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.
Antique Renaissance Style Carved Sandstone Corbel or Keystone
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful stone carving of a kings face. Probably English. I have dated it at least, 19th century. It is most likely earlier than this. Difficult to be precise. Free UK shipping
Sandstone
Italian Terracotta Classical Male Figure, circa 1900
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An elegant Italian terracotta sculpture of a classical youth, circa 1900. Finely modeled and beautifully proportioned, the figure stands in a graceful contrapposto pose, his gaze low...
Terracotta
Magnificent Compatible Pair Of Recumbent Carved Marble Lions
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Pair of Male Lions in carved marble resting on octagonal attached slab bases. Originally purchased in London and having incredible classic form. One of the Lions rests with his hea...
Marble
Monumental 'Excalibur Sword' Garden Statue, England, 1900s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental 'Excalibur Sword' Garden Statue England, Circa 1900s This monumental “Excalibur Sword” garden statue, imported from the UK in the 1970s, is a truly extraordinary Renai...
Cast Stone, Bronze, Steel
Isabella d'Este and Francesco II Gonzaga Majolica Busts by Angelo
Located in New Orleans, LA
These two busts, monumental in both their size and artistry, come from the renowned Italian majolica workshop of the famed Angelo Minghetti. Depicted are the Renaissance political an...
Enamel
19th Century over Life-Size Marble Statue of Bacchus after Michelangelo
Located in Essex, MA
Mid-19th century over life-size carved marble statue of Michelangelo's "Bacchus". Grand Tour copy through the "Point To Point" method directly from the original keeping its masterful proportions and Fine details in an exact size to Michelangelo's work. We have never seen a 19th century copy of this Renaissance Masterpiece of this size and are quite fortunate to be responsible for its stewardship until purchase by a discerning collector The original "Bacchus" is a marble sculpture by the master, Michelangelo, created circa 1496 when the artist was 21. This statue was originally commissioned by Cardinal Raffaele Riario. However, it was rejected by him and eventually found its way to Jacopo Galli, Cardinal Riario’s banker and a friend of the sculptor, who purchased it in 1506. Some 66 years later it was bought for the Medici and transferred to the royal house in Florence, Italy. Currently it can be viewed at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. It is one of just two sculptures surviving Michelangelo’s initial period in Rome, with the other being Pieta. The artwork: This somewhat oversized...
Marble
Large Glazed Terracotta Putto Garden Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large garden sculpture in the form of a seated winged putto with hand to lips appearing to shush. The putto is sitting on a plith among flowers and has one hand on a quiver. The gr...
Terracotta
$1,058Sale Price|55% Off
Polychrome terracotta statue of the Virgin Our Lady of Lourdes
Located in TARBES, FR
Discover this stunning polychrome terracotta statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. This unique piece, imbued with spirituality and beauty, will bring a sacred touch to your interior. Repre...
Terracotta
18th Century French Statue in Terracotta
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century French terracotta statue with Madonna and child.
Terracotta
Antique French Renaissance Hennecke & Co "Faust & Marguerite" Plaster Statue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique French Renaissance Hennecke & Cos "Faust & Marguerite" Large Plaster Statue S...
Plaster
20th Century French Stone Lion with Shield on Pedestal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20th century French stone lion holding a shield on a pedestal. A 20th century lion carved from stone holding a crest carved with a lion with wearing a crown. It is a representation o...
Cast Stone
Antique French Terracotta Head of a Bearded Man
Located in Hastings, GB
An impressive and large scale terracotta head of a bearded man, French,19th century, old repairs and reinforcements, a striking and captivating piece. Wall mounted, there are two ...
Terracotta
Italian Renaissance Monumental Giltwood Baroque Painted Angel on Stand
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance (17th/18th Century) life-size giltwood and painted angel carved in a Baroque style, resting on a wood column stand. Statue: 33 x 16...
Wood, Giltwood
Lion Stone Sculpture Architectural Garden Renaissance
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
This sculpture has taken on a different character over time as it has weathered and the detailing has softened. Time has given it a pared down, minimalist quality juxtaposing the R...
