Renaissance Furniture

Italy / 16th Century / Cabinet / walnut / Renaissance / Antique Rare 16th Century Italian Renaissance cabinet in walnut with hand carved decorations of 3 heads and floral patterns f...

A 17th-18th Century French/Italian Renaissance Walnut Figural Carved Credenza Cabinet or Cupboard. The two-part cabinet with a pair of upper coffered doors with metal key-hole hardwa...

As soon as 1540 France's second Renaissance is in the making, intimately linked to the rediscovery of the Antique world. The development of the printing and engraving industry allows the spread of artworks and models in many cities and countries. The Italian influence can be perceived in every artistic field. While the French king entrust the most talented Italian artists with major projects such as Il Rosso or Primaticcio in Fontainebleau, French artists also travel to Italy to form themselves to this new style. In Italy they get acquainted with the work of Leo Battista Alberti the first to theorize perspective (De Pictura, 1435-36) and architecture (De re oedificatoria, 1541). Those two publications would have a revolutionary impact on arts. Furniture is marked by the work of the most famous Italian architects of the time as well as French architects. Indeed Philibert de l'Orme competes with Alberti and by the end of his life publishes several treaties including one devoted to a theory of architecture (1567). Unfortunately he would not live to complete the second volume. In this treaty he expresses his interest for mathematical norms applied to architecture, copied from the Antique. His journeys in Italy allowed him to accumulate the most sophisticated references. Jean Bullant, another architect of great talent also theorizes his practice. He establishes rules characterizing Greco-Roman art staying faithful to Vitruvius. Following this new inspiration the structure of furniture evolves. From then on appear columns, capitals, cornices, friezes and architraves. The ornamentation uses this inspiration as well with egg-and-dart, palm leaf and rose adorning the most beautiful pieces. In Lyon, crossroad where meet merchants from everywhere those new experiments are welcomed. Lyon florishing printing industry allows the spreading of models and treaties essential to the artist's work. Thus the first publication of Vitruvius' De Architectura in France would be printed in Lyon in 1532. Artists from Lyon rediscover and familiarize themselves with the Antique knowledge very early. They adopt those new ideas and use them in their own creations. Lyon cabinet-makers re interpret Antique architecture and Italian Renaissance palaces to give their pieces a pure and harmonious architectural structure. Grooved pilasters are particularly favored. They are topped by capitals of diverse orders always respecting the sequencing with simpler ones for the lower levels and the richest ones on the higher levels. As for the ornamentation, one of the great distinctiveness of Lyon workshops remains the architectural perspective illusions, drawing inspiration from Tuscany. True masterpiece of the Second French Renaissance this important cabinet illustrates Lyon workshops' taste for fine Italian architecture inspired by Antiquity. An architectural perspective of great quality is treated in symmetry on each panel. This two-bodied cabinet without recess stands on four rectangular feet. The base comprises a molding, a palm leaf frieze and is bordered by a braid. The lower body is divided by three grooved pilasters with Tuscan capitals framing two door-leaves. The two panels are encircled by a moudled frame with palm leaves. They are finely carved with a decor of fantasized architecture depicting an Italian Renaissance palace erected symmetrically on each side of a grooved pilaster. On the ground floor a door opens through a stilted arch while the stories are opened with mullioned windows, dormers and occuli. Two large pegged-boss cladded pillars support the entablature enriched by a palm leaf frieze upon which stands an arch whose coffered intrados is centred by a rose. Behind this arch a pyramid appears, standing in front of a second facade with a window topped by a broken curvilinear pediment under a cul-de-four with a shell. The checker flooring gives depth to the low-reliefs creating vanishing points structuring the panels and guiding the eye of the observer. A thin laurel braid highlights the belt of the cabinet where are located two drawers. Their facades are adorned by palm leaves in hoops. The upper body is encircled with palm leaves. The same ternary division as in the lower body appears. However, the pilasters are topped by Ionic capitals with volutes and egg-and-dart. The door-leaves are framed with flowers. On the panels the artist has designed another architectural decor. On the foreground open two arches on top of grooved pilasters with rectangular capitals adorned with palm leaves. The arches are enriched with braids and the coffered intrados bears a decor of roses. The spandrels also bear a flower decor. In the background another arcature hosts a fluted grooved column topped with double basket acanthus capital, characteristic of Corinthian order. The triangular pediment is interrupted by a choux bourguignon. A large cornice crowns the cabinet. It stands on pilasters and forms an entablature comprising a palm leaf frieze and an egg-and-dart, triglyph and palm leaf cornice. The cabinet's sides have also been carefully considered. The lower body's panels are enriched with an arch rising above a broken pediment portico hosting a twisted column. Flowers garnish the spandrels. An architectural facade completes the decor. The upper body's panels present two arches supported by a facade opened with dormers and mullioned windows as well as cartouches (one bears the inscription 1580 dating the cabinet) suggesting the interior of an Italian Renaissance palace, confirmed by the chandeliers. The flooring leads our gaze to a second arch with a broken curvilinear pediment where stands a flower vase. This arch opens onto a perspective of another facade along a road. Inside the cabinet, on the lower body door-leaves appear two designs. On the right door is depicted a Crucifixion. Saint Mary and Saint John flank the Christ on the cross. In the bottom part is inscribed « Dure uiator abis nihil haec spectacula curas / Pendenti cum sis unica cura Deo. / Tota suo moriente dolet natura Magistro. / Nil qui solus eras caussa dolenda doles. ». The signature [Christoff Swartz Monachiensis pinx[it] / Ioa[nnes] Sadeler sculp[it]] tells us it was made by Johan Sadeler I (1550-1600) after Christoph Schwartz (1548-1592). This engraving belongs to an ensemble depicting the Passion of Christ Johan Sadeler executed in 1589 after an altar piece painted by Christoph Schwartz for the private chapel of Renée of Loraine, wife of Duke William V of Bavaria. This altar piece made of nine copper panels has been destroyed during the 19th century. The Crucifixion panel once in the centre of the altar piece is the only one that survived and is today kept in Munich's Alte Pinakothek. On the left door appears Saint Francis receiving the stigmata. The inscription says : « Signastidomine Servum Tuum. Franciscum. Signis Redemptionis Nostrae ». This Renaissance cabinet with an architectural decor appearing as much in the structure faithful to Antique rules...

