Skip to main content

Classical Roman Decorative Art

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.

7
23
to
3
12
11
23
23
23
1,767
1,095
379
336
321
232
206
197
137
111
81
79
76
51
50
47
34
28
6
12
5
3
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
15
9
3
2
2
19
10
7
7
1
1
Style: Classical Roman
Roman Mosaic, 5th Century, Italy
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Roman mosaic made with marble. Very decorative piece. Provenance: Private Swiss collection, since 1950. CONDITION: Very good vintage condition. DIMENSIONS: Height: 240...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Marble

Original Antique Print of the Temple of Baalbek Gate, Lebanon. Dated 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek gate Fine steel engraving by Finden after C.Stanfield Published by Murray. Dated 1835 Unframed.
Category

1830s English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of the Temple of Baalbek, Lebanon. C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek. Fine steel engraving after J.W Callcott Published by Fullarton C.1850 Unframed.
Category

1850s English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

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...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood, Paint, Paper

Original Antique Print of Roman Temple of Artemis, Jerash, Jordan, C.1840
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Artemis Fine steel engraving Published Circa 1840 Unframed. .
Category

1830s English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of The Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia. C.1840
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Amphitheatre of El Jem Fine steel engraving after Sir Grenville Temple Published by Fisher Circa 1840 Unframed. .
Category

1830s English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Burgos Cathedral, Spain. After David Roberts. C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Interior of Burgos Cathedral Fine steel engraving after David Roberts Published circa 1850 Unframed.
Category

1850s English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

2 Giovanni Battista Piranesi Reproduction Roman Architecture Prints
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of late 20th century reproduction plate prints of work of Roman Architecture / columns by Giovanni Battista Piranesi – arches and columns from ...
Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Carlo Uboldi, Marble Relief of Boys Playing with a Donkey, 19th Century
Located in London, by appointment only
A very fine mid 19th-century Italian carved Carrera statuary marble relief plaque of four boys playing with a donkey. Mounted on a bronze stand. ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Marble

Pair of Large Scale Original Antique Architectural Prints, Circa 1790
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful pair of architectural prints. Copper-plate engravings by J.Newton after designs by Vetruvius Published C.1790 Unframed and not matted.
Category

1790s English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Set of 7 Original Antique Prints of Portraits From Classical Rome. C.1790
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Glorious set of 7 portrait prints. Important figures, male and female from ancient Rome. On beautiful laid paper. Copper-plate engravings Published C.1790 Unframed. T...
Category

1790s English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Pair 18th Century French Neoclassical Hand-Carved Painted Wall Sconces, Corbels
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 18th century French neoclassical hand-carved and painted wall sconces ~ Corbels were sculpted from solid oak and feature a timeless classical scroll festooned with acanthus flou...
Category

18th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Oak

Mid-18th Century Italian Silver Book Binding
Located in New York, NY
An 18th century Italian silver book binding. An impressively designed, this book binding is formed by two, nearly identical covers, each embossed w...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Silver

Antique 1876 Chromo Lithograph Porcelain Wine Cooler Clay Cosack & Co
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 1876 chromolithograph print - “Wine Cooler, Porcelain. Royal Porcelain Works, Berlin, Germany” produced by Clay, Cosack & CO of Buffalo, New York. Measure: 19".
Category

1870s Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Antique 1876 Chromo Lithograph Meerschaum Pipe Smoking Hookah Clay Cosack
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 1876 chromolithograph print – “Meerschau, Pipe. F.J. Kaldenberg, New York” produced by Clay, Cosack & CO of Buffalo, New York. Measure: 19".
Category

1870s Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

19th Century Framed Italian Prints of Pisa by Engraver Antonio Verico
By Raffaello Morghen
Located in Savannah, GA
Three detailed colored prints by Antonio Verico. Born in 1775, he was a master of chalcography, the art of engraving on copper plates. He worked in Rome and Florence, carving on drawings by various authors, with a technique close to that of Raffaello Morghen...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Walnut, Paper, Glass

