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.
Italian Renaissance-Style Silver Chalice, Wreath Design, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance-style (19th Century) silver chalice with wreath design.
Silver
Silver Plated Bowl / Vide Poche in a Shell Shape Raised On a Triton Dolphin
Located in Roma, IT
I am offering for sale a small bowl with a stand equipped with a handle, perfect as it has rarely been seen on an antique chest of drawers or on a dressing table, or as a precious so...
Silver Plate, Brass
19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Ice Bucket / Tantalus
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Step into the opulence of the 19th century with this exquisite 19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Ice Bucket, which doubles as a Tantalus. Meticulously crafted, this piece marries form and function in a remarkable display of craftsmanship. The ice bucket's design is not only a testament to the era's sophistication but also a practical solution for keeping beverages chilled. It features a top that accommodates a resting decanter and a side compartment for holding a drinking glass, offering a complete and elegant beverage service...
Silver Plate
$627Sale Price|50% Off
H 2.56 in W 3.55 in D 2.37 in
Elkington & Co Silver Plated Dolphin & Shell Salt Cellar with Silver Gilt lining
Located in London, GB
A stunning Elkington & Co, 19th century silver plated and silver gilt Dolphin & Clam Shell Open Salt cellar Dating to the latter part of the 19th century. This is a really fine examp...
Silver Plate
19th Century English Silver Plate Samovar / Tea Urn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid 19th century English silver plated samovar / tea or coffee urn with Ram detail side handles and finial lid on square footed base . The samova...
Silver Plate, Copper
Antique Victorian Silver Plated Fruit Basket 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an exceptionally fine antique English Victorian silver-plated fruit basket with hallmarks for the celebrated silversmith George W. Scott & Sons Ltd, circa 1880 in date. Thi...
Silver Plate
Pair Of Silver Plate Footed Shell Form Dishes
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of silver plate fluted shell form dishes with swirled handle terminating with a butterfly on a "C" scroll. The dish is raised on four lilypad and branch feet. Identifying marks...
Silver Plate
$380Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 1.38 in D 4.88 in
19th Century Georgian, Sheffield Silver Plate Candlesticks, Pair
By Sheffield
Located in Soquel, CA
19th Century Georgian, Sheffield Silver Plate Candlesticks, Pair Pair of English, Georgian, George IV Sheffield silver plate candlesticks. Vintage, distressed silver finish. Silver ...
Sheffield Plate, Copper
$210
H 4 in W 13.5 in D 16 in
Vintage Sheffield Silver Co. Clam Shell Silver Plated Footed Serving Dish
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheffield Silver Co. Clam Shell Silver Plated Footed Serving Dish. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 4" H x 13.5" W x 16" D.
Silver Plate
$350
H 8 in W 12.5 in D 11 in
Vintage Eaton Silver Co Regency Silver Plated Clam Shell Warmer w Dolphin Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Eaton Silver Co Regency Style Silver Plated Electric Footed Clam Shell Hinged Warmer w / Dolphin Handle. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 12.5" W x 11" D.
Silver Plate
Silver Plate Shell Sugar Bowl with Spoon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully crafted silver-plated sugar bowl with its original attached spoon, thoughtfully designed to combine elegance with everyday functionality. Adorned with a graceful shell ...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modern Vide Poche by Maria Pergay, Silver Plated, France
By Maria Pergay
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant object, by Maria Pergay, Flat rope shaped handle.
Silver
$1,706
H 2 in W 32 in D 11 in
Ornate Silver-Plated Large Engraved Tray, 19th Century, Manchester Design
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This antique silver tray is a striking example of the ornate craftsmanship that defined late 19th to early 20th century decorative arts. Its elongated oval form and richly detailed b...
Sheffield Plate, Silver Plate
Antique Victorian Silver Plated Fruit Basket 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning antique Victorian silver plated fruit basket, circa 1860 in date. The oval shaped body features fabulous engrave ...
Silver Plate