A marble wall fountain with dolphin pedestal. The Campana shaped body of the basin is supported by the dauphin grotesque pedestal which is placed on a raised square foot. The fountai...

A beautiful pair of tapestry fragments, hand-woven in Brussels during the 1500s. At roughly 99 inches (over 8 feet) long, the fragments were, originally, vertical borders to a large ...

Walnut table or console from the 18th century - Catalonia - Spain rare table which has a very beautiful one-piece walnut top with a superb flame and a beautiful thickness It rests o...

Important 17th-century wrought iron chest from Nuremberg. Good original condition. Height: 39 cm. Dimensions: 67 x 37 cm.

Italian school 17th / 18th century: oil on framed panel, representing The Virgin and Child Jesus, accompanied by Saint Elizabeth and John the Baptist as a child, in the foreground A...

16th Century French Renaissance period fireback with the Arms of France. Coat of arms of the house of Bourbon, an originally French royal house that became a major dynasty in Europe....

Early Arista y cuenca tile made in Toledo. Tile decorated in renaissance with stylized flowers was probably made between 1550 and 1575.

An extraordinary Renaissance Period walnut small side cabinet with fruitwood inlay detail. Of museum quality, in remarkable original condition (has not been reconstructed in any way)...

From the 1700s, this unusual French hunt buffet has expertly carved paneled doors portraying a game bird and a fish. The game bird is hanging from its feet with knotted ribbons, whil...

