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.
$2,681Sale Price|50% Off
17th Century French Renaissance Hand-Carved Front Section of a Built in Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful carved Renaissance front section was a part of a built in cabinet. The carvings are typical for Bretagne area in France and it can be ...
Oak
Pair of English Renaissance Style Carved Walnut Panels
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of English Renaissance style (19th Century) walnut carved wall panels (PRICED AS Pair).
Walnut
$16,500 / set
Set of 3 English Renaissance Leaded Glass Windows
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 3 English Renaissance style (19th Century) leaded glass window panels with diamond design and figure in center (PRICED AS SET).
Wood, Glass
4 Stained Glass of Painter of the Flemish Renaissance and Their Painting
Located in Brussels, Brussels
- Magnificent set of 4 windows of the 19th century representing the great painters of the Flemish Renaissance. At the top of each stained-glass window are men playing guitar, smokin...
Glass
$28,750
H 93 in W 60 in D 1 in
Large Italian Stained Glass Vitreaux Window *The Presentation of the Virgin Mary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine and Large Stained Glass and Hand-Painted Vitreaux Panel depicting "The Presentation of the Virgin Mary", also called Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, feast celebrated in the Roman Catholic and Eastern churches on November 21, depicts the Mother of God’s entrance into the Temple. It was held in the Eastern church in the 6th century but did not become widely accepted in the West until the 15th century. The finely executed colorful stained glass panel beautifully displays the presentation of the child Mary in the temple...
Stained Glass
Stained Glass Panel
Located in Antwerp, BE
Offering this stunning stained glass panel on chain. In the shape of a floral tree with various colors and pattern. Also have many shades of green,...
Stained Glass
Antique Stained Glass Window of Saint Edmund
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique ecclesiastical stained glass window of Saint Edmund reclaimed from Beeleigh Abbey. This dramatic stained glass window reads 'Saint Edmund’ on a religious scroll. Competent...
Glass, Stained Glass, Wood, Pine
Stained Glass Window
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage 1920-30s Stained Glass Window Whiplash Art Nouveau Design featuring Poppies and Waterlilies Clear Ripple Glass Background pushes the design forwar...
Stained Glass
$5,000
H 41.5 in W 10.5 in D 0.25 in
4 Antique English Edwardian Era Hand Painted Arched Leaded Stained Glass Windows
Located in Dayton, OH
A charming set of four Early 1900s Edwardian reclaimed, leaded hand painted stained glass windows. Features a multicolored geometric glass pattern set around hand painted and fired ...
Lead
American Victorian Leaded Glass Window
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American Victorian leaded glass window, late 19th century The multi-colored window in slag glass, rippled glass, opalescent glass, and clear b...
Glass, Art Glass
Antique Asian Architectural Relief Carved Stone Frieze Panel
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptional architectural high relief hand carved stone band of running scroll decoration frieze panel, with beautiful scrollwork, representing wind or water, and mythological creature, perhaps a dragon or grotesque griffin. The characters in the center may be Asian hieroglyphs (Japanese kanji). The top side has a dovetail joinery cutout from where it would have attached and fit into place before cementing it in place. 19th century or earlier. This antique architectural salvage building element is a beautiful and artful display of history, and a quick way to add texture, character, rustic charm and interest. Will make a wonderful decorative object within your home or office. Provenance: Personal property of Genshiro Kawamoto. A Japanese real estate billionaire and avid art collector who owned numerous multi-million dollar properties in Hawaii and was building one of the most expensive homes in Hawaii prior to his tax evasion arrest, followed by prison sentence in Japan. He had bought multiple properties to convert into museums in order to display his personal decorative arts collection, but due to his legal and financial problems, his items were all auctioned...
Stone
$9,500
H 17.5 in W 21.125 in D 12 in
17th Century Italian Milano Renaissance Period Bone Ivory Ebony Tabletop Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce nearly 400 year old fine quality Italian Lombard ebony rosewood bone and ivory tabletop curiosity cabinet with warm rich beautifully aged patina and interesting provenance. ...
Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century Renaissance Style Carved Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique carved cabinet having a central marquetry inlaid door panel with high relief carved rope design flanked by carved figural columns, panel...
Wood
$13,000 / set
H 51.5 in W 16.25 in D 1 in
2 Rare Antique 19th C. Neo Renaissance Figural Leaded Stained Glass Windows 52"
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive Pair of stained glass windows of the highest quality, painted with grisaille and enamels on cathedral glass, circa 19th century. Representing two Renaissance Halberdier...
Stained Glass
$20,000
H 92 in W 58.5 in D 22 in
Notable circa 17th Century Carved Walnut Two-Tiered Cabinet in Renaissance Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and impressive 17th century European cabinet. Made in two parts, both with elaborate carved decoration and burled panels and details. The upper cabinet with heavy overhanging...
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Italian Carved Wooden Painted Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of Italian carved wooden painted panels dating to the 19th century. Handcrafted, each panel is carved with repeating foliage and flower designs finished with original paint. ...
Pine, Wood
Sold
H 40.25 in W 18 in D 1.25 in
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Pitch Pine Panel Double Faced, Linen Fold
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late 19th century French pitch pine panel features an intricately hand carved linen fold motif. Double faced, this piece may be viewed from both sides. Architectural fragment as...
Pine
Italian Renaissance Style Coat of Arms Wall Carvings
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance style (19th century) carved oak vertical coat of arms wall carving with 2 griffins centering a helmet above 3 crowns.
Oak
Pair of 17th Century Renaissance Style Carved Panels from France
Located in Dallas, TX
These phenomenal hand-carved architectural panels date to the 1600s. They are completely carved in relief, and they are in the Renaissance style with motifs of scrolling rinceaux at ...
Wood