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.
Large French 19th Century Gilt Bronze Wall Clock with Religious Inscriptions
Located in London, GB
This large, gilt bronze wall clock is a magnificent and highly unusual piece. At the centre of the design is a circular enamel dial, with Arabic...
Ormolu, Bronze
Buschman “Minerva” German Horizontal Table Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
The extraordinary beauty and superior craftsmanship of 17th century German clockmaking is on full display in this exceptionally rare horizontal tabletop timepiece dating to 1650 Augsburg. Created by Johannes Buschman the Younger, the eminent Buschman family of clockmakers are lauded for designing some of the finest timepieces to ever be created in the South German town of Augsburg during the late Renaissance and early Modern periods. A finely moulded ebony and turtleshell casing veneered in a mottled red hue holds the clock’s fusée and chain movement with verge escapement and balance with hogs-bristle regulation. A silver figure of Minerva, Roman goddess of war and wisdom, centers the Roman numeral-engraved chapter ring, indicating the time by pointing to the hour with an authoritative military staff as the sun rotates below her feet to indicate the minute. The incredible design is finished by a gilded backplate intricately pierced and engraved with a floral motif and the signature of Johannes Buschman. Clocks are one of the greatest and most important inventions of the Renaissance period, improving steadily into the Age of Discovery. Embodying a renewed interest in science, the arts and humanism, the first mechanical timepieces began appearing in the 14th century and were large, weight-driven devices placed in the turrets of public buildings that struck the hour and lacked hands and faces. This clock was created during the first period of household clocks, when spring-driven movements made it possible to create smaller and more complex mechanisms. Such creations, however, were a luxury accessible only to the wealthy upper classes. Affluent patrons placed pressure upon artisans to create more elaborate and ornate clocks...
Silver
French 19th Century Renaissance St. Bronzre, Marble, and Ormolu Garniture Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and very high quality French 19th century Renaissance st. Rouge Griotte marble, patinated bronze, and ormolu garniture clock set. The clock at the center is raised by hand...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage German Wall Clock in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pocket watch shaped quartz (batteri-operated) wall clock featuring solid brass frame, Roman numerals and a sunburst dial in silver enamel. Manufacture...
Brass
$759
H 4.34 in W 7.09 in D 2.96 in
Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass Table Clock by Diehl Electro, Germany, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Table clock Origin: Germany Producer: Diehl Electro, Germany Age: 1960s This original vintage table clock...
Metal
$4,500Sale Price|40% Off
H 15 in W 12.5 in D 5 in
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantel clock in gilt bronze. Neoclassical symbols such Cup...
Ormolu
German Meissen Porcelain Clock
Located in Queens, NY
German Meissen (19th Century) porcelain group of men and women with floral and bronze branches around mantel clock (not working)
Bronze
$4,087
H 26.5 in W 11.7 in D 4.5 in
Rare Antique Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze Wall Cartel Clock with Griffin Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and perfect running Gothic architectural design bronze wall clock, from circa 1880. If you like rare antiques in general and one of a kind clocks in particular then this handcrafted specimen for wall mounting could be the perfect addition to your collection or Gothic (inspired) interior. This fine quality antique...
Brass, Bronze
$28,500 / set
H 29 in W 19.13 in D 9.75 in
A French 19th C. Louis XV Style Ormolu Cherub Clock & Candelabra Garniture Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Assembled Very Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze and White Marble Figural Mantel Clock and Candelabra Garniture Set. The finely chased ormolu clock body, with it...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Important German Neoclassical Table Clock by David Roentgen
By David Roentgen
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An important and rare table clock from the workshop of David Roentgen. The case with an oval stepped plinth top with gilt bronze handle, decoration of the case with ormolu mille raie banding, beaded edges and brass fluted columns to the front flanking the square brass dial, foliate engraved spandrels to the corners, centred by the white enamel Arabic chapter ring, signed Delolme, pierced brass hands, convex glazed bezel, square plated eight-day movement with four back-pinned pillars, verge escapement, silk suspension, rack and count wheel strike, striking the hours and quarters on two bells above, the back plate also signed, glazed side panels. There is only a small series of comparable table clocks from the workshop of David Roentgen known. The present clock seems to be the first example of the cooperation between David Roentgen and the court clockmaker Delolme in Brunswick. The case is meticulously crafted and both case and movement are of superb quality. David Roentgen, called the "most celebrated ébéniste in Europe" by his contemporaries, was a successful entrepreneur who transformed the business founded by his father, Abraham Roentgen...
