Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
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
Roman Carved Marble Torso in Military Dress, circa 2nd-3rd Century
Located in Austin, TX
A well carved Roman marble figure of a male in military dress, late Roman Period, circa 2nd-3rd century.
The figure portrayed dressed in military att...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
Antique Roman Bronze Rare Architects Geometrical Compass/Divider 3.AD
Located in Doha, QA
Extremely rare and one of a kind ancient Roman bronze geometrical compass/divider. It is in an excellent condition for its age. The Compass is displayed on a dark marble block with a...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Roman Empire Domitian Coin circa 76-77 AD Set in Gold with Diamond Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
An authentic Roman Empire, Domitian (circa 76-77 AD), silver Denarius coin, minted in Rome, set in a custom 22-karat gold bezel with 22-karat gold bail with gold bead and diamond acc...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Chess Game Set - Pietra Dura Marble 19th Century Italy
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning chessboard in Pietra Dura marble produced in Italy in the mid 19th century. The chessboard is framed with a wooden frame. The chess pieces are made in metal and are probab...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
Antique Roman Gladiator Short Sword 1.AD with Bronze Teardrop Terminal Belt
Located in Doha, QA
This Roman Gladiator short sword is an absolutely outstanding and unique example of an ancient Roman Pompeian Gladius Sword from 1. AD. There were three ty...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze, Iron
A Collection of 4 Ancient Roman Bronze Coin 200-300 AD Collectible Object
Located in Wembley, GB
A collection of 4 nice original ancient large bronze Roman coins. Could be emperor Caracalla dating from circa.200-300 AD. Shows nice detail, imagine all the places these coins have ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Bronze
C Plinii Caecilii Secundi Epistolae Et Panegyricus, 1712
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a very rare and ‘old’ antiquarian book, C Plinii Caecilii Secundi Epistolae et Panegyricus dated 1712.
Published by Johannus Minellii in 1712.
Covered and bound in v...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Leonardo Da Vinci The Complete Paintings Hardcover Coffee Table Book
By Leonardo da Vinci
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Leonardo da Vinci. The Complete Paintings.
Book by Pietro Marani
Da Vinci in detail: Leonardo's life and work all paintings.
One of the most fully ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Group of Ancient Roman Bronze Tools & Hair Pins
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine group of ancient Roman bronze implements and artifacts.
Consisting of pins & several small scale tools.
From the private collection of Lawrence Majewski, who was a former co...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Antique Knight Saint Carved Statue Figure St. George Soldier Medieval Armor Oak
Located in Tyler, TX
Rare Tall Carved Oak Statue Figure~~Medieval Knight or Saint with Armor~~St. George~~c. late 18th or early 19th century
HIGHLY CARVED~~notice the details~~St. George, a Christian saint who was a soldier in the Roman army...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Italian 14-Karat Gold and Black Onyx Roman Armorial Intaglio Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Italy, a pair of 14-karat gold framed earrings with black onyx cabochons, beads, and carved armorial intaglios. Posted with backs.
The upper ...
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Onyx, Gold
Roman Carved Marble Torso in Military Dress, circa 2nd-3rd Century
Located in Austin, TX
A well carved Roman marble figure of a male in military dress, late Roman Period, circa 2nd-3rd century.