This is an absolutely outstanding and extremely expressive sculpture of Crucified Jesus Christ in carved polychrome wood, on the background of a 16th century Silk Florentine fine fab...

Elegant bronze mortar from the 17 century from Italy dated 1630. Really rare mortar due to his big size. In very good condition and beautiful patina.

A large and heavy (it weighs 109 lbs!) example of a traditional French pharmacy bowl, this bronze mortar with handles is from 1587, as seen on the production date beneath the molded ...

An extraordinary Italian Renaissance wooden cabinet from the 1500s awaits the discerning collector. This antique lacquered furniture piece, dating back to the 16th century, showcases...

This stunning set of an armchair and a pair of chairs is all made in solid walnut. This is an Italian Renaissance work. 17th century.

18th Century Italian Majolica Albarello Pharmacy Jar. Jar is in a cylindrical shape with flared rim and foot. Jar features blue and white pattern with the word "Charitas" in an oval ...

17th Century Flemish Old Master Painting Circle of Frans Francken Rare 17th century Flemish School painting, circle of Frans Francken the Younger (1581-1642). This Cabinet picture, ...

Hand made bespoke pillow A panel of Cisele Velvet . Venetian and dating from second half of 16th century An Ottoman Pomegranate design. The deep pile Magenta silk velvet voided ...

A large 16th century Venetian cedar. wood Cassone is an exquisite example of the craftsmanship characteristic of the Italian Renaissance period, featuring beautifully detailed scenes dating to circa 1550-1580. Made from cedar wood, the chest has a deep, rich patina. Cedar wood was prized during the Renaissance for its durability and resistance to decay, making it an ideal choice for fine furniture intended to last for generations. In Renaissance Venice, cassoni were a standard part of a bride's dowry among the nobility and wealthy merchant classes. Venice was a thriving trade hub with a population of about 150,000 in the mid-16th century, and the upper classes commissioned these chests . The decoration of the chest is particularly breathtaking. Its surface features intricate figural panels that depict various scenes, which include historical, mythological, and symbolic representations. Among these are 16th century knights, chariots, mythical beasts, and lions. The designs are expertly silhouetted against a recessed ground, giving a three-dimensional quality that enhances their visual impact. The use of punch-work, a decorative technique involving the stamping of the wood with a mesh-like pattern, adds texture and depth to the surfaces. This technique is indicative of the meticulous attention to detail for which artisans in Italy were known during this period. Overall, this Venetian Cassone...

17th century French leather coffer, chest or trunk with nailhead detail from burgundy on newer wooden base.   

Bronze salamander Italy, 17th century Patinated bronze 4 x 17 x 10 cm This finely cast bronze salamander exemplifies the 17th-century fascination with naturalistic forms and animal ...

Important heraldic Spanish tile of the 'azulejo por tabla para techo' type, in arista y cuenca technique, made in Sevilla in the early 16th century. Depicting a two-section tower an...

A late 16th century oil on copper painting by Nicolò Cercignani, an Italian Old Masters artist of the late-Renaissance or Mannerist period, depicting the Raphaelesque transfiguration...

Original lock and key This piece of furniture shows no recess on its upper part. It opens with four folding-doors and two drawers within the belt. The key bears the date 1524 above cross motifs. Burgundy and Lyon regions subordinated themselves to architecture in a different manner than the other french schools. Rather than using particularly columns and pediments pieces of furniture from Lyon borrow architecture’s organization principles and rigorous designs. On the upper body a strong feeling of balance and symmetry appears with the folding doors reliefs. Swags of flowers and fruits held with knot cloth centered by a man seating on his arms. Here profiles, masks and chou de Bourgogne mingle with the structuring scrolls. The two lateral terms wear draperies and the goddess Diana in the center wears a belt of fruits similar to Hugue Sambin’s designs (Termes de Diane et de Venus, 1554, BNF). The two palm-leaves enriched drawers and the alternating scrolls belt balance the weight of the cornice with its alternatings consoles and tops. The lower body is also adorned by three terms with a feminine one in the center, all three are wearing fruits on their heads. The folding doors are centered upon a motif of cut cuirs by a mask in high relief. Wearing a feathered tiara...

