Classical Roman Religious Items
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
Late Roman/Byzantine Jewish Amber Color Glass Amulet with Menorah
Located in New York, NY
Late Roman to Early Byzantine, ca. 300 to 500 CE. A rare and beautiful amulet of a generally circular form with a flat bottom, a raised periphery, and an integral suspension loop, mo...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Israeli Antique Classical Roman Religious Items
Materials
Glass
Antique Italian Holy Water Font with Brass Relief and Candle Holders
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A gorgeous antique Italian holy water font created from wood and brass. The back of the font features brass decorations depicting the stations of the cross. At the center, Christ's c...
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Religious Items
Materials
Brass
Antique Bronze Bell with Original Clapper
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Italian antique bronze bell: may be a Nautical Bell or a Church bell because it was recovered in the Mediterranean sea in front of Genoa many years ago. ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Religious Items
Materials
Bronze
Late 18th Century German Parcel-Gilt Silver Torah Pointer
Located in New York, NY
A late 18th century continental parcel-gilt silver Torah pointer made in Germany. This magnificent torah pointer is shaped in a tapered spiral form. At one end of the pointer, a beautifully designed gilt hand, while at the other a small dome engraved “Philip Salomons Esqr." The dome tip has a linked chain, facilitating its grip. The ring of the pointer is marked with maker's mark VM, and an illegible town mark.
Provenance
Philip Salomons (1796-1867), sold at his death to
Reuben David Sassoon...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Classical Roman Religious Items
Materials
Silver
Roman Cross – 4th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
An extraordinary Roman cross dating from around the 4th century AD, corresponding to the period of the late Roman Empire and the beginnings of official Christianity after the Edict o...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Religious Items
Materials
Bronze
Calvary XVIIth Century, Religious
Located in Madrid, ES
Calvary XVIIth century, religious
17th Century Calvary, religious Ancient Calvary from the 17th century carved in boxwood Boxwood is characterized by its hardness and difficult pruning. It has traces of polychromy and gold. Measure: 65x45...
Category
1670s European Antique Classical Roman Religious Items
Materials
Fruitwood
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Classical Roman religious items for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman religious items for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage religious items created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman religious items made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 religious items differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $900 and tops out at $23,500 while the average work can sell for $1,760.