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Classical Roman Decorative Objects

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

During Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D., Pompeii and Herculaneum in today’s Italy were preserved as they were on the day of their destruction. Particularly at Herculaneum, furnishings were carbonized beneath volcanic ash. This was pivotal to understanding how Classical Roman furniture was designed. Archaeological investigations and printed reproductions of discoveries would influence styles evoking this ancient civilization, from the Renaissance to neoclassicism.

While knowledge of Classical Roman furniture comes from rare surviving pieces, it is also derived from frescoes and sculptures portraying Roman life. Much of Roman art, architecture and design was informed by Greece — Roman architect, military engineer and writer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, whose timeless De architectura is taught in contemporary architecture classes and pays tribute to classical architecture, visited Greece while working under Julius Caesar and admired the country’s architectural developments. The Roman solium references the Greek thronos, a stately chair of honor with an upright form and footstool. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe and into North Africa and Western Asia, the expansion of trade for silver, silk, marble and wood allowed for more luxurious designs.

Classical Roman furniture was made from bronze, wood and stone — in particular, marble — with ornate touches like tortoiseshell veneers, bone and glass inlays and claw feet. Ornaments depicting lion heads and mythological figures were sculpted from silver, bronze and ivory. Compared to the decorative attention given to the mosaic floors and wall paintings, however, furniture for even a wealthy house was minimal. It focused on the necessities for guests arriving for both socializing and business and the rooms housing family, relatives and enslaved people.

The triclinium dining room had banquet couches, items so prized they were sometimes interred with the deceased. Tall bronze or terracotta candelabras held oil lamps for lighting. Carved marble tables reflected status, while the lararium home shrine demonstrated faith.

Find a collection of Classical Roman decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Classical Roman
Octavian Augustus bust in clear handmade ceramic made in Italy
Octavian Augustus bust in clear handmade ceramic made in Italy

Octavian Augustus bust in clear handmade ceramic made in Italy

By Laboratorio Todini

Located in Tarquinia, IT

Augustus, Octavian Augustus bust, Sculpture, emperor bust, Octavian bust, Augustus bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, refractory clay bust, sculptur...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Head Julius Caesar  carved on white Carrara marble-made in Italy
Head Julius Caesar  carved on white Carrara marble-made in Italy

Head Julius Caesar carved on white Carrara marble-made in Italy

By Laboratorio Todini

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

Vintage Bronze Soilder Statue - Set of 2
Vintage Bronze Soilder Statue - Set of 2

Vintage Bronze Soilder Statue - Set of 2

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This pair of cast metal knight figures exudes old-world grandeur, each standing tall in intricately detailed armor with a raised flag bearing a heraldic crest. Their mirrored stances...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

17th Century, Italian Ancient Carved Stone Bust of Roman Emperor
17th Century, Italian Ancient Carved Stone Bust of Roman Emperor

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

Bust Julius Caesar carved on  white and cipolin marble -made in Italy
Bust Julius Caesar carved on  white and cipolin marble -made in Italy

Bust Julius Caesar carved on white and cipolin marble -made in Italy

By Laboratorio Todini

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

Classic antique style cup -turned in white Carrara marble -made Italy
Classic antique style cup -turned in white Carrara marble -made Italy

Classic antique style cup -turned in white Carrara marble -made Italy

By Laboratorio Todini

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 Marble Sculpture of a Dog, Circa 1900
Italian Marble Sculpture of a Dog, Circa 1900

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

Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder Medium Statue
Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder Medium Statue

Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder Medium Statue

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

Salviati Miniature Glass Tazza
Salviati Miniature Glass Tazza

Salviati Miniature Glass Tazza

By Antonio Salviati

Located in New York, NY

In 19th-century Venice, glassmaking studios were pokey little family affairs. The craft was passed on from father to son, and conducted in a studio, with an assistant or two, and per...

Category

1880s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Max DeMoss 1987 Bronze Figurative Abstract Sculpture
Max DeMoss 1987 Bronze Figurative Abstract Sculpture

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

Italian Mid-Nineteenth Century Bronze Bust of Lucius Verus
Italian Mid-Nineteenth Century Bronze Bust of Lucius Verus

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

Vintage Boho Plaster Bust of Man
Vintage Boho Plaster Bust of Man

Vintage Boho Plaster Bust of Man

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Introduce a touch of old-world grandeur to your home with this striking vintage neoclassical bust. Inspired by classical Greco-Roman sculpture, this piece features a serene visage cr...