Bronze
Rare original round 1960s brass table clock by Schatz Germany
By Schatz
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, rare, round, original 1960s battery-operated brass table clock by Schatz. The original clockwork is still installed. Runs quietly and accurately. Great minimalist 1960s de...
Brass
Vintage German Kienzle Clock, circa 1960's
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage German Kienzle automatic table clock designed by Heinrich Möller in 1960s. The clock is made of brass structure, glass front. It is battery-operated and spring winding by an...
Brass
19th Century Spanish Gilt Bronze Carriage Clock
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant 19th century Spanish carriage clock crafted in finely cast gilt bronze. The case presents a refined architectural silhouette with clean proportions and a warm original gilde...
Bronze
Art deco Table Clock and Lamp 1930s Germany
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Art Deco table Clock Lamp .Chrome with Red details . Good working Clock and lamp
Chrome
$560
H 7.68 in W 7.09 in D 2.56 in
Kienzle GMT World Clock Brass Table or Desk Clock, Art Deco Vibe, 1960s, Germany
By Wilhelm Kienzle, Kienzle Clocks
Located in Andernach, DE
A world time clock by the famous German watch- and clock maker Kienzle. This table or desk clock has a slick, ''timeless'' approach, a masterpiece of mid-century design really. Attributed to the master of mid-century design Heinrich Müller, who did most designs for Kienzle clocks. Made in the 60s, this table clock comes in an a brushed gold matte shimmering finish. The clock stands slanted and the glass is domed. Chrono quartz...
Brass
Sold
H 33 in W 12 in D 3.5 in
C. 1900s Antique Bronze, Renaissance Style, Gothic, Ornate, 33 Ins Wall Clock!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous C. 1900s Antique Bronze, Renaissance Style, Gothic, Ornate, 33 Ins Wall Clock! Antique Clock, Bronze, Renaissance Style, Gothic, Ornate, 33 Ins, Circa 1900s, 20th Century!...
Bronze
German Renaissance Turret Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This immensely rare Renaissance turret-form clock, or the table clock, was considered both a scientific marvel and an item of luxury during the period. This incredible piece is encased in fire gilt brass crafted to resemble the giant striking clocks set within the turrets of buildings in the center of town. The mechanism strikes on the hour and quarter hour with an alarm feature. The movement is a gut/fuseé for going and striking train, a barrel for the alarm, a verge escapement and a foliot with a hog's bristle regulator complete with one hammer and one bell. Clocks are one of the greatest and most important inventions of the Renaissance period, embodying the renewed interest in science, the arts and man's place in the world. The first mechanical devices that indicated time began appearing in the 14th century and were large, weight-driven devices placed in the turrets of public buildings that struck the hour and lacked hands and faces. This clock was created during the first period of household clocks when spring-driven movements made it possible to create smaller and more complex mechanisms. Such creations, however, were a luxury accessible only to the upper class. These patrons placed pressure upon artisans to create more elaborate and more beautiful clocks, of which this particular timepiece can be counted. Renaissance clocks are an incredible rarity on the market, with most of the few known examples in the coveted collections of major museums throughout the world. Turret clocks...
Brass
Neo Renaissance Grandfather Clock, circa 1870 with 2 Columns
Located in Berlin, DE
Fully carved grandfather clock, circa 1870. In the front a glass door framed by 2 twisted columns. On the side are glass doors. 2 weights wit...
