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Classical Roman Wall Decorations

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
Large Scale Original Antique Grand Tour Print- Alexander The Great, 1776
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of a bust of Alexander The Great Copper-plate engravings Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776 Good quality wove paper Free shipping  
Category

1770s Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Plaster

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Roman Goddess Terracotta Relief, Museum Copy
Located in Savannah, GA
A museum souvenir copy of a Roman Relief of a goddess in terracotta. From the National Archaeological Museum Vito Capialbi. 9 ½ inches wide by 6 inches tall by ¾ inches deep
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Terracotta

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, ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Burlap, Wood, Paint

Mid-Century Male Nude Oil On Masonite Signed By Listed Artist David Anderson
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a male nude oil on masonite dating to 1969. It was painted by Florida listed artist David Anderson. Anderson passed away in 1996. The painting is in a carved giltwood frame. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood, Masonite, Paint

Early 20th century artist study of a classical bust pencil on paper
Located in Allentown, PA
This is an early 20th century pencil drawing of a classical bust. This drawing is presented in a hand carved vintage French cocoa inspired frame. This pencil drawing is an artist stu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of the Temple of Baalbek, Lebanon. Dated 1834
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Temple of Baalbek. Fine steel engraving after J.W Callcott Published by Murray, Dated 1834 Unframed.
Category

1850s English Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper

Aurora Engraving after Guido Reni Fresco by R.S. Morghen, c.1787
Located in Savannah, GA
Raffaello Sanzio Morghen (Italian, 1758-1833) Apollo in his Chariot preceded by Aurora, engraving after Guido Reni, c.1787. A rare original engraving with most examples being housed in museum collections. Apollo on his chariot bringing light to Aurora, surrounded by maidens or the Hours. Phosphorus in putto form personifying the morning star holds a torch lighting...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Large Scale Original Antique Grand Tour Prints-Relief Carvings. Rome, 1776
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful images of Relief Carvings Copper-plate engravings Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776 Good quality wove paper Free shipping  
Category

1770s Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Plaster

Large Roman Style Bronze Figural Architectural Element
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Roman style bronze figural architectural element, depicting a goddess holding on her head an acanthus column with a bronze urn cascading with ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Bronze

24" Syroco Ornamental Italian Style Giltwood Wall Shelf
Located in Germantown, MD
A large 23.25" Syroco Ornamental Italian Style Giltwood Wall Shelf. Good vintage condition. Measures 23.25" in width, 10" in depth and 9" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Hardwood, Giltwood

Painted and Carved Vintage Wood Swag Architectural Wall Ornament
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage carved and painted wood swag. This carved wood architectural ornament features two circular rings at either far end, with a long swap wrapped through each ring. The swag is...
Category

20th Century Indonesian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Tapestry

19th Century Italian Carved Marble Architectural Frieze Sculpture of Caesar
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Italian carved marble Architectural Frieze Sculpture of Caesar, Of rectangular form the finely carved Carrera Marble 50" x 20" slab w...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Carrara Marble, Statuary Marble, Steel

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Vintage Bocca della Verità Wall Sculpture by Domenico Persiani, Rome
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Decorative Ceramic "Bocca della Verità" Wall Sculpture by Domenico Persiani, Rome, 20th Century This striking ceramic wall sculpture is a rare, decorative...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Constantin Hansen – Bacchus on a Lion Danish Golden Age Gouache
By Constantin Hansen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Constantin Hansen, 1804–1880 Danish Golden Age gouache painting: Bacchus on a Lion. Executed on paper, framed in a gilt wooden frame. Visible image: 31 × 33 cm. Unsigned. The paintin...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper

Étienne Dupérac Etchings of Ancient Roman Ruins, 17th Century - A Pair
Located in Savannah, GA
Étienne Dupérac (French, 1535-1604) A pair of etchings from I vestigi dell'antichita di Roma raccolti et ritratti in perspettiva depicting ruins of Ancient Rome, including the Temp...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Tapestry with frame early 20th century
Located in Premariacco, IT
Embroidered tapestry with frame and double back iron for hanging on the wall. Early 20th century period.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century German Wall Sculpture of Emperor by Achatit
Located in COLMAR, FR
A rare, hand-made wall mask dating from the 1950s, produced in Germany by Achatit, a workshop established by Hans and Hanneliese Schirmer in Cologne in 1948 (see original label on th...
Category

1950s German Vintage Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Cast Stone

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Cosimo Colombini Engravings, c.1760s
Located in Savannah, GA
Cosimo Colombini engravings of antique gems with hand-coloring, circa 1760s. sight: 6 ¾ by 9 ¾ inches frame: 12 ½ by 15 ½ inches
Category

1760s Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Very Large Mechanical Tapestry Decorated with Undergrowth and Castles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very large mechanical tapestry decorated with undergrowth and castles, made in France circa 1930. very beautiful colors, very fresh. 2 Tapestry a...
Category