The figure portrayed dressed in military att...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Roman Bronze Ring – 1st Century AD
Located in Madrid, ES
An interesting Roman ring from the 1st century AD, cast in bronze and decorated with an engraved motif of two fish facing each other, a common symbol in the ancient world, associated...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Roman Bronze Phallic Amulet, 1st–2nd Century AD
Located in Madrid, ES
A finely cast Roman bronze phallic amulet from the 1st to 2nd century AD, this diminutive yet powerful artifact embodies the deeply rooted Roman tradition of apotropaic symbolism. Kn...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Pope Francis and the New Vatican Draper, Robert Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pope Francis and the New Vatican Draper, Robert hardcover book
Title: Pope Francis and the New Vatican
Publisher: National Geographic
Publication Date: 2015
Binding: Hardcover
Book condition: Very good
Dust jacket condition: Dust jacket included
Synopsis:
National Geographic goes behind-the-scenes of the new papacy with unprecedented, exclusive access to Pope Francis. Embedded with the Pope inside the Vatican for 6 months, award-winning photographer David Yoder captures intimate moments in never-before-seen photographs presented here for the first time--including in the Sistine Chapel with the Pope alone on Christmas Day. These extraordinary images reveal the majesty and splendor of the Vatican alongside the humbleness of the man changing it--a compelling juxtaposition. The pontiff's public life and personal crusades are exposed as never before, as well as the inner workings of the Vatican--a uniquely powerful state.
Complementary essays by acclaimed journalist and author Robert Draper--drawn from interviews around the world with many who had never spoken publicly before--insightfully cover Pope Francis's personal story, his journey to the papacy, and the heart of his ministry. The book also features a timeline, maps, and Pope Francis's most inspiring words...
Category
2010s Italian Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The Story of Jewelry 1st ED. 1973 by J. Anderson Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Story of Jewelry 1973 by J. Anderson. Introduction by Edward Lucie-Smith Black Hardcover Book.
Translate from Italian. J. Anderson Black - Storia dei gioielli
English text.
Documents jewelry's history from the primitive ornaments of prehistoric times to the abstract simplicity of modern design.
This book offers a unique way of exploring the world of vintage jewelry for experts, newcomers, and anyone with an interest in the topic. Every piece of jewelry tells a story. Each chapter is centered around a particular piece of jewelry and the way in which it is emblematic: a previous owner, an exemplary design or dominant material. From an array of historic pieces...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Roman Empire Domitian Coin circa 76-77 AD Set in Gold with Diamond Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
An authentic Roman Empire, Domitian (circa 76-77 AD), silver Denarius coin, minted in Rome, set in a custom 22-karat gold bezel with 22-karat gold bail with gold bead and diamond acc...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
World of Bernini 1598-1680 by Robert Wallace Hardcover Book in Sleeve
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The World of Bernini. 1598-1680. Wallace, Robert Published by Time-Life Books., New York, 1973.
Beautiful and Collectible Vintage 1973 Hardback Time Life Library of Art “The World o...
Category
Late 20th Century American Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Balsamarium shaped as a Bust of a Black Boy - Roman, 1st – 2nd Century AD
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Balsamarium shaped as a Bust of a Black Boy
Bronze, silver inlaid eyes and lips, Roman, 1st – 2nd Century AD
Provenance:
Private London Collection formed 1965-1975
H 10 cm (4 in...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Bronze
Roman Bronze Phallic Amulet, 1st–2nd Century AD
Located in Madrid, ES
Authentic Roman bronze amulet, dating between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, at the height of the Roman Empire. This piece has a beautiful natural patina that attests to its age and a...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
World of Michelangelo 1475-1564 by Robert Coughlan Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The world of Michelangelo 1475-1564
by Robert Coughlan and The Editors of Time-Life Books Published by Time Incorporated, New York, NY, 1966.
Title: The World of Michelangelo 1475-1564
Publisher: Time Incorporated, New York, NY
Publication Date: 1968
Binding: Hardcover with slipcover
Condition: good
Edition: Time-Life Library of Art.
Beautiful and Collectible Vintage 1968 Hardback Time Life Library of Art “The World of Michelangelo” Book...
Category
Mid-20th Century Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
"Canon of the Five Orders of Architecture" by Iacomo Barozzio Da Vignola
Located in Miami, FL
The clarity and ease of use of Vignola's treatise caused it to become in succeeding centuries the most published book in architectural history.
This book was first published in 1562....
Category
16th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Parchment Paper
Michelangelo by William E. Wallace The Complete Sculpture Painting and Architect
By Michelangelo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Michelangelo by William E. Wallace Hardcover Table Book The Complete Sculpture Painting and Architecture.
