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Renaissance Furniture

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
Magnificent 17th Century Italian Renaissance Walnut Trestle Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Rare and Stunning 17th century Italian Renaissance walnut center table. This majestic library table was hand-carved in Italy during the early 1600’s. Two thick planks of rich walnut...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Renaissance Carved Lion Heads Curule Savonarola Style Chairs - a Pair
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a wonderful pair of antique Renaissance Curule or Savonarola Style Chairs with carved loins heads beneath carved scrolls on the arm posts and a carved crest between the posts...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Wood

Spanish Azulejo Tile Arista y Cuenca - Toledo 16th century
Located in DELFT, NL
Early Arista y cuenca tile made in Toledo. Tile decorated in renaissance with stylized flowers was probably made between 1550 and 1575.
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Pair of Italian Renaissance Style Walnut Side Chairs 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A PAIR OF ITALIAN RENAISSANCE STYLE WALNUT SIDE CHAIRS 19TH CENTURY, INCORPORATING EARLIER ELEMENTS In solid walnut with straight seats, gilt acanthus leaf finials, carved front st...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic c1890
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French carved oak Dolphin library table desk Renaissance Gothic. Direct from France, an elegant antique French carved ...
Category

1890s French Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Carved Walnut Large Sideboard
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Impressive antique 19th century Italian Renaissance style large sideboard. Made entirely of carved walnut wood. The carving work is spectacular made by a great master of wood. We ask...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Brittany Carved Oak Bench with 16th Century Portrait Panels 1560
Located in Portland, OR
A rare French/Brittany carved oak bench from the late 19th century, fitted with original carved French Renaissance portrait panels from circa, 1560. The bench was constructed in Brit...
Category

16th Century English Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Oak

Vintage Chippendale Style Mahogany Desk
Located in Annville, PA
A fine quality Vintage Chippendale Style Mahogany Desk with a richly restored top and sympathetically restored drawer area. The solid brass p...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

20th Century Venetian Murano Glass Gold Flowers Mirror
Located in Puglia, Puglia
It is a delightful classic Venetian mirror from the island of Murano in gold color with white gold flower finish, engraved and worked entirely by hand according to the Murano traditi...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Art Glass, Mirror, Murano Glass

Canopy Bed in Hammered and gilded wrought iron
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
CANOPY BED IN HAMMERED AND GILDED WROUGHT IRON   ORIGIN: SPAIN PERIOD: 16TH CENTURY   Height: 270 cm Length: 152 cm Depth: 240 cm   (Base: H. 206 cm; W. 148 cm)   Hammered and gilded...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian Florentine Gold Black Gilded Wood Art Frame Circa 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Florentine Black and Gold Gilded Frame, Italy. Sturdy and beautiful, this frame is ready for a picture and certainly captures that European vibe.Fits 16x20 artwork
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

20th Century Venetian Murano Glass Flowers Octagonal Mirror
Located in Puglia, Puglia
It is a delightful classic Venetian mirror with a frame formed by rods and crystal curls, the engravings that adorn this luxurious mirror have been completely handmade, and the finis...
Category

20th Century Italian Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

18th Century Italian Frieze Carved Painted Wall Panel #1
Located in Bradenton, FL
18th century Italian wall decorative panel frieze with stunning hand-carved gilded relief. The decorative gilt relief motif is very classical, hand-carved with alternating love knots...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Italian Inlaid Walnut Center Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
18th Century Italian Wooden Center table. Table features a hexagonal top, double bands of parquetry string inlay and a molded edge. Rococo design features splayed legs adorned with i...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique French Hall Bench Settle Renaissance Carved Oak Cherub Black Forest 1880
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French Hall Bench Settle Renaissance Carved Oak Cherub Black Forest. Direct from France, a beautiful antique French hall bench, large enoug...
Category

