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.
Original Antique Print of The Temple of Baalbek, Lebanon. C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek Fine steel engraving after W.H Bartlett Published by Jackson C.1850 Unframed. Free shipping
Paper
Original Antique Print of Roman Temple of Artemis, Jerash, Jordan, C.1840
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Artemis Fine steel engraving Published Circa 1840 Unframed. .
Paper
Set of Three Framed Prints Depicting Greek Apulian Red-Figure Pottery
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set of three framed prints depicting Greek glassical red-figure pottery. Left print: Marked: T.XV. - "In Miis. Vaticano - Depicting Apulian Red-Figure bell krater...
Wood, Paper
Pair of Large Scale Original Antique Architectural Prints, Circa 1790
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful pair of architectural prints. Copper-plate engravings by J.Newton after designs by Vetruvius Published C.1790 Unframed and not matted.
Paper
Original Antique Print of the Temple of Baalbek, Lebanon. Dated 1834
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek. Fine steel engraving after J.W Callcott Published by Murray, Dated 1834 Unframed.
Paper
Bacchus and Ariadne, early 18th Century mythological tapestry
Located in London, GB
Bacchus and Ariadne, early 18th Century mythological tapestry Flemish, early 18th Century Width 428cm, depth 276cm, height 2cm The tapestry is rec...
Tapestry
$2,120Sale Price|28% Off
Italian Mosaic Tile Wall Plaque or Table Top of a Centurion in Wood Carved Frame
Located in Plainview, NY
A Mid Century Italian Mosaic Tile Wall Plaque or Table Top of a Centurion in Wood Carved Frame. The palatial micro mosaic tile wall art shows a centurion standing tall and holding h...
Wood
Gold Frame Portrait Medallions of the Seven Caesars
Located in New York, NY
These oval medallions, sold individually, feature profile portraits of seven Roman Caesars rendered in low relief against a textured background. Each medallion is inscribed with the ...
Resin
Ceramic glazed mask -Satyr_made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Satyr, ceramic satyr, ceramic maskerone Glazed satyr maskerone -wall maskerone - hand molded on refractory ceramic, decorated , glazed dimensions: h 29 x 18 x 9 cm kg 1.4 original c...
Ceramic
Pair 18th Century French Neoclassical Hand-Carved Painted Wall Sconces, Corbels
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 18th century French neoclassical hand-carved and painted wall sconces ~ Corbels were sculpted from solid oak and feature a timeless classical scroll festooned with acanthus flou...
Oak
Decorative Art Tile, Roger Capron for Marazzi, Italy c. 1980
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Unique decoration on earthenware made to order by the Artist for the famous Italian decorative ceramics firm Marazzi. We offer a total of 3 tiles from this series of extremely rare u...
Earthenware
Decorative Art Tile, Roger Capron for Marazzi, Italy c. 1980
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Unique decoration on earthenware made to order by the Artist for the famous Italian decorative ceramics firm Marazzi. We offer a total of 3 tiles from this series of extremely rare u...
Earthenware
Decorative Art Tile, Roger Capron for Marazzi, Italy c. 1980
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Unique decoration on earthenware made to order by the Artist for the famous Italian decorative ceramics firm Marazzi. We offer a total of 3 tiles from this series of extremely rare u...
Earthenware
$655Sale Price|44% Off
Antique Neoclassical Religious Painting, Italian, 19th Century, Framed
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
19th Century Antique Religious Painting Antique, neoclassical paintin from the 19th century. It retakes Bernardo Strozzi work "Annunziazione fata dal...
Wood, Paper
French Academic Drawing of a Classical Roman
Located in Houston, TX
French academic drawing of a classical Roman. This handsome framed French drawing of a classical Roman figure was created by a talented artist ...
Paper
$3,596Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century Framed Italian Prints of Pisa by Engraver Antonio Verico
By Raffaello Morghen
Located in Savannah, GA
Three detailed colored prints by Antonio Verico. Born in 1775, he was a master of chalcography, the art of engraving on copper plates. He worked in Rome and Florence, carving on drawings by various authors, with a technique close to that of Raffaello Morghen...
