Classical Roman Antiquities
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.
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Style: Classical Roman
Southern Netherlands. Medal of the Holy Sacrament of the Miracle of Brussels
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: SACRAMENTVM . MI – RACVLOSVM . BRVXELLE, cross with the Holy Hosts, carried by God the Father
Reverse: dito
VERY RARE, only 2 known specimens (1 in the KBR in Brussels and ...
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Silver
A Roman bronze applique in the shape of a theatre mask
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Mask of a bearded deity, short beard and hair braided in the characteristic high hairstyle, with layered ringlets on either side.
4 cm (h)
Green patina
...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Ancient Roman Intaglio from 1st-2nd Century AD Carved Carnelian Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio. An intaglio is defined as a small Gemstone, generally semi-precious, that has been carved with images or inscriptions only on the face. This style of carving is the opposite of the cameo technique. The engraving of gemstones was a major luxury art form in the ancient world and an important one in some later periods. This particular Intaglio is Carnelian and dates from the second century AD and shows the head of a figure in profile. It is in very nice original condition and would be ideal for making into a ring. The word Intaglio comes from the Italian word intagliare, meaning “to engrave” or “cut into.” Intaglio describes the process in which an image is engraved into a stone, creating an image in the negative. When a stone carved in this way is pressed into hot wax...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Carnelian, Stone
AR Denarius Gordian III (238-244)
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: SALVS AVGVSTI, Salus feeding snake on her arm from patera
Gewicht: 3.41 g
Kwaliteit: Prachti...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Silver
AR Denarius Vespasian (69-79)
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P, laureate head right
Reverse: AVGVSTAE – PACI, Victory standing right, holding shouldered palm frond with her left hand and a wreath in ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Greek Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Silver
AR Denarius F. Fabius Labeo INCUSE
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma right; X (mark of value) below chin
Reverse: incuse
Weight: 3.84 g
Grade: Very Fine
Mint: Rome
Reference: Crawford 273/1; Sydenham 532
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Silver
AR Denarius P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: P CLODIVS / M F., laureate head of Apollo right; lyre to left
Reverse: Diana Lucifera standing right, bow and quiver over her shoulder, holding torches
BEAUTIFUL TONING
W...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Silver
France – Great-Britain. British Crimean War medal
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Oak leafed pin with inscription ”Sebastopol”, with original ribbon, attached to issue certificate of the French Ministery of War, dated 1856.
Obverse: VICTORIA – REGINA -1854, cro...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Silver
AR Denarius Julia Paula, wife of Elagabalus (219-220)
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: IVLIA PAVLA AVG, draped bust right, showing later coiffure with small bun
Reverse: CONCORDIA, Concordia seated left, holding patera, star in left field
Beautifully detaile...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Silver
N.d. Charles V dedication medal on his crowning and the planned Imperial
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: crowned and armoured bust right with order chain of the Golden Fleece
Reverse: blank
After H. Krafft, after a design by A. Dürer
OLD SILVER CAST
EXTREMELY RARE
Four ...
Category
16th Century German Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Silver
A Roman bronze head attachment of a youth
Located in UTRECHT, UT
A finely detailed appliqué with the face of a youth, wavy hair framing the circular face, with well defined eyes, pierced for inlays.
5.5 cm (h)
Provenance:
Ex Jean-Phillipe Mari...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
A Roman gold pendant with portrait cameo
Located in UTRECHT, UT
The loop attached to an oval fitting with radiant decoration. The cameo made of agate, showing the profile of a female bust with hair pinned up. The portrait in the style of Faustina...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Gold
A Roman terracotta red slip ware oil lamp with theatre masks
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Round body with plain nozzle, the discus decorated with three theatre masks, air hole in centre, the base with work shop mark in the form of a foot print
Loeschcke Typ VIII, Schulte...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
A Roman bronze foot
Located in UTRECHT, UT
With square fitting, hollow at the top for attachment to furniture, one large paw on round base sprouting into lion’s head with visible teeth.