1870s French Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Oak

Baldaquin - Large Four-poster Bed In Gilded Wood, Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Baldaquin -/ large four-poster bed in carved gilded wood: the 4 feet/posts are carved with foliage and flowers The headboard, as well as the 4 sides of the canopy are decorated with...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th/19th Century Dutch Painting in Oil on Canvas after Johannes Vermeer
By (attributed to) Johannes Verelst
Located in Vero Beach, FL
18th/19th Century Dutch Painting in Oil on Canvas after Johannes Vermeer Antique painting after the famous motif, “Young Women with a Water Pitcher” by Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675)...
Category

Late 18th Century Unknown Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

18th Century Italian Framed Embroidered Panel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This antique Italian embroidered panel is a finely handwoven work in wool, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and decorative richness. Likely dating from the 18th century, the vert...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Metallic Thread

Spanish Azulejo Tile Arista y Cuenca - Toledo 16th century
Located in DELFT, NL
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...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Earthenware, Maiolica

Spanish Azulejo Tile Arista y Cuenca - Toledo 16th century
Located in DELFT, NL
Early Arista y cuenca tile made in Toledo. Tile decorated in renaissance with stylized flowers was probably made between 1550 and 1575.
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

15th Century French Carved Limestone Head Fragment
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare 15th century French carved limestone fragment depicting the back of a man's head with a wavy hair texture, and mounted on a c...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Marble

Theodore Alexander 16th Century Style German Hammered Bronze Suit Armour Knight
Located in Dayton, OH
Theodore Alexander Medieval Suit of Armour. Styled after an original 16th Century German suit that sold at auction for well over $50,000. Retai...
Category

Late 20th Century Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Brass Renaissance Style Bevel Edged Wall Mirror, English, C.1910
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Fabulous brass mirror with aged verdigris patina Can be hung both as a diamond or a square Original mirror plate. The plate is slightly distressed / misty The measurement given is...
Category

1910s English Vintage Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Brass

17th Century French Leather Coffer with Nailhead Detail
Located in Houston, TX
17th century French leather coffer, chest or trunk with nailhead detail from burgundy on newer wooden base.   
Category

