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Medieval Furniture

MEDIEVAL STYLE

The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.

Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.

Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.

By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.

Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.

Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Medieval
3'4"x10'9" Red Semi Antique Persian Heriz Full Pile Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Savvy Red, Semi Antique Persian Heriz, Geometric Medallion Design, Clean, Full and Soft Even Pile, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental, Wide Runner Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry “fountain concert”
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry titled “fountain concert “ This tapestr...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Linen

Antique 16th Century German Dark Brown oak carved Stollentruhe Trunk or Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
This impressive large Stollentruhe, also known as a Stollentroewe, is a large German storage chest crafted around 1580. Its distinctive construction, with massive upright corner post...
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Rare Gothic Oak Panel Carved With Vine And Grape Cluster Motif, Circa 1320–1400
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Rare Gothic Oak Panel Carved With Vine And Grape Cluster Motif, Circa 1320–1400" Rare Gothic Carved Oak Panel with Vine & Grape Motif, c. 1320–1400 This exceptional carved oak panel is a fine example of pure Gothic design, originating from Northern Europe—most likely Flanders, northern France, or England—and dating to the early–mid 14th century. The panel is richly carved in openwork with an interlacing vine scroll bearing clustered grapes, a motif strongly associated with medieval Christian symbolism, representing the Eucharist and the “True Vine” of Christ. The design is entirely Gothic in conception, free of any later Renaissance influence, with flowing, organic tracery rather than strict symmetry. A rectangular mortise is present to one side, indicating that the piece originally formed part of a cabinet or small door—possibly from a church sacristy...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Andrew. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Andrew Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Category

1880s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Paper

Rare Antique Austrian Gothic Two-Handed Longsword Medieval Double-Edged Blade
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptional and rare Austrian longsword, designed as a two-handed weapon with a classic cruciform hilt and straight, double-edged blade. This distinguished form bridges the morpho...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Austrian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Spanish Gothic Style Dragon Motif Fireplace Tools Set Stand, Black Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish hand forged iron five-piece fireplace tools set stand with scrolls ornamentation and dragon motifs, wrought iron. Spain, 1920s-1930s. This sculptural tools set hangs on a tri...
Category

20th Century Spanish Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Clotilde. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Clotilde Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Category

1880s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Paper

Late 19th Century French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry with Louis XVI Revival Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79208 Late 19th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry, 06'00 x 08'10. A sanctuary of woven splendor and poetic artistry, this handwoven wool and silk French Aubusson tapestry from...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool, Silk

11'8"x14'9" Dutch White Turkish Knot Design 100% Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Dutch White, Turkish Knot Paisley Design, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Very Rare Antique Armada Box or Strongbox in Iron Early 17th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Very Rare Antique Armada Box or Strongbox in Iron Early 17th Century A truly wonderful 400 year old museum worthy ‘strongbox’ or ‘armada box’. Most probably German, around 1600-1620...
Category

17th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Spanish Alms Box / Wall Decoration with Carved Saints Detail, 18th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
Carved wood hand painted donation / offering ALM Box, Spain, 18th century. Polychromed carved wood church collection offering donation money box as wall decoration. This alms box is made of pine wood painted in shades of blue and gray with carved saint figures onamentations decorating the top. Wall hanging collection / donation money box. Originally used to collect donations at Christian churches/chapels. Interesting to be used as key box or key cabinet or as wall decoration Rare find. Provenance: Private collection. No key avaliable. Overall Measures: Saints Box: 33 cm H x 37 cm W x 14 cm D Poor...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Armchair, Throne
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Gothic style oak coffer armchair features eight hand carved panels in the lower apron and seat back, each with different Gothic motifs. The two lo...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique French Gothic Bookcase Cabinet Bookshelf 2 Glass Doors Oak c. 1920s-30s
Located in Tyler, TX
BEAUTIFUL Antique French Gothic Style Oak Bookcase or Display Cabinet with Double Glass Doors and Key~~c. 1920s~1930s PERFECT for your favorite antique books or collectibles 63.5" ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

2'7"x22'2" Tan, Hand Knotted Sickle Leaf Design Silk With Wool, XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Tan, Hand Knotted Sickle Leaf Design Silk With Textured Wool, XL Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Silk

Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Henry 11. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Henry II Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Foxing to the margin Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Category