Limestone
Italian Vintage Putto Statue of Hand Carved Wood, Stands
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian hand carved wooden putto figure. This vintage figure from Italy has been hand carved of wood and depicts a nude male child, standing in a twist...
Wood
$18,500 / set
Pair of Renaissance Polychromed Kneeling Figures
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Renaissance style (19th Cent) polychromed life size kneeling figures.
$24,000 / set
Pair of Renaissance Polychromed Winged Figures
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Italian Renaissance style (19th cent) polychromed life size kneeling angels with gilt wings.
French Antique Marble Statue of a Leaning Youth
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This early 19th century French antique marble statue of a leaning youth has stood the test of time for over 220 years. This has given the marble ...
Marble
Large Glazed Terracotta Putto Garden Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large garden sculpture in the form of a seated winged putto with hand to lips appearing to shush. The putto is sitting on a plith among flowers and has one hand on a quiver. The gr...
Terracotta
Pair of Carved Marble Recumbent Lions
Located in Norwood, NJ
Fine quality antique carved marble recumbent lions after models by Antonio Canova. Architectural elements most likely part of a larger el...
Carrara Marble
“Embracing Couple” by Itzhak Ofer
By Itzhak Ofer
Located in Sheffield, MA
Itzhak Ofer (Polish, 1910-1988), sculpture, mahogany, “embracing couple”, signed on base, "OFER", 25" h. x 12 1/2" w. x 9 1/2" d. including base. Itzhak Ofer was a Sculptor. b. 1910, Poland. Immigrated 1935. Studies: 1941-45 American University, Cairo, plastic arts and drama. Prize: 1968 Public Council of Culture and Art for Best Play. 1981 Initiated and directed a competition of Environmental Sculpture, Ramat Gan...
Mahogany
$14,000
H 29.5 in W 24 in D 12 in
English Marble Bust of Parliament Gentleman on Plinth, John Graham Lough C. 1855
By John Graham Lough
Located in Charleston, SC
English Marble bust of Parliament gentleman displayed on a circular plinth. Signed by maker John Graham Lough, London Mid 19th Century. Lough sculp...
Statuary Marble
19th Century Classical Stone Bust
Located in NYC, NY
A good 19th century carved stone bust. The handsome figure in Greco-Roman attire with toga draped across the chest and a laurel wreath around his head. ...
Stone
$854Sale Price|33% Off
H 14.5 in W 9 in D 10 in
Cast Marble Roman Child Bust Sculpture, Antique, 1920, Decorative Art
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Cast marble bust of a Roman child set on a base size: 3.50 H x 5.25 W x 6 D.base size
Cast Stone
$5,082 / set
H 42.52 in W 22.05 in D 11.03 in
Hand-Carved Marble Lion Statues, 21st Century, Expressive Design, Pair
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of hand-carved male lions out of marble, standing on square bases. The lions are in a mirrored posture, each one placing his paw on a ball. They are depicted with an expressive ...
Marble
18th Century Baroque Sandstone Sculpture of a Satyr Herm
Located in Essex, MA
A Period German or French large scale Baroque Garden Statue of a Pan Satyr. Well carved with impish gaze and wrapped in sheepskin Ex Prominent New York Co...
Sandstone
Antique Neoclassical Carved Marble Horse Head Sculpture
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique Neoclassical carved marble horse head sculpture. Dating to circa 1780, this hand-carved sculpture would make a striking decorative piec...
Marble, Carrara Marble
$61,436
H 94.49 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Magnificent Life-Size Marble Sculpture from Italy 200 CM PAIR OF CARIATIDES
Located in Madrid, ES
Add a touch of classical elegance to your collection with this magnificent life-size marble sculpture, masterfully crafted from the finest Italian marble. This exceptional piece, met...
Marble
18th or 19th Century White Marble Bust of a Young Woman
Located in Berlin, DE
The marble bust facing frontal with her eyes looking to her right. The hair fastened in a skillfull knot behind, the drapery covers her shoulders and breasts, with another section un...
