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.
French Trumeau Trompe L'Oeil Mirror circa 1900
Located in CA, CA
A stunning French 'trompe l'oeil' Trudeau mirror. Superb work from the early 20th century, moulded construction of gesso on a timber frame, hand painted with finished gold detailing....
Glass, Gesso
Impressive Renaissance Blue Painted and Parcel Gilt Mirror
Located in Pembroke, MA
A large and unusual French blue-painted and gilded wood mirror, with finely-decorated giltwood detailing, detached giltwood columns, and egg and dart trim.
Glass, Wood
$2,460
H 48.43 in W 32.29 in D 1.97 in
French Louis XV Style Giltwood Beveled Trumeau Mirror, Circa 1900
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French trumeau mirror, dating from circa 1900, beautifully embodies the timeless charm of the Louis XV Revival style popular during the Belle Époque period. Crafted in w...
Giltwood, Mirror, Mercury Glass
Louis XVI Painted and Parcel-Gilt Trumeau
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Painted and parcel-gilt Louis XVI framed trumeau, with beautifully carved and detailed reliefs of tied ribbons in the top corners, the top quarter framed with a central detail of swa...
Canvas, Wood
18th Century French Painted and Parcel-Gilt Trumeau Mirror
Located in Basildon, GB
18th Century French Painted and Parcel-Gilt Trumeau Mirror. The upper section with a romantic oval painted panel of fruit pickers in a cartouche shaped frame with a shell crest, over...
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
$2,800Sale Price|49% Off
H 78.625 in W 28.875 in D 1.375 in
19th Century Northern European Neoclassical Style Pier Mirror
Located in Plainview, NY
A early to mid-19th century Northern European walnut pier mirror of rectangular form with a recessed ebonized frieze of applied neoclassical figures with a two plate mirror, the top ...
Walnut, Mirror
$3,750
H 36 in W 51 in D 2 in
Large French Louis XV Style Parcel Gilt Trumeau Mirror Impressive Design
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This magnificent Louis XV style trumeau mirror, dating from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, is an exceptional example of French decorative artistry. Monumental i...
Fruitwood
$4,875Sale Price|35% Off
H 73.38 in W 45.25 in D 2.5 in
Antique French Trumeau Mirror Completely All Original and Unrestored c1770-1790
Located in Highwood, IL
Trumeau Mirrors are a type of Mirror originally manufactured by the French in the late 1700’s and we would date this Antique Trumeau Mirror from that period of time. The word Trumeau...
Gold Leaf
Custom Neoclassical Style Painted Mirror made by BH&A
Located in Sheffield, MA
Made to sit on the mantel above a fireplace or hung, the trumeau mirror has two silvered mirrors framed in gilt and painted grey. The top overhang is also gilt. Can work well in Gust...
Wood
$4,600Sale Price|43% Off
H 71 in W 49 in D 4 in
Louis XVI Antique Painted and Parcel Gilt Trumeau Mirror, 18th Century
Located in Astoria, NY
Louis XVI Trumeau Mirror, carved wood painted in faux marble and parcel gilt, with courtship scene insert painting in the manner of Watteau or Boucher. 71" H x 49" W x 4" D. Provenan...
Mirror, Wood, Paint
19th Century French Trumeau Mirror
Located in Ongar, GB
A stunning late 19th century French Trumeau mirror with a lovely detailed frame made from wood and gesso. With original glass plate....
Wood
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 96 in W 46 in D 3 in
Monumental French Louis XV Oil Painted Trumeau Mirror circa 1900
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This monumental French Louis XV trumeau mirror, circa 1900, exudes timeless elegance and artistic craftsmanship, making it a striking focal point for any sophisticated interior. The ...
Walnut
Painted French Trumeau Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted Rococo trumeau mirror, having a painted finish showing desirable natural wear, its raised and fielded frame, surrounding foliate scrolls and a shaped mirrorplate. Stock I...
Mirror, Wood
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
H 53 in W 64 in D 3 in
Exquisite Handcarved French Style Parcel Gilt Trumeau Mirror
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exquisite elegantly handcarved french style parcel gilt trumeau with antiqued mirror.
Mirror, Wood