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.
Pair of Large Italian Architectural Column Wall Panel Artwork
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive reproductions of paintings of classical Roman columns, specifically Corinthian and Iconic. The technique used to create these is paint on plaster over burlap. The original...
Canvas, Burlap, Wood, Paint
Vintage Original Oil Pastel on Paper
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This evocative original oil pastel on paper captures the timeless grace of the male form through a refined Neoclassical lens. The artist masterfully utilizes dramatic chiaroscuro to ...
Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century Byzantine Female Icon Gold Painting
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Gold Byzantine Wall Art Female Icon 11.5tall x 9.75w x 1d inches Art 9.5 x 7.75 Preowned Unrestored original Vintage Condition. Minor losses and fading. Distress. ...
Gold Leaf
Apollo Belvedere, bronze based on the antique, foundry mark, Jaboeuf and Rouard
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Apollo Belvedere, bronze based on the antique, foundry mark, Jaboeuf and Rouard, Paris
Bronze
Rare and Large Classical Trompe-L'oeil Meissen Porcelain Plaque
Located in London, GB
Rare and large classical Trompe-l'oeil meissen porcelain plaque. German, 19th century. Measures: frame: height 60 cm, width 55 cm, depth 5 cm. plaque: height 45 cm, width 40 cm. ...
Porcelain, Giltwood
Large Landscape Oil Painting by G. Taverna (1814-1878), Swiss, the 19century
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique large oil painting Landscape by Gaudenz Taverna (1814-1878), Swiss, the 19century. The artwork is in very good vintage condition. There is a signature of the author. Dimens...
Canvas, Paint
A Pair of German K.P.M Porcelain Plaques Depicting "Aligira and Tirian"
Located in Tarzana, CA
A Pair of antique German KPM porcelain plaques depicting "Aligira and Tirian" Marked with 'K.P.M' Sceptre Mark with the letters 'SZ', with size marks 915-255, marked with Royal Vien...
Porcelain
Antique Italian Oil on Canvas Portrait Painting of a Boy, Early 20th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning antique portrait painting of a young boy Signed Mary E. Southard Italy, Early 20th Century Oil paint on canvas, presented in a giltwood frame Measures: 18"W x 2.5"D x ...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
18th-Century Miniature of a Galleon and Harbor Scene, Giltwood Frame
Located in NANTES, FR
**18th-Century Miniature of a Galleon and Harbor Scene, Giltwood Frame – This fine-quality 18th-century miniature, in the manner of Quentin de La Tour, depicts a galleon entering a...
Wood, Paper
Ettore Forti (xix-xx) chariot Race In The Circus Maximus", pastel and gouache
Located in Bilzen, BE
Ettore FORTI (XIX-XX) "Chariot race in the Circus Maximus" mixed technique on paper, signed lower right Ettore or Eduardo Ettore Forti was an Italian painter, who was prolific in de...
Paper
Italian Putti Oil Painting, Classical Style, Circa 1940, Gilt Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming oil on canvas depicting a scene with puttis frolicking in a garden setting. The painting needs slight restoration as depicted in photos. The painting has a beautiful giltwoo...
Giltwood, Paint
Watercolor on Paper by Charles Fouqueray Depicting Sailors, 20th Century
Located in NANTES, FR
**Watercolor on Paper by Charles Fouqueray Depicting Sailors, 20th Century – This work was executed by Charles Fouqueray. It depicts figures wearing caps, forcing other figures to ...
Wood, Paper
Authentic Italian Fresco in Roman Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
Authentic Italian Fresco in Roman Style – Garden Landscape with Villa, Inspired by Tivoli A remarkable piece of Italian wall art inspired by the classical Roman villas of Tivoli an...
Canvas, Wood
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
Cristina Vergano Painting "The Best of All Possible Worlds" Oil on Wood, 1990
By Cristina Vergano
Located in New York, NY
Cristina Vergano painting "The Best of All Possible Worlds" oil on wood, 1990. Dimensions: Diam: 42" Cristina Vergano is known for her paintings that blend a classical style with...
Wood, Paint
Leonardo Da Vinci The Complete Paintings Hardcover Coffee Table Book
By Leonardo da Vinci
Located in Moreno Valley, 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...
Paper
$3,895Sale Price|30% Off
19th Century Italian Oil on Alabaster Painting - Pompeian Scene Tray
By Luigi Bazzani
Located in Firenze, IT
This remarkable 19th-century Italian creation combines the artistry of oil painting with the functionality of a decorative tray. The piece features a captivating Pompeian feast scene...
