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Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities

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
Color:  Beige
'World Chronicle', 1st Edition, by Schedel & Wolgemut, Nurnberg, 1493
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'World Chronicle' 1st edition, by Schedel, Nurnberg, 1493 Original woodcut, one page with seven illustrations and Latin text By Hartmann Schedel, originally published: July 12, 1493 Illustrator: Michael...
Category

15th Century and Earlier German Antique Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Atlas Miller, One-Time Only Limited Facsimile Edition of the Atlas of 1519
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This is a unique facsimile reproduction limited to 987 copies of an atlas from the Renaissance, the Atlas Miller, devised as a present from Manuel I of Portugal to fool Emperor Charl...
Category

Early 2000s Portuguese Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

De Conjugio Episcoporum et Diaconorum by Bugenhagen, 1525
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an extremely rare edition hardback copy of De Conjugio Episcoporum et Diaconorum ad uenerandum Doctorem VVolfgangum Reissenbush monasterii Lichtenbergensis Prae ceptorem p...
Category

16th Century German Antique Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

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Van Gogh a Retrospective 1986 1st Edition
Located in North Hollywood, CA
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The Only Woman
Located in New York City, NY
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Located in Pittsburgh, PA
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Renaissance collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Renaissance collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with animal skin, leather and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Renaissance collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Portugal 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $125 and tops out at $310,520 while the average work can sell for $2,775.

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