1880s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Paper

Italian Medieval Gothic Carved Stone Saint Statue
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered hand carved stone medieval statue depicting a Saint . Italy 16th century. Weathered, small losses and old repair. H:51cm W:18cm D:13cm
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Coffer Bench
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Gothic style oak coffer bench features ten hand carved panels in the lower apron and seat back, each with alternating Gothic motifs. Gothic column...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Monumental Rare Antique Renaissance Revival Gothic Walnut Fireplace Mantel 11 FT
Located in Dayton, OH
Very large and exceedingly rare English Renaissance Revival fireplace mantel, circa 1860s. Made of hand carved walnut featuring a gothic cathedral design. The fireplace portion is ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Gardenia White Hand Knotted Vase Design Silk and Wool Oriental Rug 11'8" x 15'0"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Rare Early 18th Century English Carved Oak Hugh Castle Cabinet Chest Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and impressive English Gothic Medieval style Cabinet, Circa 1714. Built during the reign of King George I in honor of Hugh Lupus the First Earl of Chester and his castle. Hu...
Category

Early 18th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

18th Century Italian Antique Wall Fontana Verona
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Italian wall mounted fountain basin in a late Gothic style with central sun in low relief or "bas relief" on a detailed pedestal in Rosso Verona marble with patina. Minor ...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble

Gothic period carved oak panel, 14th - 15th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A Flemish carved oak panel in reliëf from the Gothic period, 14th - 15th century 21.2 x 38.5 cm
Category

15th Century and Earlier Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Louis XIII Style Armchair
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Antique Louis XIII carved oak armchair with solid velvet upholstery.
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Mid-19th Century Scandinavian hand crafted mirror in Gothic style in hard wood.
Located in København K, 84
This mid-19th century Scandinavian mirror is a finely handcrafted example of Gothic Revival design, reflecting the romantic historicism that swept through Northern Europe during the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Pine

Rare 15th Century Solid Oak Medieval Dutch Gothic Chest or Trunk
Located in Casteren, NL
A very rare chest that was completely made of solid oak from the Netherlands middle ages. It is a joined chest with hand carved geometric gothic front panels. The ornaments used are typical Gothic ornaments such as trefoil, mouchette, and trace. This diminutive chest was probably made in the 15th century Netherlands. It has the typical construction of very early European furniture as is also seen on the German Stollentruhe. The chest has only a small lid with forged hinges...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Dutch Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Gothic Art in the Gilded Age by Virginia Brilliant
Located in Bradenton, FL
Gothic Art in the Gilded Age by Virginia Brilliant. Hardcover book with dustjacket. Published in 2009 in conjunction with the exhibition at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Paper

An antique framed wood carving, 19th century
Located in View Park, CA
A stunning and unique fine artwork that features an antique wood carving - seemingly depicting a medieval knight on horseback - set against a silken silver matting and centered in an...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Walnut Cabinet or Credenza
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Gothic style cabinet is constructed of solid walnut and features hand carved detailing of Gothic motifs on all of its forward facing panels, doors...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Antique Solid Oak Church bench in Gothic style with storage
Located in Miami, FL
This wonderful antique freestanding oak church pew in gothic style from the late 19th century is a fantastic addition for enthusiasts. It is beautifully carved and has a storage in t...
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

15th C Gothic Tabernacle 4 ft.+ Rare Architectural Religious Art, Museum Quality
Located in Vero Beach, FL
15th century period Gothic Tabernacle, extremely rare (Medieval) architectural religious art, museum quality ecclesiastical altar piece. This is an ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gothic Country Solid Oak Welsh Dresser This is a late Victorian piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Country Solid Oak Welsh Dresser This is a late Victorian piece it is constructed in solid Oak including the panelled back boards, the dresser top has a classic styled top with...
Category

1890s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is Gothic. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. They are in a good condition.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

16th Century Late Gothic Limestone Gargoyle
Located in Richmond, VA
A late Gothic limestone gargoyle water spout. Original iron bracket in central gutter. Stunning hairline cracking in stone due to old age. Perfect o...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Antique French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is gothic. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. They are in a good condition.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

9'x12'1" Brown Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Modern Grass Design Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Shades of Brown, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, Modern Grass Design, Tone on Tone, Lush and Plush, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Rare Gothic 16th Century Two-Hand Sword Germany
Located in Doha, QA
This magnificent 16th-century German two-hand sword is a rare and historically important ceremonial weapon, hand crafted by renowned blade-smith Christoph Stantler (active circa 155...
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Great Quality Carved & Superb Condition Wooden Corpus Christi on Crucifix, 1800s
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique crucifix with stunning hand carved details and an amazing patina. This remarkable and good size crucifix with a sculpture of a suffering Christ on the cross is another one...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

2'6"x9'10" Green, Vintage Look Mamluk, Worn Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Medium Jungle Green, Vintage Look Mamluk, Zero Pile, Shaved Low, Worn Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Worn Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: ...
Category