Alabaster, Bronze, Ormolu
Pier Gustafson Original Pen Series for Boston Pen Fair Wall Art
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing whimsical painting of The Tomb represents the 3 Major Pen manufacturers. The artist, Pier Gustafson, thought it would be fun to replace fou...
Teak, Acrylic, Canvas
Pier Gustafson Original Art, Fountain Pen Series for Boston Pen Show
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing whimsical painting of a discus thrower is a coin filler. The artist, Pier Gustafson, thought it would be fun to replace Fountain Pens in pl...
Canvas, Acrylic, Teak
Two Roman ‘Twelve Caesars’ paintings of Vespasian and Titus
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Italian school, after Peter Paul Rubens Two portraits from the range of the ‘Twelve Caesars’. Three-quarter laureate portraits in oval. The name of the emperor below with Roman num...
Wood
Sepia on Board by Tomas Rut after Michelangelo
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hand-painted studies by Tomasz Rut (Polish, 1961- ) based on Michelangelo's Ignudi, 20 nude males as seen on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, mixed-media; sepia crayon and...
Wood
Pier Gustafson Fountain Pen Series for Boston Pen Fair Wall Art
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing whimsical painting of a Roman Soldier with a Fountain Pen head. The artist, Pier Gustafson, thought it would be fun to replace Fountain Pen...
Canvas, Acrylic, Teak
$3,835Sale Price|35% Off
Antique English Oil/Canvas of a Young Girl Holding a Rose After William Hammer
By Hammer
Located in Tarzana, CA
Antique English Oil/Canvas of a Young Girl holding a Rose after William Hammer, within a gilt frame, ready to be hung.
Canvas
18th Century Italian Painting of a Soldier, Fragement from a Larger Painting
Located in Buchanan, MI
Very handsome Italian portrait of a soldier, in ebonized frame with silver detail. Measurements include frame.
Canvas
$31,376
H 82.29 in W 118.12 in D 1.97 in
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Oil on Canvas Screen with Trompe L’œil
Located in IT
18th century, large Italian neoclassical oil on canvas four panels screen with Trompe L’œil These large screen is composed of four panels in oil on canvas painted. Neoclassical, dating to the second half of the 18th century. Each panel represents a trompe l'oeil, with a classical architecture with square section marble columns and large clogging. Inside the pink space of the first and third panels are painted, as inserted in a niche with bronze frame, ancient busts...
Canvas
Early 20th Century Oil Painting of Circus Dogs
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A sweet little painting depicting two dressed up circus dogs. The dogs are painted against a sober background. The painting is oil on panel and dates from...
Wood, Paint
Italian Neo-Classic Architecture Print
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic engravings of architecture in a gold frame (18th/19th Cent)
Paper
19th Century Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Berlin, DE
Oil on canvas, view from a mountain range with pines and fir trees on a flat river or lake landscape with farmsteads. (S-108).
19th Century Landscape Oil Painting by W. Merritt Post
By William Merritt Post
Located in Water Mill, NY
Landscape oil on wood painting by W. Merritt Post in a giltwood frame. Measures: 6 x 7.5, unframed.
Large French Original Oil Painting, Signed Harbor Scene, 1978
Located in COLMAR, FR
A stunning piece of original, vintage art. Despite its' seemingly Scandinavian influence, this oil painting on hardboard is actually French. It is dated 1978 and signed by artist, R....
Paint
$3,500 / set
H 71 in W 28.25 in D 1 in
Pair of Late 19th Century Painted Decorative Italian Wall Panels
Located in Round Top, TX
A very lovely pair of late 19th century painted decorative wall panels, Italian circa 1900. Charming romantic scenes painted on dense paper. These panels will be a delightful ornam...
Paper
Antique Danish early 20th century L. Johansen interior painting
Located in Ebberup, DK
This is an antique oil on canvas painting by Danish painter Lars Johansen (1877-1954). The motive is a small Danish holding and is kept in earthly colors. Lars Johansen was from ...
Paint
$4,025
H 35.04 in W 29.14 in D 2.37 in
20th Century Oil on Canvas Italian Painting View of Saint Marks Square
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Splendid view of Venice signed M.C. and dated 1917. Oil on canvas, first canvas, painting depicting St. Mark's Square with a frontal view of the famous Basilica and the large bell to...