Glass, Walnut, Paper
$1,400Sale Price|37% Off
Micro Mosaic Tile Wall Plaque or Table Top of a Seated Woman in Wood Frame
Located in Plainview, NY
A palatial micro mosaic tile wall plaque of a seated woman holding a goblet in an antiquated wood frame. The wood frame is beautifully carved and the tile alignments of the tiles are...
Wood
Carlo Uboldi, Marble Relief of Boys Playing with a Donkey, 19th Century
Located in London, by appointment only
A very fine mid 19th-century Italian carved Carrera statuary marble relief plaque of four boys playing with a donkey. Mounted on a bronze stand. ...
Marble
19th C. Saints Paul and Thomas Oil on Panel Painting Pair
Located in New York, NY
A compelling pair of 19th century ecclesiastical oil paintings on panel, depicting Saint Paul and Saint Thomas, rendered in rich, devotional tones. These portraits capture the solemn...
Fruitwood, Giltwood, Paint
Pair of Italian Capodimonte Painted Porcelain Plaques
By Capodimonte
Located in London, GB
Each Capodimonte porcelain plaque in this pair portrays a famous episode from Roman history: The Rape of the Sabines. The scene on each pl...
Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze
$25,995Sale Price|42% Off
H 132 in W 96 in D 0.05 in
17th Century French Aubusson Mythological Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
A French Aubusson mythological tapestry from the 17th century, depicting the Spartan king, Menelaus, seated at left, sending his brother...
Wool
Original Antique Print of Men's Fashion, circa 1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Der Moderne Kleidermacher XII'. German fashion print, published circa 1900. Four men showing various outfits (incl. long jackets/coats), all wearing hats.
Paper
$54,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 90 in W 146 in D 0.05 in
Antique 18th Century Franco-Flemish Mythological Tapestry, with Diana & Callisto
Located in New York, NY
An antique Franco-Flemish mythological tapestry from the 18th century, featuring the goddess of the hunt, Diana with her attendant, Callisto. In this sultry scene, Diana reposes on a...
Wool, Silk
$35,000
H 107 in W 97 in D 1 in
Antique 18th Century French Aubusson Verdure Landscape Tapestry with Birds
Located in New York, NY
French, 18th century Verdure Aubusson tapestry handwoven in wool with silk highlights set within a complete floral border. Two birds wade a...
Wool, Silk, Tapestry
Antique Print of Cangue or Tcha Punishment in China, '1834'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'La Cangué - Pieds de Dames - Le Tcha'. Three views on one sheet depicting cangue or tcha punishment and feet of Chinese ladies. Th...
Paper
Late 17th Century Flemish Mythological Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
A Flemish (possibly Antwerp) mythological tapestry from the “Story of Achilles” series, woven in the second half of the 17th century, envisioning a scene in which Achilles’ mother, T...
Wool
$38,450Sale Price|48% Off
H 128 in W 130 in D 0.25 in
Franco-Flemish 18th Century Figural Tapestry Allegorical to "Triumph & Love"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine baroque Franco-Flemish 18th century figural tapestry allegorical to triumph and love, depicting three maidens within a verdure backgro...
Wool
$6,895Sale Price|30% Off
H 100.25 in W 37.25 in D 0.13 in
Flemish 18th-19th Century Verdure Landscape Tapestry Panel Centered with a Tree
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine flemish 18th-19th century Verdure landscape tapestry, the wool and silk tapestry centered by a scene of a tall tree within a forest background and a foliage border. Circa: 180...
Wool, Silk
18th Century Tapestry Fragment
Located in New York, NY
Mid 18th century european Tapestry Fragment. Measures: 1'9'' wide x 2'10'' long. Tapestries make integral part of the Flemish cultural heritage. Most of the tapestries have religious, mythological and historical subjects as well as hunting and harvest scenes. They are known for their high quality and extended use of colors. The oldest ones were made in the 13th century. The most important production centers were Doornik and Arras. These two centers got a lot of assignments of the Dukes of Burgundy. In the 14th century tapestries...