Micro Mosaic Tile Wall Plaque or Table Top of a Seated Woman in Wood Frame
Located in Plainview, NY
A palatial micro mosaic tile wall plaque of a seated woman holding a goblet in an antiquated wood frame. The wood frame is beautifully carved and the tile alignments of the tiles are...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Religious Drawing, Italy 19th Century
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Antique Religious Drawing, Italy 19th Century Antique, neoclassical print from the 19th century. It retakes Bernardo Strozzi work "Annunziazione fata ...
Category

1850s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Italian Mosaic Tile Wall Plaque or Table Top of a Centurion in Wood Carved Frame
Located in Plainview, NY
A Mid Century Italian Mosaic Tile Wall Plaque or Table Top of a Centurion in Wood Carved Frame. The palatial micro mosaic tile wall art shows a centurion standing tall and holding h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Pair of Italian Capodimonte Painted Porcelain Plaques
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...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Italian Engravings Signed Gio Ma Calsini in Gilt Frames
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Italian engravings signed Gio Ma Calsini each in a gilt gold frame under glass.
Category

Mid-20th Century Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Bacchus and Ariadne, early 18th Century mythological tapestry
Located in London, GB
Bacchus and Ariadne, early 18th Century mythological tapestry Flemish, early 18th Century Width 428cm, depth 276cm, height 2cm The tapestry is rec...
Category

Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Tapestry

Set of Three Framed Prints Depicting Greek Apulian Red-Figure Pottery
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set of three framed prints depicting Greek glassical red-figure pottery. Left print: Marked: T.XV. - "In Miis. Vaticano - Depicting Apulian Red-Figure bell krater...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Related Items
Pair of Pichwai Paintings Rajasthan, Contemporary
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of Pichwai paintings Rajasthan, contemporary. The procession of the maharaja Gouache heightened with gold on cloth. Size: 11 1/2"-inc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Set of 9 Antique Costume Prints, Turkey, Albania, Anatolia, 'c.1840'
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of nine antique costume prints including costumes of Turkey, Albania, Anatolia and others. Source unknown, to be determined. Published circa 1840.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

19th Century Venetian Italian Round Mosaic of Umberto III
Located in North Miami, FL
19th Century Venetian Italian round mosaic of Umberto III. The very colorful and detailed piece is mounted on Lucite panel. Umberto III (1136-1188), known as "The Blessed", was Count...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Stone

2 Giovanni Battista Piranesi Reproduction Roman Architecture Prints
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of late 20th century reproduction plate prints of work of Roman Architecture / columns by Giovanni Battista Piranesi – arches and columns from ...
Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a Hound Dog by Pittman, 'circa 1835'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Forester'. This print depicts a hound dog. Published by Pittman, circa 1835.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of an Inhabitant of Mount Lebanon by Wahlen, 1843
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique costume print titled 'Habitant du Mont Liban (Asie)'. Original antique print of an inhabitant of Mount Lebanon. This print originates from 'Moeur...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

2 Antique 17th Century Antiphonal Vellum Sheet Music Roman Catholic Religious
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of framed antique 17th century Roman Catholic antiphonal music sheets, hand drawn on vellum with illuminated capitals. Measures: 28.25” x 1.75” ...
Category

17th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

French Post Impressionist Watercolor Painting of Brittany Landscape
Located in Miami, FL
An original Post-Impressionist framed gouache on paper landscape painting featuring a soft palette mostly made of brown and pale green colors, accented with delicate blue and white t...
Category

1890s French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paint

Original Antique Bird Print of a Keel-Billed Motmot, 'c.1850'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print titled 'Prionites Carinatus'. Rare antique print of a keel-billed motmot. Published by G. Severeyns, circa 1850.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Snake Charmers and the Egyptian Mongoose, 1835
Located in Langweer, NL
"Antique print titled 'Serpent Charmers - Ichneumons'. Old print of snake charmers and Egyptian mongoose. This print originates from 'One Hundred and Fifty Wood Cuts selected from th...
Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Modern Mosaic Mirror Wall Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautifully crafted vintage modern mosaic wall art piece. Strips of wood encompassed by mirrored pieces create a visually stunning look for any home or...
Category