16th Century Oil Painting of Holy Roman Emperor Frederic III, Antique Religious Oil Painting, Antique Royal King Oil Painting, Hans Burgkmair the older. 16th Century Oil Painting on board of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederic III by circle or school of Hans Burgkmair the older (1473 - 1531). Portrait of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederic III. (1415 – 1493). Oil on wooden panel. Described top right. In later attractive European gilt frame with black & gilt inner decoration, circa 18th Century. Hans Burgkmair was a German woodcut...

This rare and rich decorated Renaissance dresser was made during the Dutch Golden age in the southern part of the Netherlands currently Belgium. It was made around 1670 and most likely in Antwerp. The dresser was made in the finest quality watered European oak and decorated geometric-shaped walnut veneer panels. The cabinet has two wide doors and two drawers above. The drawers are flanked by carved lion heads with brass rings. The right drawer is equipped with an authentic working lock and key. The doors are decorated with geometrical star-like walnut inlaid raised panels. The doors are flanked by large twisted Solomonic columns decorated with brass nails. The righthand door features its authentic lock and key with a brass ajour cut keyplate. The dresser has a wax finish with a great patina built up over 350 years. This piece of furniture was made by highly skilled craftsmen by the use of the best materials available. It is among the best furniture that was produced during the golden age and even now its craftsmanship is unprecedented. The dresser is highly original and in perfect shape for a piece of furniture over 350 years old. It was gently cleaned in our atelier and a new protective wax coat was applied. The Dutch golden age the 17th century was an important century for the Netherlands. The region separated from the Spanish Empire and formed its republic. Dutch merchants...

Early Arista y cuenca tile made in Toledo. Tile decorated in renaissance with stylized flowers was probably made between 1550 and 1575.

Crucified Christ, Sorrowful Crucifix. Carved and polychrome wood. Possibly southern German school, 15th century. Polychrome and gilded wood carving showing Christ with the Crown of Thorns, on the Cross, already deceased (eyes closed), with the usual INRI phylactery on the upper crossbar of the Latin cross, three nails (note the crossed feet) and a short, golden and polychrome purity cloth or perizonium. It is known, in German, as “Gabelkreuz” or “Gabelkruzifix” (“Sorrowful Crucifix” in Spanish) to a type of Gothic Crucified Christ that is especially expressive (prioritizing external suffering over other aspects) and that, normally, presents the cross in a of Y or ypsilon (alluding to the Tree of Life), created, apparently, thanks to the influence of the mysticism of the late 13th and early 14th centuries (Saint Brigid...

This extraordinary cabinet is made of the finest oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” This cabinet is made in ...

large 17th century Spanish table in oak and chestnut - Castille rare table with a very good dimension posterior restorations Superb patina and in perfect condition Delivery ...

Early Arista y Cuenca tile made in Toledo. Azulejo Toledano. Alhambra tile decorated in renaissance mudejar style geometrical design. Probably made between 1550 and 1575. In very g...

Exceptional polychrome wood low-relief depicting a werewolf and saint george after a woodcut by lucas cranach (“DER WERWOLF” 1512) Provenance : collection Brimo de Laroussihle colle...

Rare, small, late-Renaissance, Nuremberg, iron, 'armada box', strongbox or travelling safe with its original, naïve, painted decoration on later sledge feet...

Set of Four Chinese Paintings in Rosewood Frames, Signed, 19th Century, Oil Canvas Stunning example of Oriental works on canvas on wood. Each in a fine custom rosewood frame, matted. The set depicting a story of a band leader...

