...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Classic Chased Bronze Figure of Pan or Dancer on Carved Wood Base
Located in Miami, FL
Extremely detailed and finely chased 19th century bronze figure of pan in celebration or dance perhaps in Bacchanalia. Flutes, laurel scepter rais...
Category
19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Grand Faux Marble Urn Vessels, Pair
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Dramatic lightweight resin urn shaped vessels featuring a realistic hand-painted honed Carrara marble faux finish. Classically inspired modern shaped vases sit on top of detachable p...
Category
2010s Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Resin
1990s Bust of Roman General Hand Carved in Carrara White and Alicante Red Marble
Located in Marbella, ES
1990s bust of a Roman general, hand carved by craftsmen using Carrara white marble for the head and Alicante red for the toga, where the white and red contrast give movement and real...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Ancient Roman Bust
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
An ancient Roman marble bust of a male, dating to the 1st-2nd century AD.
Larger than life-size and depicting a male wearing a laurel wreath and milit...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
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
Stone, Marble
19th Century Continental Iron and Gilt Pedestal Birdbath or Fountain
Located in Dallas, TX
Large and impressive 19th century Continental iron and parcel gilt fountain or birdbath. Beautiful detail and quality.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Large Italian Glazed Terracotta Urn with Stylized Horse
By Urbino Workshop
Located in Houston, TX
Large Italian Glazed Terracotta Urn with stylized Horse.
Italian glazed terracotta Urbino Maiolica style urn or vessel in muted colors with wel...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Bronze figure of Augustus after Roman period original
Located in London, GB
Known as the ‘Augustus of Prima Porta,’ the original bronze version of this sculpture was created c. 20 BCE. That original has been lost since antiquity but is known today from a mar...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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 on the toga, where the white veins give movement and realism to the cloth. Si...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Antique Grand Tour Classical Bronze Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Antique Grand Tour classical bronze Roman figural sculpture with laurel crown.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Large & Stunning Early 1900s Roman Classical Alabaster Column Pedestal Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful antique column for displaying a work of art.
This beautiful and classical pedestal is perfect for showcasing an antique sculpture or bust. The slight wear, the shape and t...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
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
Gilt Bronze Statuette of the Belvedere Antinous, Italian, 19th Century
Located in Kensington, MD
The gilt bronze figure of Antinous is mounted on a circular gilt bronze socle set on an hexagonal gilt bronze plinth attached to a wood base.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Carved Italian Alabaster Sculpture of a Maiden at the Well, circa 1900
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved Italian Alabaster sculpture of a maiden at the water fountain
Italy, circa 1900.
Depicting a young maiden leaning on a decora...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
Large Marble Grouping of "Cupid and Psyche" after A. Canova, Signed C. Lapini
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent and large carved Italian Carrara marble grouping of "Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss", Modeled After Antonio Canova, signed Cesare Lapini. The subjects are shown to be m...
Category
1870s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
1990s Bust of Roman Hand Carved using Different Carrara and Alicante Marbles
Located in Marbella, ES
1990s bust of a Roman, hand carved by craftsmen using Carrara white marble for the head, Arabescato for the main toga body and Alicante red for the arms, where the veining provide re...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian 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.
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