9,5 cm (h)
Ex German private property...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Roman Beaded Necklace
Located in London, GB
A restrung Roman necklace with stone and glass beads. It combines different materials, featuring striking blue and red beads. Romans valued blue highly for its symbolic significance ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Stone
Roman Beaded Necklace
Located in London, GB
A restrung Roman stone necklace with cream and beige beads, featuring a central pendant comprised of a large, perforated stone. Roman stone beads varied in material and were valued f...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Stone
Roman Gold Pendant with Cabochons
Located in London, GB
A thin, circular Roman gold pendant featuring a central garnet cabochon gem held within a raised cell. Above it, another garnet cabochon enriches th...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Gold
Pair of Roman Gold Earrings
Located in London, GB
A lovely pair of Roman gold earrings comprised of a delicate hoop, secured with a hook and eye closure, and adorned with a boss shield. The shield features ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Gold
Roman Double-Chambered Balsamarium
Located in London, GB
A Roman double balsamarium made of translucent, bright blue-green glass. The vessel is composed of two tubular phials, rims folded inward and bulging slightly in the middle. Both phi...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Blown Glass
Roman Three Handled Flared Rim Jar
Located in London, GB
A Roman three-handled jar, blown from greenish-yellow glass. The handles and trail of the jar are rendered in a darker tint. The jar is rounded with a slightly inverted rim and wide ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Blown Glass
Ancient Roman Bronze Crossbow Fibula or Toga Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine ancient Roman bronze fibula.
A so-called crossbow fibula.
From the private collection of Lawrence Majewski, who was a former conservator at the Metropolitan Museum of Ar...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Ancient Roman Bronze Crossbow Fibula or Toga Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine ancient Roman bronze fibula.
A so-called 'crossbow' fibula.
From the private collection of Lawrence Majewski, who was a former conservator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art....
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Group of Ancient Roman Bronze Tools & Hair Pins
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine group of ancient Roman bronze implements and artifacts.
Consisting of pins & several small scale tools.
From the private collection of Lawrence Majewski, who was a former co...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Antique North African Red Slip Ware Vase
Located in Katonah, NY
Antique handmade African red slip ware vase. Circa 300-600 CE (AD), this beautiful handmade piece red slip ware pottery was handmade in North Africa. This pi...
Category
15th Century and Earlier North African Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Clay
Ancient Roman Bronze Handle or Artifact
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An antique or ancient Roman bronze element.
This piece was an element of a vase or possibly handle to something larger.
It has the head of...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Roman Bronze Hand Mirror with Beautiful Patina, circa 1st Century
Located in Austin, TX
A simple and elegant Roman bronze hand mirror, late Republic Period, circa 1st century, Italy.
The bronze mirror of simple form. The round face with a pierced border design. The openwork handle...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Ancient Roman Bronze Leg or Artifact / Element
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Ancient Roman bronze element.
It appears to be a leg or support for a larger structure.
The leg has a hoofed foot that supports a li...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Ancient Coptic Textile with Classical Figures
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Finely woven of wool and linen, this large, ancient, museum level Coptic textile depicts figures derived from classical antiquity, some playing musical ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Wool, Linen
Roman Carved Marble Torso in Military Dress, circa 2nd-3rd Century
Located in Austin, TX
A well carved Roman marble figure of a male in military dress, late Roman Period, circa 2nd-3rd century.
The figure portrayed dressed in military att...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Marble
Antiquity of Roman Large Bust-Weight of Venus with Silver Inlaid Eyes, Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large bust weight of Venus with silver inlaid eyes and celestial diadem,Roman culture,Germany,2nd-3rd century AD.
The goddess is depicted nude, slightly gazing to her right with deta...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Hoard
Located in London, GB
Dagger L: 27.8 cm,
Luniform bronze, possibly a belt buckle L: 10.8 cm,
Shield-shaped bronze with a point Diam: 6.5 cm,
Pommel Diam: 3.7 cm,
Violin-bow brooch L: 17.5 cm,
P-Shape...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Departure of Charles II from Scheveningen to England
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: CAROLUS . II . D : G . MAGNÆ . BRIT . FRA . ET . HIB . REX ., armoured bust of Charles II, three quarters facing, with medal on ribbon on chest, on which St. George fighting...
Category
17th Century Dutch Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Silver
Ancient Roman Glass Double Unguentarium in Clear and Aqua Colored Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An ancient Roman glass vessel.
Constructed as a double unguentarium with twin tubular bodies with a folded rim, applied spiraling through the bodies, and an arch handle.
From a Hudson, New York collection.
Simply a wonderful piece of Roman glass...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Antiquities
Materials
Blown Glass
Classical Roman antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman antiquities made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Africa pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $154 and tops out at $32,000 while the average work can sell for $950.
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