Carrara Marble
Pair of Life Size Penguin Garden Statues
Located in Hastings, GB
A super pair of life size garden statues, modeled as Penguins and made from reconstituted stone, English, circa 1970's. Aging and moss from tim...
Stone
Sold
H 28.35 in W 16.54 in D 20.08 in
Renaissance grotesque in the shape of a half-moon - France, 17th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large grotesque in the shape of a half-moon On a posterior cement base Limestone France, 17th century 72 x 42 x 51 cm
Limestone
16th Century Putti Carving
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful and sweet putti mounted on base. Likely Italian retaining much of the original gilded and painted surface with repainting likely done in the 18th century.
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Sold
H 61 in W 41 in D 22.5 in
Lion Fountains, Lifesize Outdoor Statues, Patinated Bronze, England, 1860s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of Lifesize Bronze Lion Fountains on Pedestals, 19th Century Monumental Outdoor Statues, Priced for pair (two pairs available) Two monumental...
Bronze
Antique Renaissance Style Carved Stone Head Of A Gargoyle On Stand
Located in Bradenton, FL
Stone head of a grotesque mounted on later cast iron stand. Statue has strong detailed facial features with one hand touching right eye. Wonderful old patina. Would look unique and c...
Stone
A fine 19thc Italian Carrera marble life size carved figure of a female
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine life size 19th century Italian Carrera marble hand carved statue. Possibly one of the 4 seasons . Winter or Fall. Fine carving and detail. Excelle...
Carrara Marble
Sold
H 24.02 in W 16.15 in D 6.7 in
Rare 16th Century Sculpture in Precious White Marble of Carrara, Mary with Child
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare antique sculpture in italian white Carrara marble. Great artistic quality, not signed. This rare sculpture can be dated to around the middle of the 16th century in the Renaissan...
Marble
Life-Sized, 16th Century Marble Figure Fragment
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully hand carved, life-sized, Italian Renaissance period, Carrara marble figure fragment of a youth bearing a quiver of arrows. The whole mounted on a stepped, paneled base ...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Sold
H 23.5 in W 17.5 in D 11 in
19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Old Impruneta Terracotta Bust of Emperor
Located in Encinitas, CA
Emperor Caracalla of Rome who ordered the building of the Roman baths, captured in an impressive bust: hand-sculpted detail of old well-patinated terracotta from Impruneta, Florence,...
Terracotta
Sold
H 26 in W 19.25 in D 16 in
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Style Impruneta Terracotta Apollo Bust
Located in Encinitas, CA
A bust of the Roman God Apollo depicted in hand-sculpted detail of old terracotta from Impruneta, Florence, circa 1920. Beautiful natural patina aging with lichen. Stamped by maker. ...
Terracotta
Sold
H 25.75 in W 12 in D 12 in
19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Hermes Bust in Grisaglia from Lake Como
Located in Encinitas, CA
Classic Italian bust of Hermes, composed of "grisaglia," the local white cement mixture of tiny stones, impregnated with lichen and moss from aging in the garden. Lake Como area of I...
Cement
Sold
H 24.5 in W 10.5 in D 11.5 in
19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Bust of Venus Goddess of Love and Victory
Located in Encinitas, CA
Classic Roman bust of Venus, Goddess of Love and Victory, composed of "grisaglia," a local white cement mixture of tiny stones, impregnated with lichen and moss from aging. Lake Como area, circa 1890. In the style attributed to Antonio Canova (1757-1822), whose first marble statuary tribute to Venus is located in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence. Described as the Venus Italica, ordered in 1804 by Ludovico I, King of Etruria to replace the ancient Medici Venus...
Cement
Sold
H 26.5 in W 19.5 in D 16 in
19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Old Impruneta Terracotta Bust of Apollo
Located in Encinitas, CA
A bust of the Roman God Apollo depicted in hand-sculpted detail of old well-patinated terracotta from Impruneta, Florence, circa 1880. After the style of the marble sculpture named ...
Terracotta