2010s Indian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Spanish Church Alms Box / Wall Decoration with Carved Nun Detail, 18th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
Carved wood hand painted donation / offering ALM BOX, Spain, 18th century. Polychromed carved wood church collection offering donation money box as wall decoration. This alms box is made of pine wood painted in terracotta hues. A nun carved ornamentation decorates the top. Wall hanging collection / donation money box. Originally used to collect donations at Christian churches/chapels. Interesting to be used as key box or key cabinet or as wall decoration Rare find. Provenance: Private collection. No key avaliable. Overall Measures: 45 cm H x 26 cm W x 21 cm D Poor box...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Late 19th Century Carved Wooden Lüsterweibchen Four-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Unique and adorable late 19th or very early 20th-century smaller-size chandelier - Lüsterweibchen. Finely hand-carved from linden wood, a unique piece, made by a master wood carver ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Gothic Style Bronze & Iron Bat Motif Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gothic Style Bronze and Iron Bat Motif Lantern Gothic style bronze and iron bat motif lantern, with a total of 45" drop, chain can be removed or added. For sale are two exceptional Gothic-style bronze and iron bat motif lanterns, sold individually, offering a rare and unique addition to any space. Each lantern has a finely cast bronze bat...
Category

20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Bronze, Metal

Gothic Style Bronze & Iron Bat Motif Lantern
Gothic Style Bronze & Iron Bat Motif Lantern
$1,920 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Spanish Early 19th Century Oak Refectory Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This exuberantly-carved Spanish oak refectory table, circa 1800, will add a rich and bold statement to any room it’s placed. The cleated pl...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair Of 16th Century Italian Memento Mori
Located in Hastings, GB
A truly exceptional pair of Memento Mori 'remember you must die' painted on board, these date to the 16th century and were originally housed in an North Italian Monastery, this incre...
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Very Rare German Gothic Crossbow 1470-1563
Located in Doha, QA
A rare and beautifully preserved 15th-century German crossbow, created as a true weapon of war or defense,.This piece is a remarkable survival from the Gothic period, with all of its...
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of Three Spanish Church Alms Boxes Wall Decoration, 18th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of three carved wood hand painted donation / offering ALM Boxes, Spain, 18th century. Polychromed wooden Church Collection offering donation money boxes as wall decorations. Beautiful wall decoration comprised of three wall hanging collection / doation money boxes. Originally used to collect donations at Christian churches/chapels. Each one has a different design. All three create a colorful set displayed together. Rare find. Provenance: Private collection. On sale as a set. Measures: Religious woman: 45 cm H x 26 cm W x 21 cm D Saints Box: 33 cm H x 37 cm W x 14 cm D Blue Box:46 cm H x 31,5 cm W x 14 cm D Poor box...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Decorative hand carved heraldic coat of arms
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality gilt colored coat of arms. Central shield with acanthus decoration, flanked either side by outward facing standing lions. Gilt has been worn through to allow the red ba...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Gothic Credenza ~ Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Credenza ~ Cabinet is a testament to centuries of talented artisans handing down their trade to successive generations. The original style was birthed in ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Spanish 1940s Wrought Iron Lantern, Scroll and Twisting Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand Forged Scrollwork Wrought Iron Pendant / Lantern, Spain, 1940s. Eye-catching hand forged lantern or hanging light with scroll and twisting details thorough. The lantern hangs from an iron chain accented by rhombus shaped links and it is topped by a wrought iron flower shaped canopy. Entirely made by hand. Outstanding design in the style of gothic with spanish colonial and baroque accents. Heavily detailed hand forged work. This piece will be a great choice for any main entry, hallway or foyer. It can be a nice addition to any contemporary, classical, Spanish colonial or Spanish revival home decor. It can be placed outdoor hanging on the porch or indoor in a entry hall / hallway. Newly wired with 1 E27 bulb holder Overall measures: 72 cm H x 30 cm diameter The lantern itself without the chain is: 30 cm diameter x 33,5 cm H We are specialists in lighting: A curated selection of iron ceiling light fixtures, chandeliers, pendants and wall lights is avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. We invite you to join our profile and check "more from this seller". Spanish Iron Lantern...
Category

20th Century Spanish Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

French 18th Century Gothic Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 18th century, mixed wood French armoire is absolutely stunning. It is Gothic-style and features two tall, paneled doors on barrel hinges. One key operates the locking right door...
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

Red Antique Persian Kerman 300 KPSI Hand Knotted Wool Squarish Rug 11'8"x13'2"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1930s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Gothic Style 'Religious Theme' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Gothic Style German fireback depicting a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter color. The fireback is in a good condition and does not have cracks.
Category

20th Century German Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Spanish Chest with Arcade design
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
SPANISH CHEST WITH ARCADE DESIGN ORIGIN: SPAIN PERIOD: LATE 15TH – EARLY 16TH CENTURY DIMENSIONS: Height: 61 cm
 Length: 135 cm
 Depth: 48 cm Chestnut wood 
Good condition This H...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Chestnut

