Classical Roman Photography

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

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.

Style: Classical Roman

Pope Francis and the New Vatican Draper, Robert Hardcover Book

$49

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...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Thomas H. Dyer, Fresco of Bacchus and Faun, 1867

$50

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).

Category

1860s English Antique Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

"Photograph of a Grecian Bust" by John Dugdale

$8,000

"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".

Category

20th Century American Classical Roman Photography

Framed Photograph of Olympic Swimmer John Sauerland by Bruce Weber

$3,800

H 23.5 in W 21 in D 2 in

Framed Photograph of Olympic Swimmer John Sauerland by Bruce Weber

Located in Chicago, IL

This striking black and white photogravure by Bruce Weber, printed in 1988, captures a quiet, sculptural moment from his celebrated series on athletes from the 1983 Summer Olympics. ...

Category

1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Leather, Paper

John Kacere Nude Prints

$650

H 18.25 in W 27.5 in D 0.5 in

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...

Category

1970s American Vintage Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Andy Warhol, Joe Dellasandro, ‘Flesh, 1968’ Black & White Photograph 1968, 1978.

$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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Framed Photograph by John Patrick Dugdale

$6,800

H 20.25 in W 19.5 in D 2 in

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"...

Category

1990s American Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

Edtioned Photography "Turbulent Dream, NYC" by John Dugdale

$6,500

H 17 in W 14 in D 0.1 in

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...

Category

1990s American Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Biker in a Mirror Black and White Photograph Gravure Print by Burk Uzzle, 1980

$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...

Category

Late 20th Century American Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Vintage Style Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, The Lift

$254 / 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...

Category

1930s British Vintage Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper, Wood

Vintage Style Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, The Climber

$254 / 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...

Category

1930s English Vintage Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Photograph of a Sliced Apple

$1,125

H 28 in W 28.88 in D 1.38 in

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 ...

Category

2010s American Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Linen, Wood

Pictorialist Photograph Nude Wood Nymph by Charles Cook Circa 1910

$495

H 15.5 in W 13 in D 1 in

Pictorialist Photograph Nude Wood Nymph by Charles Cook Circa 1910

Located in Rochester, NY

Pictorialist photograph of nude woman in a forest interior by Charles Cook. Silver print. Circa 1910. Charles J. Cook was a painter and pho...

Category

Early 20th Century North American Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Vintage Miniature German Variable Camera Tripod 1920s with Ansel Adams Book

$375

H 14.5 in W 10.5 in D 2 in

Vintage Miniature German Variable Camera Tripod 1920s with Ansel Adams Book

By Carl Zeiss

Located in Incline Village, NV

From a photography collection are two items included in this listing, for the collector of photographic memorabelia. In it's original tapered brown leather carry case is a miniature ...

Category

1920s American Vintage Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Brass

Photograph of Male Nude by Greg Gorman

$4,000

H 24.8 in W 18.8 in D 1 in

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...

Category

1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper, Wood, Glass

Previously Available Items

Thomas H. Dyer. Fresco of Mars and Venus, 1867

Sold

H 23.5 in W 16.5 in D 0.25 in

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).

Category

1860s English Antique Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Thomas H. Dyer. Fountain in the House of the Balcony, 1867

Sold

H 23.5 in W 16.5 in D 0.25 in

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).

Category

1860s English Antique Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Thomas H. Dyer, Fresco of the Judgement of Paris, 1867

Sold

H 23.5 in W 16.5 in D 0.25 in

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).

Category

1860s English Antique Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Thomas H. Dyer. Mosaic Fountain, 1867

Sold

H 23.5 in W 16.5 in D 0.25 in

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).

Category

1860s English Antique Classical Roman Photography

Materials

Paper

Classical Roman photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman photography for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage photography created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman photography made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original photography, popular names associated with this style include and John Dugdale. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for photography differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $8,000 while the average work can sell for $50.