17th Century French Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Brass

End 19th Century Oil Painting Hunting Scene Herman Emil Pohle
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Oil on canvas. Signed lower right, Hermann Emil Pohle. The painting is a genre piece. A Renaissance style hunting scene. The hunting horn is blown before...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Renaissance Palace Wardrobe with Perspectival Views
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A rare carved walnut wardrobe opening with four door-leaves and two drawers in the lower part. The doors bear architectural views in low reliefs, fluted pilasters and Ionic capitals. Upper Body Two door-leaves with carved architectural perspectives open the wardrobe framed by three fluted pilasters with Ionic capitals. Each door-leaf depict two semi-circular arcades whose cornice and base shows a central vanishing point. Likewise the pavement’s lines act for the artisan as a way to create depth. The vaulting instead leads us to think the vanishing point has to be situated where the handle is, between the two complementaries reliefs. The elegant moulded belt hides an internal secret space, accessible through a moveable plank in the upper body. Lower Body Two door-leaves identical to those of the upper body framed by three fluted pilasters with Doric capitals. The base of the wardrobe opens with two large drawers. The sides also bear panels depicting architectural perspectives. The external pilasters share their Ionic capital with the facade’s pilasters. Thus we can observe on the wardrobe’s sides the capital’s lateral parts with the elegant volute specific to the Ionic order. This palace wardrobe is topped by an overlapping cornice standing on three consoles for the facade and two consoles on each sides. Placed right above the pilasters each console are adorned by fully expanded leaves. During the 15th century a major interest for architecture and perspective studies arises and influences patrons tastes. The work of great theorists such as Leon Battista Alberti...
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Renaissance Spanish Buffet with Two Doors, Three Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Spanish Renaissance buffet was sculpted from dense, old-growth oak with glorious full relief depictions. Set upon a brilliantly...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Richly Carved Roman Style Gray and White Limestone Table from Northern Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
A fantastic gray and white limestone table, the richly carved legs are after table supports found during excavations of Pompeii in the mid- to late-1800s (from Casa di Cornelio Rufo)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Antique French Renaissance Flower Carved Walnut China Cabinet Radio Bar Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Renaissance Flower Carved Walnut China Cabinet Radio Bar Cabinet. Item features wonderful relief carved flowers throughout, shapely ca...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Baker Set of 6 Shieldback Chairs
Located in Annville, PA
A Vintage Baker Set of 6 Shieldback Chairs which will be the focal point of any dining room in which they are placed. Hand crafted from solid mahogany this beautiful set of “Historic...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Renaissance Cabinet from Burgundy or Lyon Region
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Renaissance cabinet from Burgundy Or Lyon Region Origin : Burgundy Or Lyon, France Period : Second Half 16th Century, C. 1580 Height : 209cm Length : 184cm Depth : 71cm Good condition Walnut wood, original keys and keyholes Around the middle of the 16th century the conception and ornamentation of French furniture evolves. The start of major building projects, such as the castle of Fontainebleau, gives artists a new impulse. Inventive and rich formulas are developed there, before spreading to all of Europe thanks to engravings and printed leaflets. Furthermore, Italian artists working on such construction sites bring French artists and patrons a renewed taste for the Antique. Regarding the art of furnitures, the most complex scenes and figures are drawn from illustrated books, ornament and emblem compendiums and engraving compilations. Rather than copying those images the artisans feed their inspiration and decline the motifs in numerous variations. The ornamental grammar marks a return to the Antique : palm leaf, acanthus, egg-and-dart, greek, scroll, fluted pilaster… It is in Primaticcio’s and Il Rosso’s stuccos made around 1540-1550 that we have to look for the origin of leather cut-outs, masks, chimaeras, harpies, sheathed figures, fruit and flower garlands that soon enrich every pieces of French furniture. The structure of the pieces of furniture also evolve thanks to the re discovery of Antique architectures, rigorously used as a model. This cabinet presents an imposing structure and a rich and original decor exemplifying the production of the late 16th century, infused with Italian, Antique and Fontainebleau influences. It stands on a moulded base ornate with palm leaves. It opens with four door-leaves and two drawers in the belt. Six whimsical terms divide the facade. The lower body is horizontally divided by three sheathed female terms. The two standing on the lateral posts are topped with fruits while the body is covered by acanthus leaves carved with precision, belted at the waist. The term standing on the central door-jamb is crowned with laurel leaves and is draped in the Antique fashion. A wincing mask hides the key hole. The two door-leaves are centred by a beautiful mask carved in a strong relief. They wear stylised feathered headdress and are set on draperies. Straps, leather scrolls, acanthus leaves and a shell are spread around the masks. The recessed panels are secured in frames ornate with acanthus leaves. The belt is flanked by two large mouldings enriched with variations of acanthus leaves. The drawers are carved with choux bourguignons and palm leaf motifs minutely executed. The consoles between each drawer bear tormented wincing masks, showing horns as if they were fauns or imps. The upper body is framed by two male terms characterised by a strong and nervous musculature, their manhood hidden by drapes secured thanks to a winged lion head. The term on the left appears to be younger and is wincing while the one on the right has a beard. The central female term brings contrast with her youth and sensuality. As it is the case on the lower body, the key hole is hidden behind the mouth of a faun’s mask placed on the drapes barely covering the intimacy of the caryatid. The panels of the upper body present an idealised architecture comprising pilasters and sinuous broken pediments. The pilasters are flanked by two satyrs with goat legs. In the centre appears an important lion mask. The terms of the upper body support the cornice. The entablature carries palm leaves and roses alternating as well as an egg-and-dart frieze. The cornice is adorned with acanthus motifs. On the sides, the carving is executed flat. A central rose is surrounded by scrolls, flowers and choux bourguignons. We can admire the variety of the elements employed. The artist vary with great genius many different ornamental motifs : palm leaf, egg-and-dart, laurel leaf, roses, scrolls … But the artist went even further as each profile and each face is individualised and presents different features. You can take a look at the faces of the satyrs flanking the upper body’s panels. The talent of the artist is undeniable. It makes no doubt the patron who commissioned this cabinet was an aesthete looking for the greatest quality. The artist who authored this cabinet had a great mastery of composition both in the general design and in the individual panels. They probably drew inspiration from engravings and drawings made especially for the making of this piece of furniture or not. They seem to be familiar with the style of Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. Indeed, we can find in Du Cerceau’s engravings the same juxtapositions of leather cut-outs, masks and fruits. The terms and caryatids used on the facade could very well be inspired by his work as well. The cabinet-maker was also undoubtedly observant of Hugues Sambin, the most famous cabinet-maker and sculptor in the Burgundy of the time. Like Du Cerceau, Sambin left an important ensemble of models particularly useful for the design of cabinets. His publication De l’Oeuvre de la diversité des termes dont on use en architecture (1572) was an essential book for every artisan. All the motifs testify of the artisan’s high knowledge of forms as well as the precision of their tools : super imposition of ornamental elements, foliages, architectural cut-outs, flat and high reliefs alternating, palm leaves inscribed in circular spaces, wincing faces. It is also a testimony of the artisan’s familiarity with Italian and Fontainebleau productions. Because of the proficiency of the cabinet-maker in so many different models, this cabinet truly is a master-piece authored by the hand of an authentic master. The generous carvings executed with great rigour and virtuosity evoke an origin close to Burgundy and Lyon workshops. This cabinet was made by a master of the region during the Second French Renaissance. Literature BOCCADOR Jacqueline, Le mobilier français du Moyen-Âge à la Renaissance, Édition d’art Morelle Mayot, 1996 BOS Agnès (dir.), Mobilier du Moyen âge et de la Renaissance, La collection du musée du Louvre, Louvre éditions...
Category

