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.
Thomas H. Dyer, Fresco of Bacchus and Faun, 1867
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A real photograph from Thomas H. Dyer's Ruins of Pompeii collection, 1867. Albumen print, tipped in. Mounted on card. The actual photograph measures: 6.5 x 5 inches (17 x 12 cm).
Paper
Pope Francis and the New Vatican Draper, Robert Hardcover Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pope Francis and the New Vatican Draper, Robert hardcover book Title: Pope Francis and the New Vatican Publisher: National Geographic Publication Date: 2015 Binding: Hardcover Book condition: Very good Dust jacket condition: Dust jacket included Synopsis: National Geographic goes behind-the-scenes of the new papacy with unprecedented, exclusive access to Pope Francis. Embedded with the Pope inside the Vatican for 6 months, award-winning photographer David Yoder captures intimate moments in never-before-seen photographs presented here for the first time--including in the Sistine Chapel with the Pope alone on Christmas Day. These extraordinary images reveal the majesty and splendor of the Vatican alongside the humbleness of the man changing it--a compelling juxtaposition. The pontiff's public life and personal crusades are exposed as never before, as well as the inner workings of the Vatican--a uniquely powerful state. Complementary essays by acclaimed journalist and author Robert Draper--drawn from interviews around the world with many who had never spoken publicly before--insightfully cover Pope Francis's personal story, his journey to the papacy, and the heart of his ministry. The book also features a timeline, maps, and Pope Francis's most inspiring words...
Paper
"Photograph of a Grecian Bust" by John Dugdale
By John Dugdale
Located in NYC, NY
"Photograph of a Grecian bust" is a cyanotype print by John Dugdale, edition 2/6. The print is 16" x 20" matted and framed to 24" x 27.5".
John Kacere Nude Prints
Located in Atlanta, GA
John Kacere nude prints, American, circa 1970s. The top print measures 18.25" H x 27.5" W. The bottom left measures 15" H x 23" W. The bottom right measures 14.75" H x 22" W. They ha...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$255 / item
H 15.75 in W 21.66 in D 0.89 in
Vintage Style Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, The Climber
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage style photography, framed alpine ski photograph, Opps!. 'OPPS!', a modern framed and mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s skiing photograph. Th...
Paper
$5,152Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.25 in W 9.75 in D 1 in
Andy Warhol, Joe Dellasandro, ‘Flesh, 1968’ Black & White Photograph 1968, 1978.
By Andy Warhol
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Andy Warhol, Joe Dellasandro, ‘Trash’, 1968 (1978), Black & White Photograph. Large silver gelatin print. Printed in 1978. Provenance: Archive of After Dark Magazine, New York. T...
Paper
Framed Photograph by John Patrick Dugdale
By John Dugdale
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: John Patrick Dugdale (New York, b. 1960) Title: The Spirit Eye Medium: Cyanotype Year: 1998 Edition: number 3/12 Measurement: H 14", W 11"...
Wood, Paper
Edtioned Photography "Turbulent Dream, NYC" by John Dugdale
By John Dugdale
Located in Atlanta, GA
John Dugdale (American, b. 1960). Turbulent Dream, NYC, 1998. Platinum-palladium print. Image size 8-3/4 x 6-3/4 inches paper size with margins 17 x 14 inches Signed and editi...
Paper
$7,049
H 39.38 in W 27.56 in D 1.19 in
Original Thomas Ruff, Star 16h30m/ 50 Degrees, Edition X/XXV, 1990
By Thomas Ruff
Located in Berlin, DE
Artist: Thomas Ruff (German 1958) Title: Star 16h30m / -50 degrees (Stern 16h 30m - 50°), from the series Sterne (Stars) Medium: Colour coupler print, signed, dated and numbered vers...
Paper
$1,250 / item
H 20 in W 16 in D 1 in
Ice Cold, ‘A$AP Rocky’, Limited Ed Book with Black & Signed Fine Art Print
By TASCHEN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The definitive photographic history of how hip-hop blinged out and redefined the world of jewelry, luxury, and style. Signed black-and-white pigment print on Canson Platine paper, 16 x 20 in.; hardcover volume in a slipcase, 9.8 x 13.4 in., 6.29 lb., 388 pages. Whether it’s diamond-encrusted grills, oversized “truck” style chains, bust-down Rolex and Patek Philippe watches, or a Tiffany necklace, jewelry is a cornerstone of hip-hop culture. Glittering, blinged-out jewels are the shining statement of a collective identity: unapologetic, charismatic, and street savvy. Spanning the history of hip-hop jewelry, from the 1980s to today, Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History is a stunning compilation of storytelling and visuals. Hundreds of extraordinary images of every major hip-hop artist on record celebrate how “ice” has become a proclamation of identity and self-expression. Starting with Run-DMC’s gold Adidas pendants and Eric B. & Rakim’s ostentatious dookie rope chains and Mercedes medallions, the jewelry then transforms from street style into a booming design culture. The hip-hop tradition of “show up and show out” reaches new heights with artists like Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, Gucci Mane, and Cardi B...
Faux Leather, Paper
$975Sale Price|25% Off
H 1 in W 9 in D 9 in
Biker in a Mirror Black and White Photograph Gravure Print by Burk Uzzle, 1980
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Biker in a mirror black and white photograph Gravure print by Burk Uzzle 1980 Gravure print (1984, France). Burk Uzzle is an American photojournalist, previously member of Mag...
Paper
$255 / item
H 21.66 in W 15.75 in D 0.89 in
Vintage Style Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, The Lift
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage style Photography, framed Alpine Ski Photograph, the lift. 'THE LIFT', a modern framed and mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s skiing photogra...
Paper, Wood
Contemporary Photograph of a Sliced Apple
Located in Sheffield, MA
Caroline Kaars Sypesteyn of Berkshire Artisanal is the artist who has created this black-and-white photographic print on linen of a sliced apple. Titled "Apple Portfolio Print." The ...
Linen, Wood
Photograph of Male Nude by Greg Gorman
By Greg Gorman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Greg Gorman (American, b. 1949) Title: Rex and Gregory, 1988 Gelatin silver print Image size: 18.75 x 14.75 inches Paper size: 19.75 x 15.875 inches Frame size: 24.8 x 1...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Framed Self-Portrait Photography by John Patrick Dugdale
By John Dugdale
Located in Atlanta, GA
Entitled "Portrait of Me at Twilight", this photograph is by American photographer John Patrick Dugdale (1960-). The self-portrait, a toned cyanot...
Wood, Paper
Thomas H. Dyer. Fresco of Mars and Venus, 1867
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A real photograph from Thomas H. Dyer's Ruins of Pompeii collection, 1867. Albumen print, tipped in. Mounted on card. The actual photograph measures 6.5 x 5 inches (17 x 12 cm).
Paper
Thomas H. Dyer. Fountain in the House of the Balcony, 1867
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A real photograph from Thomas H. Dyer's Ruins of Pompeii collection, 1867. Albumen print, tipped in. Mounted on card. The actual photograph measures 6.5 x 5 inches (17 x 12 cm).
Paper
Thomas H. Dyer, Fresco of the Judgement of Paris, 1867
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A real photograph from Thomas H. Dyer's Ruins of Pompeii collection, 1867. Albumen print, tipped in. Mounted on card. The actual photograph measures 6.5 x 5 inches (17 x 12 cm).
Paper
Thomas H. Dyer. Mosaic Fountain, 1867
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A real photograph from Thomas H. Dyer's Ruins of Pompeii collection, 1867. Albumen print, tipped in. Mounted on card. The actual photograph measures 6.5 x 5 inches (17 x 12 cm).
Paper