Spanning an era of cultural rebirth in Europe that harkened back to antiquity, the Renaissance was a time of change in design. From the late 1400s to the early 1600s, Rome, Venice and Florence emerged as artistic centers through the expansion of global trade and a humanist belief in the arts being central to society. Antique Renaissance furniture was ornately carved from sturdy woods like walnut, its details standing out against the tapestries and stained glass adorning the walls.
Renaissance chests, which were frequently commissioned for marriages, were often decorated with gilding or painted elements. Those that were known as cassoni were crafted in shapes based on classical sarcophagi. As opposed to the medieval era, when furniture was pared down to the necessities, a wide range of Renaissance chairs, tables and cabinets were created for the home, and the designs regularly referenced ancient Rome.
Large torchères of the Renaissance era that were used as floor lamps were inspired by classical candelabras, while marble surfaces evoked frescoes. The inlaid boxes being imported from the Middle East informed the intarsia technique, which involved varying hues of wood in mosaic-like patterns, such as those by architect Giuliano da Maiano in the Florence Cathedral.
Tapestry-woven cushion covers accented the variety of Renaissance seating — from conversation to study chairs — while bookcases for secular use reflected the migration of culture and knowledge from the church into the home. The aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance later spread to France through the publishing of work by renowned designers, including Hugues Sambin and Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. Centuries later, the 19th-century Renaissance Revival would see a return to this influential style.
Find a collection of antique Renaissance case pieces, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$15,196Sale Price|20% Off
Nude Male Bronze Sculpture Fountain
Located in Malibu, CA
Bronze male sculpture signed. Fonderia Giorgio Sommer Calabritto Napoli Thomas, sculptor, lived and worked in the Naples area, and especially on Capri, from 1889 to 1906. Given this ...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Antique Marble Wall Fountain with Dolphin Pedestal, Early Renaissance
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A marble wall fountain with dolphin pedestal. The Campana shaped body of the basin is supported by the dauphin grotesque pedestal which is placed on a raised square foot. The fountai...
Marble
Antique-patinated Wall fountain in Renaissance Style, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Wall fountain made of hand-chiseled, antique-patinated natural stone with a large rectangular basin. The curved back panel with subtle volutes and strong top molding gives the founta...
Stone
Antique-patinated Wall fountain, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Wall fountain made of hand-chiseled, antique-patinated natural stone with a large rectangular basin. The simple back panel with subtly profiled side elements and a central spout comb...
Stone
Antique-patinated Wall fountain
Located in Greding, DE
Wall fountain made of hand-chiseled, antique-patinated natural stone with a curved back panel and central rosette spout. The semi-circular basin and slender design offer elegant prop...
Stone
Italian Renaissance Style Wrought Iron Wishing Stone Well Head and Base
Located in Rome, IT
A fine Italian carved limestone and wrought iron wishing well head from the Veneto area. Great decoration for your garden. It may also be used as a...
Limestone
Antique-patinated Wall fountain, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Wall fountain made of hand-chiseled, antique-patinated natural stone with a simple back panel and rolled top edge. The semi-circular, solid basin offers a harmonious shape and high s...
Stone, Limestone
Italian Renaissance Style Wrought Iron Wishing Stone Well Head and Base
Located in Rome, IT
A fine Italian carved limestone and wrought iron wishing well head from the Veneto area. Great decoration for your garden. It may also be used as a planter. The octagonal base diamet...
Limestone
Antique-patinated Wall fountain, Renaissance Style, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Wall fountain made of hand-chiseled, antique-patinated natural stone with a straight-lined basin and decoratively curved back panel. The distinctive block design and solid proportion...
Stone
Continental 19th Century Renaissance St. Composite Stone And Wrought Iron Well
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and large scaled Continental 19th century Renaissance st. composite stone and Wrought Iron well. The octagonal shaped well with its oct...
Marble, Wrought Iron
$13,325Sale Price|30% Off
Neo-Renaissance Italian Terracotta Fountain. Tuscany, early 19th century
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A fanciful early 19th century Italian terracotta fountain from Tuscany. In neo-Renaissance style, as shown in the photo, the artist's initials I B are engraved. The fountain rests on...
Terracotta
15th or 16th Century Marble Gargoyle Fountain Spout from Arezzo, Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
Although when most people hear the word “gargoyle”, they probably envision small, winged creatures with grotesque visages. However, the phrase has a deeper meaning, encompassing any carved head (animal or human) that function as waterspouts. From the Early Renaissance (late 1400’s/early 1500’s), our gargoyle fountain spout features a human-like face with pointed ears, possibly representing a centaur or a satyr. The roughly rectangular block of marble was hand-carved in Arezzo, in the Tuscany region of Italy. All sides except the front of the cream-colored stone have a sawed finish, resulting in a rough texture. The back has been excavated, adding to the character of the gargoyle. A 1 ½” diameter hole has been cut all the way through, forming an open mouth of the gargoyle. The gaping mouth was often a symbol used to conjure images of devouring giants and used to remind people that they are susceptible to certain forces. Our 15th/16th century marble...