16th Century Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Set of Four Italian Walnut Savonarola Armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of four Italian walnut Savonarola armchairs ORIGIN : FLORENCE, ITALY PERIOD : LATE 15TH CENTURY - EARLY 16TH CENTURY Measures: height : 102 cm 40.15 inches, height : 93 cm 36.61 inches length : 68 cm 26.77 inches, length : 68 cm 26.77 inches depth : 55 cm 21.65 inches, depth : 50 cm 19.68 inches Walnut Very good condition This movable Italian seat from the late 15th century descents from the roman curule seat. It took the name of sedia Savonarola...
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Stone Italian Vessel/Sink, circa 1900s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved Italian marble basin with a circular shape with a thick, sturdy rim and four symmetrical protrusions that could have been used for lifting or securing the piece. The interior...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Stone

Renaissance Style Patinated BronzeTrifid Brazier w. Lion Heads Paw Feet, C. 1900
Located in Germantown, MD
A Renaissance Style Patinated Brass Trifid Brazier with Lion Heads and Paw Feet, Circa 1900s Measures 10.5 in diameter" , 23" in height  
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Antique Italian Savonarola Campaign Armchairs in Mahogany
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible pair of Savonarola chairs from Italy circa 1890's. They feature heavy solid wood construction with great hand painted detailing. Upholstery was redone some years back, ...
Category