1930s French Vintage Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Cotton

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Oak

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Ceramic glazed mask -Satyr_made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Satyr, ceramic satyr, ceramic maskerone Glazed satyr maskerone -wall maskerone - hand molded on refractory ceramic, decorated , glazed dimensions: h 29 x 18 x 9 cm kg 1.4 original c...
Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

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...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Alabaster, Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Fine Engravings of City of Rome, Italy, Matted, Printed in 1816
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of rare and quite beautiful pair of engravings of the city of Rome, printed in 1816. Both are printed from original copper plate. Custom handmade French mat in the 18th centu...
Category

1810s Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

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 W.H Bartlett Published by Jackson C.1850 Unframed. Free shipping
Category

1850s English Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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. ...
Category

19th Century German Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Porcelain, Giltwood

Vintage Needlepoint Nude Venus after Rokeby Venus
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful needlepoint nude. After Rokebay Venus. From an estate out of Miami, Fl.
Category

20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Yarn

Large Scale Original Antique Grand Tour Print- Grotesque Masks. Rome, 1776
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of classical Roman masks Copper-plate engravings Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776 Good quality wove paper Free shipping  
Category

1770s Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Plaster

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. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Gold Leaf

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...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Early 20C Medici Print of Putti Under a Vine
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GLORIOUS & RARE Early 20C Medici Print of ‘Putti Under a Vine’. From the very early 20th Century, circa 1911. Framed and sold by Foster Bro...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Large Scale Original Antique Grand Tour Prints- Masks. Rome, 1776
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful images of classical Roman masks Copper-plate engravings Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776 Good quality wove paper Free shipping  
Category

1770s Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Plaster

Altorilievo (frammento), di battaglia romana su marmo bianco di Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, altorilievo, bassorilievo, busto romano antico, arte romana, altorilievo battaglia, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, altorilievo s...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Carrara Marble

Ceramic Wall Flower Shelf by Ginori - Eagle Shaped Shower
Located in Milano, MI
Wall-mounted eagle-shaped ceramic flower holder shelf made by Ginori - Shower. Majolica earthenware, decorated with polychrome glazes. Present imperfections as shown in photos. Ø cm...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Terracotta

Set of Three Classical Drawings
Located in Washington, DC
Set of Three Hand Engraved Classical Sepia Drawings of Roman and Greek figures.
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper

Italian Putti Oil Painting, circa 1940
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Framed Contemporary Artist study of Adam after Michelang s "Creation of Adam"
Located in Rümmingen, BW
This painting may display signs of aging, such as paper discoloration, tears, folds, and other imperfections. Classical Male Figure Drawing – Fra...
Category

Late 20th Century German Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper, Paint

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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
Category

Late 20th Century French Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Bronze

Ancient Coptic Textile with Classical Figures
Located in Spring Valley, NY
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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Linen

Drawing of a Large Frieze
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Pencil and charcoal drawing of a large frieze. In the photos it appears to be two colors because of the reflection of the glass. the wooden frame is lightly lacquered. ref. ST/527 -
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

19th Century Italian Antique Drawing, Signed Artwork
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
19th Century Antique Religious Painting Antique, neoclassical paintin from the 19th century. It retakes Bernardo Strozzi work "Annunziazione fata dal...
Category

1850s Italian Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper

Three-Dimensional Continental Majolica Charger of Minerva, Late 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Three-Dimensional Continental Majolica Charger of Minerva, Late 19th Century A large and exquisitely modeled Continental majolica charger depicting Minerva, Roman goddess of wisdom ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers
Located in Lisse, NL
Tasteful and unique wooden wall clock with sculptural front. The magnificent front of this midcentury era wall clock is entirely hand carved out of solid wood. It is difficult to se...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Beveled Wall Mirror in Gilt Bronze Frame w. Eternal Flame Torchères
Located in Lisse, NL
Aesthetically beautiful and romantically meaningful, antique French mirror. The way in which an individual looks at anything in life can learn you much about them. Most people who...
Category

Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Bronze

Anton Pieck Roman Pencil Drawing
Located in Tilburg, NL
Pencil drawing of a Roman man by Anton Pieck (1895-1987). When viewed up close the craftsmanship of Anton Pieck is obvious. He was a highly skilled arti...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Walnut, 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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Walnut, Paper

Gold Frame Portrait Medallions of the Seven Caesars
Located in New York, NY
These oval medallions, sold individually, feature profile portraits of seven Roman Caesars rendered in low relief against a textured background. Each medallion is inscribed with the ...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Resin

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Marble high-relief -Rape of Proserpine -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, high relief, bas-relief, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, high relief battle, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, carved high relief, ...
Category

1990s European Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Carrara Marble

Pair of Octagonal Framed Pompeiian Red Pottery Roman Medallions
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Octagonal framed 'Pompeiian Red' pottery Roman Medallions Each one a well executed glazed pottery male profile portrait medallion, with a vin...
Category

20th Century Italian Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Pottery, Velvet, Wood

French Academic Drawing of a Classical Roman
Located in Houston, TX
French academic drawing of a classical Roman. This handsome framed French drawing of a classical Roman figure was created by a talented artist ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Classical Roman Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Classical Roman wall decorations for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman wall decorations 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.

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