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Renaissance Musical Instruments

RENAISSANCE STYLE

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.

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Style: Renaissance
Italian Folk Art Stradivarius Violin Plaque Crafted for Cosimo de Medici 1690
Located in South Burlington, VT
Italian folk art Pyrography picture signed, H. Toscano This is an original and unusual detailed 1690 enactment , and hand incised work of art on wood pan...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Musical Instruments

Materials

Wood

Renaissance Style, Gebruder Knake Upright Piano Carved Oak High Relief
Located in Leeds, GB
Renaissance style, Gebruder Knake upright piano with an ornately carved, oak case. Entire cabinet carved with arabesque style, flowers and foliage in hi...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Renaissance Musical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Renaissance Style Biese Hof Upright Piano Barley Twist Legs High Relief Carvings
Located in Leeds, GB
Renaissance style, 1871, Biese Hof upright piano in polished, oak with twisted, barley sugar legs. Entire cabinet features ornately carved, openwork panel...
Category

1870s German Antique Renaissance Musical Instruments

Materials

Brass

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Renaissance musical instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Renaissance musical instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage musical instruments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with brass, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Renaissance musical instruments made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 musical instruments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15,028 and tops out at $65,269 while the average work can sell for $40,149.

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