1890s Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rare and important painted bronze Crucifix after a model by Michelangelo
By Michelangelo Buonarroti
Located in Leesburg, VA
A rare and very fine bronze corpus of Christ after a model by Michelangelo, cast ca. 1597-1600 by Juan Bautista Franconio and painted in 1600 by Francisco Pacheco in Seville, Spain. The present corpus reproduces a model attributed to Michelangelo. The best known example, lesser in quality, is one on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET). The association of this corpus with Michelangelo was first brought to light by Manuel Gomez-Moreno (1930-33) who studied the wider circulated casts identified throughout Spain. The attribution to Michelangelo was subsequently followed by John Goldsmith-Phillips (1937) of the MET and again by Michelangelo expert, Charles de Tolnay (1960). While Michelangelo is best known for his monumental works, there are four documented crucifixes he made. The best known example is the large-scale wooden crucifix for the Church of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito in Florence, made in 1492 as a gift for the Prior, Giovanni di Lap Bicchiellini, for allowing him to study the anatomy of corpses at the hospital there. In 1562, Michelangelo wrote two letters to his nephew, Lionardo, indicating his intention to carve a wooden crucifix for him. In 1563 a letter between Lionardo and the Italian sculptor Tiberio Calcagni, mentions this same crucifix (a sketch of a corpus on the verso of a sheet depicting Michelangelo’s designs for St. Peter’s Basillica [Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille] may reproduce this). That Michelangelo was working on small corpora in the last years of his life is further evidenced by the small (26.5 cm) unfinished wooden crucifix located at the Casa Buonarroti, considered his last known sculptural undertaking. Michelangelo’s contemporary biographer, Giorgio Vasari additionally cites that Michelangelo, in his later years, made a small crucifix for his friend, Menighella, as a gift. Surviving sketches also indicate Michelangelo’s study of this subject throughout his career, most notably during the end of his life but also during the 1530s-40s as he deepened his spiritual roots. The occasional cameo of crucified Christ’s throughout his sketched oeuvre have made it challenging for scholars to link such sketches to any documented commissions of importance. All the while, in consideration that such objects were made as gifts, it is unlikely they should be linked with commissions. Nonetheless, a number of theories concerning Michelangelo’s sketches of Christ crucified have been proposed and some may regard the origin of the present sculpture. It has been suggested that the corpus could have its impetus with Michelangelo’s work on the Medici Chapel, whose exclusive design was given to the master. It is sensible smaller details, like an altar cross, could have fallen under his responsibility (see for example British Museum, Inv. 1859,0625.552). Others have noted the possibility of an unrealized large marble Crucifixion group which never came to fruition but whose marble blocks had been measured according to a sheet at the Casa Buonarroti. A unique suggestion is that Michelangelo could have made the crucifix for Vittoria Colonna, of whom he was exceedingly fond and with whom he exchanged gifts along with mutual spiritual proclivities. In particular, Vittoria had an interest in the life of St. Bridget, whose vision of Christ closely resembles our sculpture, most notably with Christ’s proper-left leg and foot crossed over his right, an iconography that is incredibly scarce for crucifixes. The suggestion could add sense to Benedetto Varchi’s comment that Michelangelo made a sculpted “nude Christ…he gave to the most divine Marchesa of Pescara (Vittoria Colonna).” Of that same period, two sketches can be visually linked to our sculpture. Tolnay relates it to a sketch of a Crucified Christ at the Teylers Museum (Inv. A034) of which Paul Joannides comments on its quality as suggestive of preparations for a sculptural work. Joannides also calls attention to a related drawing attributed to Raffaello da Montelupo copying what is believed to be a lost sketch by Michelangelo. Its relationship with our sculpture is apparent. Montelupo, a pupil of Michelangelo’s, returned to Rome to serve him in 1541, assisting with the continued work on the tomb of Pope Julius II, suggesting again an origin for the corpus ca. 1540. The earliest firm date that can be given to the present corpus is 1574 where it appears as a rather crudely conceived Crucifixion panel, flanked by two mourners in low-relief and integrally cast for use as the bronze tabernacle door to a ciborium now located at the Church of San Lorenzo in Padula. Etched in wax residue on the back of the door is the date, 27 January 1574, indicating the corpus would have at least been available as a model by late 1573. The Padula tabernacle was completed by Michelangelo’s assistant, Jacopo del Duca and likely has its origins with Michelangelo’s uncompleted tabernacle for the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Rome. The impetus for the Padula tabernacle’s Crucifixion panel begins with a series of late Crucifixion sketches by Michelangelo, depicting a scene of Christ crucified and flanked by two mourners (see British Museum Inv. 1895.0915.510; Ashmolean Museum Inv. 1846.89, KP II 343 recto; Windsor Castle RCIN 912761 recto; and Louvre Inv. 700). A faintly traced block possibly intended for sculpting the sketch of the crucified Christ on its recto was discovered by Tolnay on a version of the composition at Windsor Castle. The Windsor sketch and those related to it appear to have served as preparatory designs for what was probably intended to become the Basilica of St. Mary’s tabernacle door. Vasari documents that the project was to be designed by Michelangelo and cast by his assistant, Jacopo del Duca. Michelangelo died before the commission was complete, though on 15 March 1565, Jacopo writes to Michelangelo’s nephew stating, “I have started making the bronze tabernacle, depending on the model of his that was in Rome, already almost half complete.” Various circumstances interrupted the completion of the tabernacle, though its concept is later revitalized by Jacopo during preparations to sell a tabernacle, after Michelangelo’s designs, to Spain for Madrid’s El Escorial almost a decade later. The El Escorial tabernacle likewise encountered problems and was aborted but Jacopo successfully sold it shortly thereafter to the Carthusians of Padula. An etched date, 30 May 1572, along the base of the Padula tabernacle indicates its framework was already cast by then. A 1573 summary of the tabernacle also describes the original format for the door and relief panels, intended to be square in dimension. However, a last minute decision to heighten them was abruptly made during Jacopo’s negotiations to sell the tabernacle to King Phillip II of Spain. Shortly thereafter the commission was aborted. Philippe Malgouyres notes that the Padula tabernacle’s final state is a mixed product of the original design intended for Spain’s El Escorial, recycling various parts that had already been cast and adding new quickly finished elements for its sale to Padula, explaining its unusually discordant quality, particularly as concerns the crudeness of the door and relief panels which were clearly made later (by January 1574). Apart from his own admission in letters to Spain, it is apparent, however, that Jacopo relied upon his deceased master’s designs while hastily realizing the Padula panels. If Michelangelo had already earlier conceived a crucifix model, and Jacopo had access to that model, its logical he could have hastily employed it for incorporation on the door panel to the tabernacle. It is worth noting some modifications he made to the model, extending Christ’s arms further up in order to fit them into the scale of the panel and further lowering his chin to his chest in order to instill physiognomic congruence. A crude panel of the Deposition also follows after Michelangelo’s late sketches and is likewise known by examples thought to be modifications by Jacopo based upon Michelangelo’s initial sculptural conception (see Malgouyres: La Deposition du Christ de Jacopo del Duca, chef-d’oeuvre posthume de Michel-Ange). Jacopo’s appropriation of an original model by Michelangelo for more than one relief on the Padula tabernacle adds further indication that the crucifix was not an object unique to Jacopo’s hand, as few scholars have posited, but rather belongs to Michelangelo’s original...
Category