Oak
Renaissance Turret Clock, Early 17th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
This immensely rare Renaissance turret-form clock, or the table clock, was considered both a scientific marvel and an item of luxury during the period. This incredible piece is encased in fire gilt brass crafted to resemble the giant striking clocks set within the turrets of buildings in the center of town. The mechanism strikes on the hour and quarter hour with an alarm feature. The movement is a gut/fuseé for going and striking train, a barrel for the alarm, a verge escapement and a foliot with a hog's bristle regulator complete with one hammer and one bell. Clocks are one of the greatest and most important inventions of the Renaissance period, embodying the renewed interest in science, the arts and man's place in the world. The first mechanical devices that indicated time began appearing in the 14th century and were large, weight-driven devices placed in the turrets of public buildings that struck the hour and lacked hands and faces. This clock was created during the first period of household clocks when spring-driven movements made it possible to create smaller and more complex mechanisms. Such creations, however, were a luxury accessible only to the upper class. These patrons placed pressure upon artisans to create more elaborate and more beautiful clocks, of which this particular timepiece can be counted. Renaissance clocks are an incredible rarity on the market, with the handful of known examples in the coveted collections of major museums throughout the world. Turret clocks...
Brass
16th Century Renaissance Turret Wall Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This immensely rare Renaissance turret wall clock was once part of the Time Museum's collection in Rockford, Illinois. This incredible weight-driven ...
Brass
German Hexagonal Table Clock
By Elias Weckherlin
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional beauty and innovation are on display in this rare German Renaissance table clock. Undeniably, some of the finest clocks of the 17th century were produced in the South Ger...
Brass, Copper
German Horizontal Table Clock
By F.S. Rosenlehner
Located in New Orleans, LA
An incredibly rare 19th century horizontal table mystery clock with single hand by German clockmaker F.S. Rosenlehner of Munich. This fascinating antique timepiece...
Glass
Sold
H 27.96 in W 15.75 in D 9.06 in
Antique French Large Three-Piece Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Henri Jondet
By Henri Michel Jondet
Located in London, GB
This monumental antique French clock set is composed of a central clock and a pair of flanking candelabra. The clock itself features a large central gilt bronze dial inset with ename...
Bronze
16th Century Renaissance Turret Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This immensely rare Renaissance turret clock or table clock, was considered both a scientific marvel and an item of luxury during the period. This incredi...
Brass
Renaissance Turret Clock, Early 17th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
This immensely rare Renaissance turret-form clock, or table clock, was considered both a scientific marvel and an item of luxury during the period. This incredible piece is encased in fire gilt brass crafted to resemble the giant striking clocks set within the turrets of buildings in the center of town. The mechanism strikes on the hour and quarter hour with an alarm feature. The movement is a gut/fuseé for going and striking train, a barrel for the alarm, a verge escapement and a foliot with a hog's bristle regulator complete with one Hammer and one bell. Clocks are one of the greatest and most important inventions of the Renaissance period, embodying the renewed interest in science, the arts and man's place in the world. The first mechanical devices that indicated time began appearing in the 14th century and were large, weight-driven devices placed in the turrets of public buildings that struck the hour and lacked hands and faces. This clock was created during the first period of household clocks, when spring-driven movements made it possible to create smaller and more complex mechanisms. Such creations, however, were a luxury accessible only to the upper class. These patrons placed pressure upon artisans to create more elaborate and more beautiful clocks, of which this particular timepiece can be counted. Renaissance clocks are an incredible rarity on the market, with the handful of known examples in the coveted collections of major museums throughout the world. Turret clocks...
Brass
19th Century French Gilt Mantle Clock with Sevres Plaques
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Ornate French gilt clock, circa 1890 Decorated with Sèvres plaques and roundels. Two losses each side of the clock (see pictures) Pendulum ...
Ormolu
19th Century Renaissance Wall Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
Boasting a casework comprised entirely of hand-sculpted white oak that depicts classical bounty-of-the-Earth themes, this Antique Renaissance Wall Clock survives with its original ha...
Oak