On offer here is an exceptional Dutch cupboard made of the finest European summer oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” This cabinet is made in the Provence of Utrecht, circa 1680. The arched doors are typical for this province and this type of cabinet is also known as “Utrechtse Poortkast”. The cabinet stands on bun feet and is with handsomely carved patterns and ebony veneer inlaid panels. The carving depicts elements that represent prosperity and Classic ornaments as is common in Dutch Renaissance furniture...

Italy / 16th century / Venetian chest or Cassone / oak, polychroom / antique / renaissance A large carved and gilt painted Venetian marriage chest made in oak in the 16th century i...

Antique 17th Century Dutch oak and ebony two-door Renaissance cabinet. This extraordinary cupboard is made of the finest quarter-sawn oak...

This Flemish panel painting, dated circa 1620, masterfully depicts the Holy Family and young Saint John the Baptist. A Flemish School altarpiece work of art, a masterfully achieved ...

Flemish school of the 16th century Allegory of Africa
After The Allegories of the Continents by Maerten de Vos (engraving by Adriaen Collaert)
 Oil on copper
 Inscription: "Giulio Ro...

Likely Italian or French, 18th century. An impressive and large mortar carved from a single block of white marble. Showing phenomenal antique patina - this piece was heavily used du...

'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...

An exceptional late Renaissance Italian credenza, hand-crafted in Tuscany circa 1570 from richly grained Circassian walnut. This singular piece ...

The Olive green silk velvet of Ferronerie design Dating from 15th century. With stylised pomegranate motifs. Renaissance possibly Florence Consisting of two joined panels. The ...

Italian Renaissance wedding cassone Origin : Northern Italy, Between Milan And Bologne Period : 15th Century Height : 55 cm Width : 156.5 cm D...

Walnut with verde antico marble inlay, with two wholly carved draped female allegorical figures within arched recesses, and a bas-relief on the central door. Rich and heavily carved...

A magnificent and impressive Italian antique walnut table with three full width shelves that can be opened from both sides with greatly carved and beveled top and beautiful carved tu...

Nice 17th century chest in brown chesnut. Hand carved facade panel with geometrics decorations. Plinth with brace decorations, dovetail assembly with wrought iron wardware. Add a re...

17th century Ebonized case with parcel gilt decoration, iron handles and hinges. Fitted interior with inset tortoiseshell panels surrounded by brass filigree inlaid ebonized wood drawer and door fronts. Faux painted architectural columns on either side of center door which opens to reveal an additional set of small drawers. A rare early cabinet...

Great 17th century walnut armchair from the Louis XIII period. The proportions and turning quality are exemplary and are complimented with...

Tapestries were ubiquitous in the castles and churches of the late medieval and Renaissance eras. At a practical level, they provided a form of insulation and decoration that could be easily transported. In addition, the process of tapestry weaving, where every stitch is placed by hand, enabled the creation of complex figurative images on an enormous scale. This is an excellent example of 16th century Flemish Renaissance Tapestry...

A Very Rare and Important Marble Relief of the ‘Resurrection of Christ’ Attributed to the Master of the Mascoli Altar Marble Venice, Italy Second half of the 15th Century SIZE: ...

A Renaissance Bed Valance Spain or Italy 16th century From a set of bed hangings originally part of the decor from a castle in France A long impressive ...

17th C. Italian Tuscan Walnut Cabinet, original lock & key, original back (very good antique condition, never touched) H: 73.5 D: 22.5 W: 80.75 ...

16th Century Antique Flemish King Solomon Tapestry, Country Of Origin: Belgium, Circa Date: 16th Century. Size: 11 ft 4 in x 12 ft 10 in (3.45 m x 3.91 m)

Stunning life-size carved wood sculpture of a man's head dating from circa 1700 in the south of Europe.  

Early Arabe / Mudejar style tile with geometric decoration, made late 15th century.

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly important, Museum quality, English Tudor King Henry VII Oak tester bed...

Elegant oratory or prieu dieu (prayer Kneeler) in walnut and burr walnut from northern Italy circa 1600 Very beautiful Italian Renaissance furniture...