16th Century Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. A stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides and five drawers ox bow ...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Oak

Carved chest of drawers, France, circa 1880.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Carved helper, France, circa 1880. Very good condition, after professional renovation. Wood: oak dimensions: height 100 cm width 147 cm depth 62 cm
Category

1880s French Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Oak

18th Century Carved Walnut Renaissance Style Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Spectacular 18th Century Carved Walnut Renaissance Style Library Table - dining table. With a rectangular top concealing draw leaves at eithe...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Ginori 19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Big Majolica Vase
Located in Brescia, IT
Big Majolica vase Ginori Italy, 1850-1890 Very good codiction Difetto di cottura sotto la base (vedere fotografia)
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Important Renaissance Cabinet from Lyon 'France' with a Decor of Perspectives
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
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...
Category

16th Century European Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Icon on Board of the Resurrection of Christ
Located in Hastings, GB
Glorious Icon on Oak board dating to the 18th century and depicting the Resurrection of Christ, this Icon was originally from Mount Athos a mountain on th...
Category

1790s Greek Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique 17th Century Oak Dutch Renaissance Cabinet with Ebony and Mahogany
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is an antique four-door cupboard, in Dutch, named “Kussenkast”, that was made in the Northern Netherlands in the late 17th century. This cupboard takes its name from th...
Category

Late 17th Century Dutch Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Massive Italian Majolica Allegorical Charger by A. Deruta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Massive Italian Majolica allegorical charger by A. Deruta Gorgeous continuous Italian Renaissance style decoration Ready to hang.
Category

20th Century Italian Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Majolica

19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell Add a touch of classical whimsy to your home or office with our tole figural knight inkwell. Made in later 19th century ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set of an Italian Renaissance Walnut Armchair and Pair of Chairs
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
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.
Category

