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 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
$64Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$1,100 / item
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
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
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
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
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
$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
Original Antique Print of Ancient Samaria After David Roberts. C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of Samaria. Modern day Sebastia, Nablus, West Bank Fine steel engraving by Finden after Roberts Published C.1850 Unframed. Free shipping
Paper
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
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
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. With the exception of a tiny chip on the upper left corner, the...
Earthenware
Jupiter Hammon -refractory ceramic sculpture bronze patina -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Jupiter Ammon, Zeus Hammon, ceramic Jupiter, ceramic mascaron Jupiter Hammon -wall mask - hand-molded on refractory ceramic, bronze patina. dimensions: h 33 x 29 x 15 cm kg 4 origin...
Marble
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
Miniature Signed and Framed Watercolour Portrait of a Woman
Located in Marbella, ES
Miniature signed and framed watercolour portrait of a woman.
Paper
$4,675
H 28.5 in W 22 in D 1 in
Pair of Italian Academic Charcoal Drawings of Male Nude Figures from 1880
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of Italian academic charcoal drawings captures the grace and disciplined form of classical male nudes. One portrays an artist's model, his pose reflective and studied, whil...
Paper, Wood
Selection of 1930s Academic Study Drawings of Male Nudes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of 1930's Academic Study Drawings of Male Nudes, hand drawn by Carl De Zeeuw, American, circa 1930's. The price noted below is for EACH dra...
Paper
Antique Print of Natives of America, Circa 1800, Original Artwork
Located in Langweer, NL
Original print of natives of America. This print originates from 'Bilderbuch fur Kinder' by F.J. Bertuch. Published, circa 1800.
Paper
Antique Print of a Chinese Sailing Ship, 1840
Located in Langweer, NL
A finely detailed black and white engraving of an ocean-going Chinese Junk showing the sectioned bamboo sails and large wooden ribs along the side of the ship by L.G. Demeuy de Rienz...
Paper
$1,250
H 6.25 in W 4.25 in D 0.45 in
Antique Miniature Portrait of a Noblewoman in Guilloché Enamel Frame
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Miniature Portrait of a Noblewoman - This finely rendered miniature presents a noblewoman with quiet elegance and refined presence, capturing the grace and poise associated w...
Porcelain, Wood
Antique Decoartive Print of Greece-Roman Scenes, 'circa 1880'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Greece-Roman, Grece-Romain, Griechenland-Romisch'. Chromolithograph of Greece-Roman Scenes. This print originates from 'Le Costume Historique' by M.A. Racinet. ...
Paper
$213Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 7.21 in W 4.85 in D 0.02 in
Set of 4 Original Antique Prints of Costumes of the Clans of Scotland
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of 4 original prints of 'McIan's Costumes of the Clans of Scotland'. Included are: Mac Lachlan, Mac Innes, Ferguson and Mac Quarie. This is the reprint of the famous 1845 version, published by David...
Paper
$1,495
H 7 in W 28 in D 1.5 in
Framed Group of Seven Italian Grand Tour Cast Plaster Intaglios, 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Framed Group of Seven Italian Grand Tour Cast Plaster Intaglios, 19th Century This refined framed composition features a group of seven Italian Grand Tour intaglios, executed in cas...
Fabric, Plaster, Giltwood
$1,844
H 8.78 in W 11.07 in D 1.5 in
Very Fine circa 1750 French School Study of a Classical Landscape Graphite & Pen
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite circa 1750 French school chalk on paper sketch of a classical landscape in charcoal and pen A beautiful example of the French sch...
Paper
Drawing of a Naked Man in the Academic Hot Seat 1910 France
Located in palm beach, FL
Drawing of a naked man in the academic hot seat 1910 France. This young man poses in a relaxed manner, leaning on a harness. His raised foot rests on a bar of furniture. The model's...
Paper
Sold
H 23.63 in W 94.49 in D 15.75 in
Large Plaster Bas-relief (240 Cm) – A Mythological Marine Procession Known As Th
Located in BARSAC, FR
A very rare bas-relief made of plaster based on a2nd-century Roman sarcophagus housed at the Louvre Museum (Inventory Number: MR 885) and depicting afeaturing Nereids, tritons, centa...
Plaster
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
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
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
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