1970s Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Victorian Watercolor Portrait Painting of Boy in Blue Formal Attire
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian watercolor portrait painting of a young boy in a blue outfit, seated on a pink cloth covered chair. Measures: 11.75” x 0.5” x 16” / Sa...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paint, Paper

Previously Available Items
Giò Ponti "La Conversazione Classica" Eight Plus One Ceramic Tiles
Located in Weesp, NL
Are you looking for a unique and timeless addition to your home or business? Look no further than these exquisite ceramic tiles designed by the legendary Gio Ponti for Bardelli Ceramica Italy...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

18th Century Limoges Enamel Plaque Depicting Emperor Galba VII
Located in Bradenton, FL
18th Century Limoges enamel plaque depicting Roman Emperor Galba VII. Plaque is surrounded by black wooden frame with gilded inner trim. STYLE OF JEAN II PÉNICAUD. Dimensions: 8.2...
Category

18th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Enamel

Large Ceramic Bowl Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary 21st Century
Located in London, GB
Bottega Vignoli, Byzantium bowl, 2022 Full-fire reduction earthenware 54 cm diam. unique piece hand-painted Italian majolica. Bottega Vignoli is a brand of artistic ceramics base...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Pair of Bas-Reliefs in Stucco, circa 1880, LS4733601
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of rectangular bas-reliefs in white stucco representing angels holding bunches of grapes and garlands of flowers in a garden. Oak frame. Work realized circa 1880. Dimensi...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Stucco

After the Antique Titled 17th C. Celtic Art Patterns and Motifs France A Racinet
By Auguste Racinet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique print of 17th century pattern interior decor by Racinet, circa 1890 from L'ornement Polychrome (1888) by Albert Racinet (1825–1893). After the Antique print titled '17th Century - XVIIc Siècle - XVII, Les Jahrhundert'. Chromolithograph of interior decor (Painting, tapestry, woodwork), France ornaments. This print originates from 'l'Ornement Polychrome' by Auguste Racinet. Published circa 1890. The second one is after the Celtique, Celtic art...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Roman Gilt Framed Wall Art, a Set of 3
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish and classy Roman framed wall art. One depicts the sculpted torso of a Roman emperor all framed in gilded frame in a shape of a Roman palace entryway with figural design. The second wall art is of an empress in the same design, both the emperor and the empress...
Category

1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Roman Gilt Framed Wall Art, a Set of 3
Roman Gilt Framed Wall Art, a Set of 3
H 24 in W 13.5 in D 1.75 in
Set of 18 Portrait Medallions from Ancient Rome on 6 Marbleised Panels
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great set of portrait medallions, circa 1780 No names but all gentlemen from classical Rome Copper-plate engravings mounted on antique marbleised ...
Category

1780s English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Set of Fourteen 19th Century Marble Profile Portraits of Roman Emperors
Located in Stamford, CT
Fourteen portraits of Roman Emperors circa first quarter of the 19th century. Portraits made of Giallo di Siena marble on Verde Antiqtico M...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Siena Marble

Ornament from a Church, circa 1920
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Ornament from a church in Germany. Made of pine, circa 1920.
Category

1920s German Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Pine

Ornament from a Church, circa 1920
Ornament from a Church, circa 1920
H 28.35 in W 66.15 in D 1.97 in
Vintage Mosaic Lion Plaque or Table Top
Located in Sheffield, MA
The vintage round mosaic tile plaque pictures a standing lion encircled by a classical rope pattern. The tile colors are charcoal grey, grey green, tan, soft pink and white. The mosa...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Stone, Cement, Iron

19th Century Italian Carved Angel Wings, Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th century monumental scale Italian angel wings. They would be fabulous hanging over a doorway or as part of your bed treatment. You could also mount them on an iron base a...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Italian Capodimonte Rich 24K Gold High Relief Plaques
Located in Tustin, CA
Opulent, antique, handmade, superbly hand painted Capodimonte porcelain plaques from the nineteenth century depict ancient mythological sc...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Art

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Classical Roman decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman decorative art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman decorative art 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 decorative art, popular names associated with this style include and Giovanni Battista Piranesi. 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 decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $68,131 while the average work can sell for $648.

Recently Viewed

View All