Early 1700s French Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Madonna and Child, Classical 19th Century Painting
Located in Miami, FL
Madonna and child, Classical 19th century painting. This lovely oil painting was purchased in Spain. The artist is unknown. The painting still maintains its original finish and ha...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Venetian gold mirror in Murano glass by Barbini brothers
Located in Palermo, IT
Barbini Veneziani brothers' gold mirror circa 1960. Decorations with Murano flowers and long woven glass slats in the edges of the mirror, thus recalling the Renaissance period.
Category

20th Century Italian Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Murano Glass

Genoese Cabinet Called Stipo From The Renaissance Period In Walnut - 16th Centur
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Exceptional Genoese cabinet called stipo "a bambocci" from the Italian Renaissance in walnut from the end of the 16th century with its original base Museum quality piece Provenance:...
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

European Renaissance Style Jewelry Box Steel and Golden Steel Key Blue Velvet
Located in Miami, FL
Middle age Gothic European Renaissance style for the jewelry box in steel with golden parts. We recognize middle age figures all around and on the top of the box and the renaissance architectural...
Category

1960s French Vintage Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Steel

Gothic Renaissance Revival Carved Walnut Dragon Griffin Sideboard Buffet Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gothic Renaissance Revival Carved Walnut Dragon Griffin Sideboard Buffet Cabinet. Item features two-part construction with ornate carvings throughout including dragons/griffins and f...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Spanish Azulejo Tile Arista y Cuenca - Toledo 16th century
Located in DELFT, NL
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...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Earthenware, Maiolica

Spiga Wall Mirror
Located in Milan, IT
Precious rectangular Venetian mirror, made in the strictest Murano tradition, with central mosaic and finely hand-engraved bands. All the elements are assembled with floral elements ...
Category

2010s Italian Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Glass

Spiga Wall Mirror
$3,099 / item
A Set of Renaissance Classical 19th Century Grand Tour Italian Plaster Intaglios
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Small Set of 8 Renaissance Classical Grand Tour Medallions. Possibly Have Been Put on A Modern Backing At Some Point Grand Tour Cameos Intagli...
Category

Early 19th Century Greek Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Grandon Wall Mirror
Located in Milan, IT
Large rectangular Venetian mirror, made in the strictest Murano tradition, with a central glass mosaic. Finely hand-engraved on the b...
Category

2010s Italian Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Glass

Grandon Wall Mirror
$5,503 / item
20th Century Italian Silver 800 and Ebony "Benvenuto Cellini Salt Cellar"Replica
Located in VALENZA, IT
Fantastic reproduction of the famous saltcellar of Benvenuto Cellini, symbol of the world goldsmith's art. The master goldsmith made only very few copies of this wonderful object that makes it a unique piece in the world. 6.641 grams of solid silver. Some information on the original piece by Benvenuto Cellini: The Cellini Salt...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Silver

Late 17th C. Tuscan Walnut Console Table, Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Late 17th C. Tuscan Walnut 5 - Drawer Console Table, Italy H: 32.25 D: 28.75 L: 105.5 in. (This table, the cabinet, and the Demi lunes are from the same house and have always been...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

17th C. Italian Tuscan Walnut Cabinet, original lock & key, original back
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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 ...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Italian Renaissance Style Walnut Savonarola Folding Chair circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Renaissance style walnut Savonarola folding chair from circa 1900 with lion paw feet. This Italian Renaissance style Savonarola chair, dating back to circa 1900, is a sple...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Walnut

17th Century, Italian Oil on Panel Painting Depicting Madonna della Purità
Located in IT
17th Century, Italian Oil on Panel Painting Depicting Madonna della Purità The painting, executed in oil on a circular wooden panel and presented in an imposing carved and gilded wo...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Furniture

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Renaissance furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Renaissance 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 case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, walnut and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Renaissance furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France 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, Sinke & Van Tongeren, Albrecht Dürer, and Castelli. 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 $35 and tops out at $3,217,683 while the average work can sell for $6,828.

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