Wool
$29,850Sale Price|37% Off
H 114.25 in W 152 in D 0.5 in
Large Flemish 17th-18th Century Baroque Pictorial Tapestry "the Royal Garden"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large Flemish 17th-18th century baroque pictorial tapestry "The Royal Garden". The large tapestry depicting an allegorical park-scene of R...
Wool, Silk
17th Century Brussels Mythological Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
A Brussels mythological tapestry from the first half of the 17th century, woven by Peter van den Berghen, depicting an interior scene from the st...
Wool
$49,850Sale Price|47% Off
H 103 in W 163 in D 0.13 in
Large Flemish 17th-18th Century Baroque Figural Tapestry "A Royal Courtship"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and large flemish 17th-18th century Baroque figural tapestry "A Royal Courtship" depicting an allegorical courting scene of a young princess meeting her prince at the watchful eye of a mesmerized queen standing behind her. A young girl supports the princess' dress train...
Wool
Painted and Carved Vintage Wood Swag Architectural Wall Ornament
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage carved and painted wood swag. This carved wood architectural ornament features two circular rings at either far end, with a long swap wrapped through each ring. The swag is...
Wood
Sold
H 8.25 in W 10.75 in D 0.07 in
Original Antique Print of The Temple of Baalbek, Lebanon. Dated 1838
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek Fine steel engraving after W.H Bartlett Published by Fisher. Dated 1838 Unframed. Free shipping
Paper
Portrait Medallions of Two Caesars
Located in New York, NY
These oval medallions, sold individually, feature profile portraits of two Roman Caesars rendered in low relief against a textured background. Each medallion is inscribed with the su...
Resin
Sold
H 12.6 in W 15.75 in D 0.79 in
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Straw Painting / Marquetry on Wood, around 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
This exquisite 19th-century Italian Grand Tour straw painting, or marquetry on wood, dates to around 1880. A remarkable example of fine craftsmanship, it features meticulously arrang...
Straw, Pine
Original Antique Print of the Temple of Baalbek, Lebanon. C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek. Fine steel engraving after J.W Callcott Published by Fullarton C.1850 Unframed.
Paper
Sold
H 6 in W 9 in D 0.07 in
Original Antique Print of the Temple of Baalbek Gate, Lebanon. Dated 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek gate Fine steel engraving by Finden after C.Stanfield Published by Murray. Dated 1835 Unframed.
Paper
Sold
H 11.75 in W 11.75 in D 2.25 in
Pair of Watercolor Paintings in the style of Pompeian Wall or Ceiling Decoration
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., an unusual pair of watercolors in the style of Pompeian wall of ceiling decor. Both are on paper mounted on board in plexiglass shadow box frame...
Plexiglass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Sold
H 8 in W 10.5 in D 0.07 in
Original Antique Print of The Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia. C.1840
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Amphitheatre of El Jem Fine steel engraving after Sir Grenville Temple Published by Fisher Circa 1840 Unframed. .
Paper
Sold
H 12.75 in W 9 in D 0.07 in
Original Antique Print of Burgos Cathedral, Spain. After David Roberts. C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Interior of Burgos Cathedral Fine steel engraving after David Roberts Published circa 1850 Unframed.
Paper
Sold
H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 0.32 in
Giò Ponti "La Conversazione Classica" Eight Plus One Ceramic Tiles
By Gio Ponti
Located in Weesp, NL
Are you looking for a unique and timeless addition to your home or business? Look no further than these exquisite ceramic tiles designed by the legendary Gio Ponti for Bardelli Ceramica Italy...
Ceramic
18th Century Limoges Enamel Plaque Depicting Emperor Galba VII
Located in Bradenton, FL
18th Century Limoges enamel plaque depicting Roman Emperor Galba VII. Plaque is surrounded by black wooden frame with gilded inner trim. STYLE OF JEAN II PÉNICAUD. Dimensions: 8.2...
Enamel
Sold
H 11.25 in W 9 in D 0.07 in
Set of 7 Original Antique Prints of Portraits From Classical Rome. C.1790
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Glorious set of 7 portrait prints. Important figures, male and female from ancient Rome. On beautiful laid paper. Copper-plate engravings Published C.1790 Unframed. T...
Paper