Canvas
Contemporary Abstract Oil on Paper Signed 1990
By Martha Nessler Hayden
Located in Ventura, CA
Contemporary Abstract Oil on Paper Signed 1990, Framed in a Montparnasse French carved frame Signed and dated, bottom left, by Martha Nessler Hayden an American artist. This artwork masterfully plays with shades of brown, embodying the artistic essence of Montparnasse. It measures 25 inches in height and 28 inches in width, encapsulated within a beautifully carved frame that enhances its sophistication and allure. This piece is not only a testament to Hayden's prowess in abstract expression but also a sophisticated choice for collectors seeking to enrich their spaces with modern elegance. Martha Nessler Hayden is an American Postwar & Contemporary artist who was born in 1936. Susquehanna Art Museum featured Martha Hayden...
Paper
Selection of Modern Artwork or Gallery Wall
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Modern Artwork, circa 1920s-1960s. Perfect to start or add to your gallery wall. All are priced at $375 each. They are: Top row, left to right, 1) Paul Cezanne etching entitled "Portrait of Painter Guillauman with William Hanging" measures 10.5" H x 8.5" W. 2) Portrait of a big eyed...
Glass, Wood, Masonite, Paper
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 54 in W 30 in D 0.5 in
Louis XVI Style Trumeau Panel with Trompe L'oeil Mirror Panel
Located in Nashville, TN
Possibly late 18th century but most likely 19th century painted arched painted panel. Either a panel intended for a trumeau or to be inset into wall boiserie as a trumeau. The upper ...
Canvas, Paint
Ebba Von Wachenfeldt Charcoal Drawing of Woman Statue, 1883
Located in Rīga, LV
Antique academic charcoal drawing on paper by Ebba Von Wachenfeldt, signed and dated - 1883. Ebba von Wachenfeldt (1845-1929) is a Swedish female artist from the 19th century, and sh...
Paper
Sold
H 1.78 in Dm 14.1 in
Large Royal Vienna Picture Plate 'The Disarming Of Cupid' A. Kauffmann, ca 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Large, very elaborately decorated porcelain plate: the centre is completely filled by a finely painted polychrome image, framed by a broad serrated band painted in gold over gold: Th...
Porcelain
Sold
H 1.58 in Dm 14.18 in
Large Royal Vienna Picture Plate 'In The Forest Glade' Gallant Scene, ca 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Large, very elaborately decorated porcelain plate: the centre is completely filled by a finely painted polychrome picture, framed by a broad serrated band painted in gold over gold: ...
Porcelain
Sold
H 1.58 in Dm 14.1 in
Large Royal Vienna Picture Plate 'The Triumph Of Venus' After F. Boucher, c 1890
Located in Vienna, AT
Large, lavishly decorated porcelain plate: the centre of the plate is completely filled by a finely painted polychrome image, framed by a broad band of gold-painted palmettes: accord...
Porcelain
Sold
H 20 in W 18 in D 2.5 in
Antique Italian Oil on Canvas Portrait Painting of a Boy, Early 20th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning antique portrait painting of a young boy Signed Mary E. Southard Italy, Early 20th Century Oil paint on canvas, presented in a giltwood frame Measures: 18"W x 2.5"D x ...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Sold
H 3.15 in W 24.41 in D 29.14 in
Hannibal Carthaginian Italian Portrait Lombard Artist Early 1600s
Located in Milano, MI
Portrait of Hannibal Carthaginian general and leader -Carthage, 247 a. C. - 183 a. C.- oil painting on canvas by Italian artist active in the Lombardy area of the early 1600s. The se...
Canvas, Poplar
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
19th Century After Fra Angelico "A Group of Angels" Painted on Wood
Located in Bradenton, FL
A 19th century grand tour copy of Fra Angelico's most popular work, "A Group Of Angels" painted on a circular 13" diameter wooden board. Features a group of six angels wearing blue, ...
Wood
Italian Oil Painting on Canvas of the Blessed Virgin Immaculate from 1600
Located in Milano, MI
Oil painting on canvas depicting the Blessed Immaculate Virgin with the crown of twelve stars and the crescent moon, created in 1600. Ø cm 47 h cm 58 The figure originally represen...
Canvas
Pont Max, Roman In Armour, Painting, Late XVIIth Early XVIIIth
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large oil on canvas, portrait of a Roman emperor in armor in profile, the view of a city in the background The mention 'Pont Max' refers to the Pontifex Maximus, the Grand Pontiff, ...
Paint
Italian Classical Design Picture Frame Painting on Board
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Picture frame wall paper painting on board. Antique Greco-Roman style painting with a scene on the bottom of people walking, birds holding flower ga...
Paper
Carved Wood Relief Portrait Polychromed Roundel of a Young Roman
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Impressive, carved wood and original polychromed relief portrait tablet of a young Roman man. Wearing a pileus, or brimless felt cap. Italy, Circa 1...
Wood