Marble
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Bronze Fountain Statue of A Cherub holding a Fish
Located in Katonah, NY
A bronze fountain figure of a winged cherub holding a fish, the figure standing with proper right foot aloft, the right foot standing atop rock-work base with seashells, the fish of the koi variety, the whole in the spirit of Andrea del Verrocchio’s ca. 1470 “Putto with Dolphin”, and after a similar figure by Leonardo Rossi...
Bronze
Monumental Italian Wall Fountain in Carved Verona Rossa Marble, Early 1900s
Located in Dallas, TX
This monumental Italian wall fountain was hand-carved in verona rossa marble in the early 1900’s. Truly the work of a master mason, the fountain is comprised of four thick pieces of richly carved marble, with each piece weighing several hundred pounds. The marble has lovely salmon color with cream inclusions that has developed a soft patina. The 3 ¼” deep back wall is adorned with a repetitive C-scroll border. A winged lion mascaron hovers above a geometric panel filled with nondescript interlaced carvings. Below the panel is a scalloped shell with sprawling barbed rinceaux that flows between a pair of volute scrolls on the edge of the wall. The shell has a small, incised circle where a spout or tap can be placed, depending on the desired use. Beneath the vertical wall is an 8 ½” thick sinuous bowl embellished with thick quarter round molding. The front façade has a stylized coat of arms consisting of a shaped shield emblazoned with a fleur de lys. Inside the basin, the back wall has been carved with a pair of volute C-scrolls surrounding bundled leaves. At the base of the leaves is a small drainage hole. Three volutes highlight the luxurious column that sits on a rectangular plinth with two canted corners. All three volutes are in the traditional S-shape, with two of them flanking the larger channeled scroll. A small fleur de lys graces the front of the plinth, which has gently sloped top edges. There is a thin grooved molding near the base. A natural conversation piece for any courtyard or garden setting, the Renaissance style Italian wall fountain can be used indoors or outside. It could also be used as a large sink...
Marble
Antique Italian Wall Fountain in Rosso Verona Marble, Circa 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique, late 19th Century Italian wall fountain with a richly decorated backsplash depicting a sun mask and scrolls, set on a heavy basin with lateral shields and supported by an...
Marble
Renaissance Wellhead Hand Carved Marble Container Planter Basin Water Fountain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Renaissance Wellhead Hand Carved Marble Container Planter Basin Water Fountain . A rare and impressive Historic Italian 15th century Renaissance hand carved marble well head square shape with scrolls to the corners. Decorated with 3-dimensional vessels and armorial with a rampant lion with raised forelegs as if to strike and ready for battle. To be used as an interior planter stone container, focal point, water feature fountain...
Stone, Marble
Giallo d’Istria Wall Fountain
Located in Greding, DE
Wall fountain made of light Giallo d’Istria limestone with a stained basin rim. The back panel features a simple floral rosette and a gently curved contour.
Limestone
Antique Continental Renaissance Church Lavabo
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent medieval Renaissance period architectural holy water font lavabo. Born in a Christian church in Continental Europe during the middle ages, likely Italian 16th or 17th century, exquisitely hand-crafted by a highly skilled artisan, with exceptional craftsmanship, ornate and finely detailed, the rare and one of a kind forged bronze and brass upper presenting with gothic shaped palm frond back, domed lid with tall finial decorated in relief, the fountain reservoir is decorated with central mounted Star of Bethlehem four pointed pentagram star embellishment as well as other applied ormolu adornments, a narrow elongated spigot with valve dispenses the holy water below. A later gilt brass stoop catches the water, the nicely styled, demilune shaped wall mounted antique...
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
A spectacular Italian 19th century Renaissance st. white Carrara marble fountain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular and high quality Italian 19th century Renaissance st. white Carrara marble fountain. This wonderful fountain is raised by a rectangular plinth supporting a top rolled c...
Carrara Marble
19th Century Hand-Carved Italian Marble Fountain with Putto Head
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hand carved and rare Italian marble fountain fill in the form of a Putto head. A wonderful architectural treasure. Can be used as originally in...
Marble
$2,660Sale Price|30% Off
H 40.5 in W 22.5 in D 17.5 in
Antique Cast Stone Pedestal and Shell Form Bird Bath
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique cast stone and shell form birdbath. Great antique condition, nice wear and aged patina will add interest to any outdoor space.
Cast Stone
$904Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33.86 in W 11.82 in D 7.09 in
French Faience Wall Fountain, 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Wall fountain set: original water tank and soap dish and wooden support, lavabo. France, mid-19th century Unseal plant holder Very good condition Shipping: 86 x 18 x 30 cm, 7 kg.
Faience, Chestnut
Wonderful Modernist Kenetic Motion Copper Fountain / Water Feature, Hand Made
Located in Buffalo, NY
Ingenious copper fountain / water feature, solid copper construction, Modernist design Artisan made, hand executed. Sculpture in motion, great for garden, or indoor space.
Copper
$25,037
H 12.21 in W 10.63 in D 5.91 in
Meissen style porcelain and gilt bronze table fountain by Samson
Located in London, GB
This colourful porcelain table fountain, fashioned in the German Meissen style, was crafted in the 19th Century by the French porcelain company Samson et Cie. The table fountain co...
