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.
Early 20th century artist study of a classical bust pencil on paper
Located in Allentown, PA
This is an early 20th century pencil drawing of a classical bust. This drawing is presented in a hand carved vintage French cocoa inspired frame. This pencil drawing is an artist stu...
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
Large Classical Roman Frieze Drawing, Mid-20th Century, Paper
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Pencil and charcoal drawing of a large frieze. In the photos it appears to be two colors because of the reflection of the glass. The wooden frame is lightly lacquered. ref. ST/527 -
Paper
$1,950 / set
Set of Three Classical Drawings
Located in Washington, DC
Set of Three Hand Engraved Classical Sepia Drawings of Roman and Greek figures.
Wood, Paper
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
Victor Jean Nicolle : antique style watercolor drawing, 18th century
By Victor Jean Nicolle
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine watercolor view of the Coliseum in Roma signed J. V. Nicolle (1754 - 1826). Late 18th century drawing showing the famous Roman monument as it was at the end of late 18th centu...
Giltwood
Constantin Hansen – Bacchus on a Lion Danish Golden Age Gouache
Located in Kastrup, DK
Constantin Hansen, 1804–1880 Danish Golden Age gouache painting: Bacchus on a Lion. Executed on paper, framed in a gilt wooden frame. Visible image: 31 × 33 cm. Unsigned. The paintin...
Wood, Paper
Copper Plate Engravings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in San Francisco, CA
G. B. Piranesi, in his fifties, was interested in archaeology and studied in Southern Italy where he produced drawings of Greek architecture. Medium: Etching on laid paper. Year: c...
Anton Pieck 'Roman' Pencil Drawing
Located in Tilburg, NL
Pencil drawing of a Roman man by Anton Pieck (1895-1987). When viewed up close the craftsmanship of Anton Pieck is obvious. He was a highly skilled arti...
Glass, Walnut, Paper
1970s Indian Religious Ink Drawing
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Indian religious ink drawing. It is part of a private collection.
Paper
$4,070 / set
H 29.14 in W 23.04 in D 1.19 in
Four Rare Italian School 19th Century Old Master Sketches Drawings by F Mazzoli
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this stunning set of four original 19th century Old Master drawings by F Mazzoli Please note the delivery...
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
German Classical Drawing of an Ancient Statue
Located in Hudson, NY
This finely done German drawing is an excellent example of classical study work done by an aspiring artist, the goal to learn scale, proportion and anatomical lessons from the great ...
Paper
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
$3,650
H 24.5 in W 22.5 in D 1 in
Fine Large Late 18th Century or Early 19th Century French Academic Drawing
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine drawing while unsigned is an excellent example of sketch work done in sanguine as preparatory work for large finished paintings. Created in France during the days of artist...
Wood, Paper
Set of Four Napoleonic Period Drawings
Located in Hudson, NY
These four drawings, while small in scale but large in style and impact, are of fine quality. Two are of priest and two are of officers. The paper, a fine blue color, makes the drawi...
Paper
19th C, Academy Student Drawing, Pencil on Paper
Located in Leuven , BE
Framed, signed and dated.
Paper
Drawing on Paper Depicting a Nude Young Woman, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper depicting a nude young woman, 20th century. Drawing on paper, 20th century, depicting a nude young woman. H: 73cm, W: 99.5cm, D: 0.2cm Please contact us before pla...
Paper
$3,630 / set
H 33.47 in W 48.04 in D 1.19 in
19th Century Pair of Italian Neoclassical Drawings of Julius Caesar.
Located in Madrid, ES
A pair of large Italian Neoclassical drawings depicting scenes from the life of Julius Caesar, executed in sepia ink and wash with white gouache highlights on paper. Signed and dated...
Glass, Wood, Paper
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
$1,837
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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.75 in W 10.75 in D 1 in
Moutaineous Landscape Drawing, Neoclassical, Signed, 19th Century
By Langlace
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Moutaineous Landscape with Bridge over a River Signed lower right by Jean-Baptiste Gabriel Langlace (1786-1864) Brown wash on paper.
Paper
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.5 in W 17.75 in D 0.5 in
Large Neoclassical Drawing by Edouard Pingret, French School
By Edouard Pingret
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Drawing by Edouard Pingret, River Scene, "Les Bords du Cher à Poitiers" Grey and light brown wash with graphite on paper. Signed bottom right and situated...
Paper
$544
H 25.6 in W 19.69 in D 0.08 in
Charcoal Drawing on Paper Depicting a Female Guitarist, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Charcoal drawing on paper depicting a female guitarist, 20th century. Charcoal drawing on paper, 20th century, depicting a female guitarist. H: 65 cm, W: 50 cm, D: 0.2 cm Please co...
Paper
Sold
H 14.18 in W 11.03 in D 0.4 in
Sanguine on Paper by Jean Robert Ango (1710-1773), XVIIIth Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sanguine on Paper by Jean Robert Ango (1710-1773), XVIIIth Century. Sanguine, drawing of a woman with a bouquet of flowers, on framed paper from the 18th century by Jean Robert Ango...
Wood, Paper
Pen Drawing on Paper, "The Birth of Venus" Vincenzo Camuccini.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pen Drawing on Paper, "The Birth of Venus" Vincenzo Camuccini. Pen drawing on paper, mounted on an album leaf, "The Birth of Venus" by Vincenzo Camuccini, late 18th century, early 1...
Paper
Sold
H 20.87 in W 18.71 in D 1.58 in
Pen Drawing on Paper Representing "The Holy Family" by Girolamo Muziano.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pen drawing on paper representing "The Holy Family" by Girolamo Muziano. Pen drawing on paper, "The Holy Family" by Girolamo Muziano (1528-1592), nicely framed, preparatory drawing ...
Paper
Drawing of Architectural Element, Mid-20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A drawing of Architectural element, mid-20th century, upper part of a Roman column with a Composite Capital. Black chalk heightened with white on brown paper, framed and matted, hand...
Paper
Artist's Sketch; Angel on Column by Venetia Epler
By Venetia Epler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century artist rendering by Venetia Epler of an angel sitting on a column.
Paper, Wood