Pair of 19th century French Gothic-style 5-light candelabra
Located in Cantù, IT
Pair of 19th-century French Gothic-style 5-light Candelabra - Private Collection Domenico Rugiano
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Rare Antique Gothic Windlass Crossbow, 15th–16th Century, Germany
Located in Doha, QA
This remarkable windlass crossbow, dating from the late 15th to early 16th century, is a striking example of early European military craftsmanship, originating from Germany. Measurin...
Category

15th Century and Earlier German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Red Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Heriz Evenly Worn Pure Wool Worn Down Clean Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

French Gothic Arms Fireback
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
French Gothic fireback reproduction. With decorations in the style of the early days of casting firebacks. 20th century. The fireback has a black / pewter color. The fireback is in ...
Category

20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench was hand-crafted from solid old-growth oak, and features a tailored classical architecture with design embellishments that are definitive of the...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Polychrome carved wood Virgin and Child from the 15th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD VIRGIN AND CHILD FROM THE 15TH CENTURY   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA, NUREMBERG REGION PERIOD: 15th CENTURY   Height: 94,6cm Width : 28 cm Depth : 18 cm   Lime wood Original Polychromy Good state of conservation     From 1430 onwards, sculpture underwent a profound stylistic renewal which continued until 1530, the so-called late Gothic period. In the Germanic countries, original sculptures flourished in an expressive and sensitive vein.
This renewal was inspired by the art of Nicholas of Leiden, who was active in Strasbourg in the 1460's. His style broke with the refined and delicate art of the international Gothic style in force throughout Europe around 1400. The figures became more authentic and realistic. The bodies became denser. Clothes are animated by deep, broken folds, the fabrics are heavy and have a great decorative value. In addition, the polychromy is intended to be illusionistic. The painting makes it possible to restore the texture of the materials, the richness of the textiles and the natural skin tone of the characters.   The dissemination of images through engraving and the great mobility of the artists led to the success of this style, which conquered the Upper Rhine, Swabian, Tyrolean and Franconian regions, contributing to the formation of a common stylistic identity in these regions. The economic boom in the flourishing German cities was conducive to the development of original production. Attracted by this prosperity, numerous workshops were set up in order to meet the orders of religious communities, the Church and the laity, including a clientele of middle-class rockers.      This precious Virgin and Child is depicted standing on a crescent moon, her head encircled by a crown of tall flowers. Her long wavy hair spreads over her shoulders, framing her beautiful oval face. Under fine eyebrows drawn with a brushstroke, her almond-shaped, slightly drooping eyes look at the Child with infinite softness. She is dressed in a long red dress with a rounded neckline, belted under the chest. The heavy fabric of her dress spreads out in broken folds at her feet. On her shoulders she wears a golden cloak. The drapery has deep folds. She holds out her right hand while she holds the Christ Child with her left.   Christ, with his well-defined hair, is naked. His cheeks are highlighted with red, he holds an apple in his left hand and with the other hand makes a sign of blessing towards the faithful.   Virgins with Child on a crescent moon were very popular in the second half of the 15th century, especially as the central subject of altarpieces in southern Germany and Austria. The crescent moon on which Mary is standing is reminiscent of the Woman of the Apocalypse. Often equated with the Virgin Mary.    This episode is taken from the Book of Revelation (12:1-6)   1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. ; 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. ; 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: it was a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. ; 4 His tail swept down a third of heaven's stars and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he might devour her child. ; 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child who is to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched up to God and his throne. ; 6 Then the woman fled into the desert, where God has prepared a place for her. There she will be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.   Some theologians see in this woman a reference to the Virgin Mary and in the child, Jesus.    
This remarkable work is a very fine example of sculpture from Swabian workshops in the last decades of the 15th century. It presents all the characteristic stylistic elements: a highly girdled silhouette, an abundant drapery with angular folds, but also a great physical presence accentuated by the polychromy that restores the anatomical details. This group is made of a wooden log. The deep folds of the drapery highlight the movement of the Virgin holding the child.       Bibliography :   Sophie Guillot de Suduiraut, Dévotion et Séduction, Sculptures souabes des musées de France, vers 1460-1530, Paris musée du Louvre-Éditions somogy, 2015   “Revelation 12 -   Common English Bible...
Category

15th Century and Earlier German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

English Medieval Extremely Rare Church Pew Animal Carvings
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Medieval Extremely Rare Church Pew Animal Carvings Pair of extraordinary animal carvings from the 15th century. A cat playing with a mouse and a dog with a bat wing in its p...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include rugs and carpets, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wool and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and West Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Arval Argenti Valenza, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Aeterna Furniture. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,886.

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