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
$2,042Sale Price|20% Off
Skeleton Clock, under Globe, York Minster Cathedral, Period: Xxth
Located in CRÉTEIL, FR
Beautiful and rare fireplace clock, skeleton, representing York Minster from Franklin MInt collector cloks. It is made of brass protected from dust by a ...
Brass
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
$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
$737
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
Pendulum in Golden Spelter Under Globe, 1900
Located in Marseille, FR
1900 pendulum in golden spelter under glass globe. The dimensions are 37 cm high, 32 cm wide and 16 cm deep Additional information: Material: Regulates.
Spelter
Second Empire Gothic Cathedral Clock and Garniture
By Pierre-François Feuchère
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A mid 19 century French Gilt Bronze Gothic style mantel clock and garniture which the French call " A la Cathedrale". The three pieces are of finely chased and gilded bronze; the cl...
Bronze
Important German Neoclassical Table Clock 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
19th Century Three-Piece Garniture Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
Opulent and exquisite 19th century French three piece garniture, with original gilt and magnificent chasing. Each candelabra is 35 inches high. The clock face is signed Clermont, Rue St Honore...
Bronze
$45,000 / set
H 27.96 in W 18.12 in D 8.67 in
Gilt Bronze and Marble Garniture, Clock Signed Raingo Fres, France, 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Gilt bronze and marble three piece clock garniture. Clock signed Raingo Fres. France, 19th century. Clock works. Clock dimensions: 71 cm height, 46 cm ...
Marble, Bronze
Peter Electric wall clock, Germany, 1970s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
A ceramic wall clock with 7 rubies, manufactured by the historic brand Peter Electic, in the Mid-Century/Space Age style, featuring a rounded square "television" shape typical of the...
Enamel
19th Century French Cathedral Clock
Located in High Point, NC
19th century beautifully hand crafter cathedral clock in gilt bronze. This is a magnificent example of 19th century French craftsmanship. There are many beautiful details to this p...
Bronze
$9,000
H 15 in W 11.5 in D 6.5 in
English Brass and Polished Steel Skeleton Clock Under Glass Dome Webber, C. 1870
By Webber
Located in Charleston, SC
English brass skeleton clock under original glass dome with a polished steel roman numeral dial, fuse chain movement, and affixed to an oval carved wood felt base with four bun feet....
Steel, Brass
$2,850
H 21 in W 12.5 in D 8 in
Large English Style Cathedral Crown Escapement Fusee Striking Skeleton Clock
Located in Danville, CA
Large English Style Cathedral Crown Escapement Fusee Striking Skeleton Clock Here is a very nice looking English style Cathedral form skeleton clock. It sits on a black base and pro...
Brass
Jauch Brothers Clock Factory German Antique Grandfather Clock
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Bring a touch of timeless European heritage and majestic craftsmanship to your hallway or living space with this stunning Jauch Brothers German antique grandfather clock from the ren...
Wood
$1,610Sale Price|30% Off
H 13 in Dm 9 in
Antique English 19th Century 8 Day Fusee Skeleton Cathedral Glass Dome Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique mid 19th century 8 day skeleton clock. Centrally mounted on wood base featuring exposed Fusee movement and protected from dust by a glass dome.
Glass, Hardwood
$474Sale Price|40% Off
H 6 in W 5.5 in D 2 in
Kienzle GMT World Time Zone Brass Table Clock, Midcentury, Germany, 1960s
By Kienzle Clocks, Wilhelm Kienzle
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and decorative Mid-Century Modernist solid brass Kienzle desk or table clock with a world map clocks face and world time zones. Executed in the 1960s by Kienzle in Wester...
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