Category

Late 20th Century American Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster, Paint

Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder 4.2" Small Museum Replica
Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder 4.2" Small Museum Replica

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

1990s Bust of Roman Hand Carved in Carrara White and Alicante Red Marble
1990s Bust of Roman Hand Carved in Carrara White and Alicante Red Marble

1990s Bust of Roman Hand Carved in Carrara White and Alicante Red Marble

Located in Marbella, ES

1990s bust of a Roman, hand carved by craftsmen using Carrara white marble for the head and Alicante red for the toga, where the white veins give movement and realism to the cloth. S...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Antique Patinated Bronze Figure of Roman Emperor by Mathurin Moreau
Antique Patinated Bronze Figure of Roman Emperor by Mathurin Moreau

Antique Patinated Bronze Figure of Roman Emperor by Mathurin Moreau

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

Pair of molossi dogs in green marble Alps
Pair of molossi dogs in green marble Alps

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

Mid-Century French Polished Iron Bust of Young "Bacchante" Female
Mid-Century French Polished Iron Bust of Young "Bacchante" Female

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

Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder, 'Medium', Museum Replica
Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder, 'Medium', Museum Replica

Eros on Dolphin Made with Compressed Marble Powder, 'Medium', 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 the Eros bust is exhibited in the Ephesus Museum. The most important sculptures in world history are brought to your living spaces by lagu's special selection, using the best materials. Decorative sculpture is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Sculptures, busts, columns and reliefs, the originals of which are in various museums, are made with the technique of casting under vacuum with marble powder from the mold in accordance with the original. *The deformation and aging found in the original works are directly transferred to the works. *The Ephesus Museum is a museum located in the Ancient City of Ephesus and exhibits Ancient Greek and Roman artifacts. The museum was established in the ancient city of Ephesus in Izmir, with the aim of preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the ancient city. The Ephesus Museum displays artifacts from various periods, including Ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, ancient marble statues...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

A fine 19th century French signed bronze of Victory. Parcel gilt details .
A fine 19th century French signed bronze of Victory. Parcel gilt details .

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

Bacchus, Plaster Statue, France, circa 1930
Bacchus, Plaster Statue, France, circa 1930

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

Sculpture Bust Roman Emperor White and Red Marble
Sculpture Bust Roman Emperor White and Red Marble

Sculpture Bust Roman Emperor White and Red Marble

Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma

The sculpture realized by a Roman sculptor as from the Roman academy tradition, is carved with two marbles. Gaius Iulius Caesare formally known as Cesare was a Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

19th Century Roman Obelisks Red and Green Marble
19th Century Roman Obelisks Red and Green Marble

19th Century Roman Obelisks Red and Green Marble

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

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

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Gilt Bronze Model of Ceres
Gilt Bronze Model of Ceres

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

1990s Bust of Roman General Hand Carved in Carrara White and Alicante Red Marble
1990s Bust of Roman General Hand Carved in Carrara White and Alicante Red Marble

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

Fine Large 19th Century Continental Bronze Bust Depicting a Roman Dignitary
Fine Large 19th Century Continental Bronze Bust Depicting a Roman Dignitary

Fine Large 19th Century Continental Bronze Bust Depicting a Roman Dignitary

Located in Dallas, TX

Fine Continental Roman style bronze bust, late 19th century, depicting a curly haired and bearded young man wearing classical drapery pinned on his l...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

An Italian Cast 19th Century Bronze Group Mother & Children Titled "La Tempête"
An Italian Cast 19th Century Bronze Group Mother & Children Titled "La Tempête"

An Italian Cast 19th Century Bronze Group Mother & Children Titled "La Tempête"

By Mathurin Moreau

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Fine Italian Cast 19th Century Bronze Group Titled "La Tempête" (The Tempest) Probably after Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822–1912), Cast by The Alessandro Nelli Foundry in Rome. The ...

Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Bronze Putti Sculptures on Siena Marble Base, Italy, 1880
Antique Bronze Putti Sculptures on Siena Marble Base, Italy, 1880

Antique Bronze Putti Sculptures on Siena Marble Base, Italy, 1880

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

19th Century Italian Alabaster Group of Children Pushing a Cart
19th Century Italian Alabaster Group of Children Pushing a Cart

19th Century Italian Alabaster Group of Children Pushing a Cart

By Aristide Petrilli

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, Firenze....

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster

Bust of Carrera Marble and Honey Onyx
Bust of Carrera Marble and Honey Onyx

Bust of Carrera Marble and Honey Onyx

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Bust Roman Emperor, carrara marble and honey onyx.

Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Marble

19th Century Young Emperor Bust
19th Century Young Emperor Bust

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

Women In The Antique, Bronzes, XIXth Century
Women In The Antique, Bronzes, XIXth Century

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

Antique Carved Wood Classical Sculpture
Antique Carved Wood Classical Sculpture

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

French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra
French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra

French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu and green marble clock garniture. Having a pair of four branch candelabra with classical busts to t...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Roman travertine cup classic style -made in Italy
Roman travertine cup classic style -made in Italy

Roman travertine cup classic style -made in Italy

By Laboratorio Todini

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

Pair of Antique Decorative Bronze Roman Busts on Columns
Pair of Antique Decorative Bronze Roman Busts on Columns

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

Decorative Ceramic Bowl, Alexandre Kostanda, France c. 1948
Decorative Ceramic Bowl, Alexandre Kostanda, France c. 1948

Decorative Ceramic Bowl, Alexandre Kostanda, France c. 1948

By Alexandre Kostanda

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

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.