Easton Press Oversized Hardcover Book 1998.
With an engaging text by renowned Michelangelo scholar William E. Wallace, "Michelangelo: The Complete Sculpture, Painting, Architecture" brings together in one exquisite volume the powerful sculptures, the awe-inspiring paintings, and the classical architectural works of one of the greatest artists of all time. Including everything from his sculptures Pietas and David to his beautiful paintings of the Sistine Chapel and the Doni Tondo, the book provides an opportunity to view Michelangelo s work as never before, and to more fully understand the artist who, through his work, spoke of his life and times. The frescoes are specially printed on onion skin paper...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Monumental Giallo Siena marble model of the Temple of Vespasian
Located in London, GB
Massive Siena yellow marble model of the Temple of Vespasian 64-79 AD
Giant grand tour souvenir.
Rome early-to-mid-19th Century.
Dimensions: H: 37.4''/95 cm, W: 20.1''/51 cm, D:...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Siena Marble
Antique Italian Micromosaic Plaque Depicting the Capitoline Doves
Located in London, GB
This Fine, circular micromosaic plaque shows four doves drinking water from a golden bowl, upon which they perch. The Classical design for the mosaic is taken from one found in the Roman Emperor Hadrian's villa in the 2nd century AD. Hadrian's mosaic, which was on the floor as is traditional, was probably based on a design by Sosus of Pergamon, a Greek master artist. Known as the Capitoline Doves...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Vintage Brass & Copper Sun Clock Armillary Sun Dial on Wooden Base, German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative sculpture statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of brass, copper, wrought iron and a wooden base. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany...
Category
1960s German Vintage Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Roman Bronze Rare Architects Geometrical Compass/Divider 3.AD
Located in Doha, QA
Extremely rare and one of a kind ancient Roman bronze geometrical compass/divider. It is in an excellent condition for its age. The Compass is displayed on a dark marble block with a...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Sotheby's Antiquities Catalog Benzian Collection of Ancient Glass, July 1994
Located in Stamford, CT
Sotheby's auction catalog of the exceptional Benzian Collection of Ancient Roman and Islamic Glass. An invaluable reference for the collector, scholar or anyone interested in the most delicate and beautiful of antiquities, ancient glass...
Category
20th Century English Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Venetian Villas Michelangelo Muraro by Paolo Marton
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Venetian Villas Hardcover by Michelangelo Muraro (Author), Paolo Marton (Photographer).
Large heavy beautiful hardcover coffee table book.
A meticulously detailed survey of nearly 80...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Late 18th Century Micromosaic with Parrot on a branch. From a Model by G.Raffael
By Giacomo Raffaelli
Located in Paris, FR
Large micro-mosaic plate representing a parrot on a branch. From a model by Giacomo Raffaelli. The quality and shape of the shards of this micromosai...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Art Glass, Cut Glass
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Leonardo Da Vinci Hardcover Book by Patrice Boussel
By Leonardo da Vinci
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Leonardo Da Vinci Hardcover Book by Patrice Boussel.
Discusses Leonardo the man and painter, provides an analysis of his thinking as revealed in his...
Category
20th Century French Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Roman Bronze Amulet, 1st–2nd Century AD
Located in Madrid, ES
Authentic Roman bronze amulet, dating between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, at the height of the Roman Empire. This piece has a beautiful natural patina that attests to its age and a...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Rare Roman Bronze Phallic Amulet, 1st–2nd Century AD
Located in Madrid, ES
An exceptional example of ancient Roman craftsmanship, this rare bronze amulet dates to the height of the Roman Empire, circa 1st–2nd century AD. Cast in solid bronze with a striking...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Collectibles and Curiosities
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fruitwood
Classical Roman collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Leonardo da Vinci, and Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $41,444 while the average work can sell for $1,664.