Ormolu
$995
H 15 in W 7 in D 12.75 in
Vintage French Style Cast Iron Rooster Garden Statue-Wrought Iron Floral Base
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A charming vintage French-style cast iron rooster garden statue featuring a beautifully weathered patina and hand-crafted character throughout. Standing proudly atop a decorative bas...
Cast Iron
$556Sale Price|20% Off
H 20 in W 10.75 in D 7.5 in
Cast Aluminum Lions Head Wall Fountain Planter Patterson London 1893
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous wall fountain or planter in aluminum. Cast lions Head and Patterson London 1893. Lots of patina on this one, peeling white paint. In excellent vinta...
Aluminum
Grand Tour Male Nude Bronze Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th Century bronze male nude sculpture on wood pedestal base.
Bronze
$2,750
H 12.75 in W 15.5 in D 22.5 in
American Giant Stone Frog with Patina, Originally Used as a Fountain
Located in Atlanta, GA
An American giant stone frog from the 20th century, with great patina. Made in the USA in 1987, this giant stone stone frog used to be a fountain (notice the remnants of a pipe below...
Stone
$14,800
H 54.5 in W 28 in D 31 in
American Cast Bronze Garden Fountain with Figural Boy Holding Koi Fish. C. 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
American cast bronze garden fountain with standing figural boy holding Koi fish on a two-tiered shell form scrolled base with turtle at his feet, Late 19th century.
Bronze, Copper
Cast Concrete French Style Wall Fountain
Located in Sheffield, MA
Cast from an original 19th century French fountain.
Concrete
$149,000
H 35 in W 40 in D 40 in
Renaissance Wellhead Hand Carved Marble Container Planter Basin Water Fountain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Renaissance Wellhead Hand Carved Marble Container Planter Basin Water Fountain . A rare and impressive Historic Italian 15th century Renaissance hand carved marble well head square shape with scrolls to the corners. Decorated with 3-dimensional vessels and armorial with a rampant lion with raised forelegs as if to strike and ready for battle. To be used as an interior planter stone container, focal point, water feature fountain...
Stone, Marble
20th Century Bronze Wall Fountain
Located in Casteren, NL
This is a very exceptional piece. In the middle of the 35kg solid bronze tank there's a big rock cristal (30 cm high) which holds an atmospheric light. Originates France, dating ci...
Bronze
Marble Wall Fountain
Located in Greding, DE
Fountain made of light marble with a shell-shaped bowl and richly decorated base. The finely sculpted volutes and the ornately carved leaf motif give the piece sculptural depth and c...
Marble
19th Century Italian Terracotta Eolo Fountain Spout
Located in Encinitas, CA
This fountain ‘mascaron’ represents Aeolus, the Greek ruler of the winds. It is formed by Italian artisans using the finest Impruneta terracotta and it is aged by lichen and moss....
Terracotta
Tête de fontaine soclée
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Macaron en plâtre vernissé figurant une tête de lion monté sur un socle.
Plaster
Stone Wall Fountain in Renaissance Style, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Wall fountain made of hand-hewn natural stone with a high, curved back panel and faceted basin. The harmonious arrangement of the stone slabs and the precisely crafted edges emphasiz...
Stone
Bluestone Wall fountain in Renaissance Style, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Wall fountain made of hand-chiseled, antique-patinated bluestone with a compact hexagonal basin. The tall back panel with shell ornamentation and a distinctive cornice provides a cla...
Stone
Octagonal Hand-Carved Stone Fountain, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Fountain made of hand-chiseled, antique-patinated natural stone with an octagonal basin and four water spouts. The central column has a simple design, while internal iron reinforceme...
Stone, Iron
Sold
H 20.08 in W 16.93 in D 9.45 in
White Carrara marble fountain with carved lion snout -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
White Carrara marble wall fountain with projecting lion face. ▪ Made in Italy dimensions 51 h x 43 x 24 cm weight 26 kg italian manufacturing certified by the Lazio region The sculp...
Carrara Marble
Tulio Lombardo Style Marble Fountain
Located in New Orleans, LA
This marble fountain sculpture in the style of Tulio Lombardo embodies the glory of Renaissance sculpture. Reminiscent of classical portrait busts, a bearded man's face serves as the...
Marble
Renaissance-Style Wall Fountain, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Wall fountain with small basin with profiled wall and segmental top with shell decoration.
Stone
Italian Renaissance Style Wrought Iron Wishing Stone Well Head
Located in Rome, IT
A fine Italian carved limestone and wrought iron wishing well head from the Veneto area. Great decoration for your garden. It may also be used as a...
Limestone
Bronze Fountain Representing an Angel Sitting on a Column
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant bronze fountain representing an angel sitting on a column Very decorative and original piece that can be put in an interior decoration and also in a garden. We left the p...
Bronze
Decorative Antique Sculpted Marble Wall Fountain or Basin
Located in Baambrugge, NL
This unique hand carved wall fountain was made in the late 19th or early 20th century in France. The fountain can be placed in the garden as well as in the bathroom. The putto head on top serves as a sprout, with to decorative scalloped basins...
Carrara Marble