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.
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Folk Art Stradivarius Violin Plaque Crafted for Cosimo de Medici 1690
Located in South Burlington, VT
Italian folk art Pyrography picture signed, H. Toscano This is an original and unusual detailed 1690 enactment , and hand incised work of art on wood pan...
Wood
18th Century oil on board of lady attributed to Balthasar Denner
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Here we have a oil on board attributed to denner circa 1730. Depicting a typical subject of his, showing the face in high detail. Would benefit from a professional clean. Which we co...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Antique Pair Continental French Limoges Hanging Wall Plaque
By Limoges
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite pair of antique Limoges wall plaques showcases the elegance and artistry of French craftsmanship. Each plaque features a finely enam...
Porcelain, Upholstery
Italian 18th century Painting of the Road to Calvary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and intricately detailed Italian 18th century Renaissance st. Oil on Canvas and Mecca painting of the Road to Calvary, in the manner of Giovanni Paolo Panini. This dram...
Giltwood, Paint
$750
H 16.5 in W 23.38 in D 16.75 in
Wooden Hand Crafted Trench Folk Art Toy Castle Medieval Knight, German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning toy castle, it is a beautiful example of early 20th century trench folk art, German handmade craft. The architectural detailing in the crenellated t...
Wood
$390 / set
H 16.75 in W 6.75 in D 6.5 in
Lot of two Deer Antler Mount Trophy Black Forest Wood Plaque Austria Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of 3 vintage deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. Most of them are dated on the backside, it tells they are from the 1920s or older. Measurement's ...
Antler, Wood
$320 / set
H 12.38 in W 9 in D 5 in
Lot of two Deer Antler Mount Trophy Black Forest Wood Plaque Austria Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking set of two vintage deer antler trophies mounted on beautifully hand-carved Black Forest wooden plaques, showcasing traditional Alpine craftsmanship. One plaque bears a vis...
Antler, Wood
Framed 18th-Century Painting with 1794 Note, Germany, Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and historically evocative framed painting accompanied by an original parchment document dating to 1794. The handwritten note, preserved behind the painting within the fra...
Wood
Santa Rita Retablo
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This late 19th century Mexican Folk Art devotional painting depicts St. Rita of Casia, the patron saint of lost and improbable causes. Wishing to join an Augustinian convent ...
Tin
Four Meissen Porcelain Plaques Depicting the Four Seasons
Located in London, GB
This delicately detailed set of four allegorical porcelain plaques portrays family scenes within the theme of the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Spring can be ide...
Metal
American Legion Baseball and Basketball Folk Art Paintings
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Pair of baseball and basketball paintings found in a Midwestern American Legion hall. These were proudly displayed behind the legion hall bar. Grea...
$1,256Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.75 in W 13.39 in D 1.19 in
Spanish Colonial South American Painting Virgin folk art 18th C
Located in London, GB
A Spanish colonial South American folk art style painting of the Virgin and child South American Peru or Bolivia school 18th century or earlier Oil on canvas, framed size 40 x ...
Paint
$1,650
H 36.5 in W 25.5 in D 2 in
Early 20th Century Vintage Boho Original Painting on Board of Male Nude
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Boho original oil painting on board. A chic composition of a male nude in beautiful shades of green. Framed in a brilliant gilt wood frame. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Paint, Masonite
Renaissance Splendor Catherine de' Medici's Valois Tapestries 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Renaissance Splendor: Catherine de' Medici's Valois Tapestries by Elizabeth Cleland. Published by The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2018. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. 96 pages, with...
Paper
Signed Oil Painting of Horses on Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This oil painting is signed in the lower left hand illegible signature. Very well done in great condition and retains the original frame.
$3,755
H 52.56 in W 30.91 in D 1.19 in
LARGE PAIR OF 133X78CM ANTIQUE CHINESE ANCESTRAL PORTRAITS WITH GOLD BORDERs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of Antique Chinese Ancestral Portraits on the original paper with lovely glazed...
Plywood
Italian Miniature Painting in Round Gilt Frame
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Italian miniature painting print framed in a circular gilt frame. Giclee painting framed, stamped made in Italy in the back, circa 1950. Please note that it is a very small "miniature" 4" diameter giclee print painting.
Paper
Italian Miniature Painting in Round Gilt Frame
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Italian miniature painting print framed in a circular gilt frame. Giclee painting framed, stamped made in Italy in the back, circa 1950.
Paper
Sold
H 29.73 in W 25.99 in D 4.34 in
Rare Original 17th Century Dutch Oil on Canvas Painting of a Nobleman
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original 17th century Dutch, oil on canvas painting of a noble gentleman. The condition of the oil is very good, the frame is distr...
Canvas, Wood
17th Century Depiction of St Jerome Continental School Oil on Board
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A late 17th early 18th century continental school oil on oak panel of a St Jerome Jerome was a Christian priest, confessor, theolog...
Hardwood
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.96 in D 0.4 in
Antique Meissen Porcelain Plaque of the Sistine Madonna after Raphael
By Meissen Porcelain, (after) Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino)
Located in London, GB
This charming miniature porcelain plaque depicts the Sistine Madonna after Raphael's famous Renaissance masterpiece of 1513. The oval plaque is set in a gilt frame, and bears the Mei...
Porcelain
1920s Renaissance Inspired Gouache on Canvas
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Impressive and vibrant renaissance inspired gouache on canvas. Depicting 2 cherubs lounging either side of a central urn with flowers. Areas of restoration to damage (please se...
Paint