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Classical Roman Benches

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
Cast Bronze Bench with Walnut Slat Seat, somewhat concave
Cast Bronze Bench with Walnut Slat Seat, somewhat concave

Cast Bronze Bench with Walnut Slat Seat, somewhat concave

$1,650

Cast Bronze Bench with Walnut Slat Seat, somewhat concave

Located in San Francisco, CA

This is a very stylish cast bronze bench, sculptural as well as functional. The bronze is mottled, the wood shows a few minor scratches, otherwise the bench is in great condition.

Category

1990s American Classical Roman Benches

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Bronze

Silvered Carved Wood Curule-Form Bench, Europe, Early 20th Century
Silvered Carved Wood Curule-Form Bench, Europe, Early 20th Century

Silvered Carved Wood Curule-Form Bench, Europe, Early 20th Century

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Silvered Carved Wood Curule-Form Bench, Europe, Early 20th Century

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An elegant and sculptural antique curule-form bench, crafted in Europe in the early 20th century and inspired by classical Roman and Renaissance seating forms. The bench is distingui...

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Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Benches

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Silver Leaf

Antique English wooden bench / hall bench from the early 18th century
Antique English wooden bench / hall bench from the early 18th century

Antique English wooden bench / hall bench from the early 18th century

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Antique English wooden bench / hall bench from the early 18th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful antique English wooden bench and hall bench dates from the early 18th century and features lovely warm tones and fine details. Lovers of a charming and warm interior ...

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Early 18th Century Antique Classical Roman Benches

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Pair Of 19th Century Italian Iron And Leather Benches
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Pair Of 19th Century Italian Iron And Leather Benches

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Pair of 19th century Italian iron and leather benches. Offered is a handsome pair of Italian wrought iron curule benches or ottomans with beautifully distressed leather seats. These ...

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19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Benches

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Classical Roman benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with iron, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and Italy 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $770 and tops out at $1,854 while the average work can sell for $1,312.

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