Renaissance Furniture

A tall walnut cabinet buffet, having a plank top with dentil moulding above a single drawer. The recessed paneled doors with iron pulls, flanked by Doric columns sitting on multi-moi...

Antique tempera Icon depicting St. John the Baptist holding his own head, a reference to his execution by beheading. This came as a result of John publicl...

An exceptional and fine hand woven 18th century Italian silk and silver metallic thread lampas brocade panel with beautiful aged original color. Red silk backing w/ attached strip of...

An ebonized wood cabinet with painted pietra paesina panels Augsburg, southern Germany, mid-17th century Dimensions: h. 43 cm, w. 32 cm, d. 20 cm Ebonized wood, inlay of painted piet...

17th Century Large Tuscan Renaissance hanging Console in Walnut with Drawer. Simple but precious console, all original which fills the environment with charm About Tuscan Renaissanc...

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

Portapaz. Silver in its color and gilded. Century XVI. Portapaz made of silver that has a handle (decorated with delicate plant motifs similar to those of the pilasters) and a female and a male bust at the bottom, as well as other architectural elements on the back, and, on the front, an architectural composition classicist basement (with busts flanking a flower and a cross), two pilasters (vegetal decoration and capital recalling the composite order) with entablature (flowers flanking an angel's head; moldings), and a semicircular arch finish with elements veined in relief under cross and flanked by two architectural motifs in the upper part. This composition frames and enhances a gilt silver relief where you can see the Lament or Cry over the Body of Christ, with the Virgin holding the head of Jesus, Saint John at her side, the Magdalene and other characters, a cross following the group and a landscape background with houses and plant elements. This architectural structure mentioned is similar to the one present in other 16th century portapaces, such as that of the Magdalena de Dos Hermanas parish (Hernando de Ballesteros el Mozo, around 1575); or that of the Galaroza parish (same author and date); or that of the portapaz of San Miguel de Jerez de los Caballeros (in some details); etc. As for the relief, it is possible to clearly see a strong Italian influence, and the similarity between it and important pieces such as the Portapaz known as “de Cisneros by Juan de Burgos (1493-1497; MuseoCatedralicio de Alcalá de Henares), as well as in paintings and reliefs. Also noteworthy are both the male and female busts in the lower area and the Maltese cross (or Saint John's) that appears in this area. This symbol was used since the 12th century as an insignia by the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Order of Malta...

PAIR OF PORTUGUESE COLUMNS 17th Century in chestnut wood with carvings, decorated with plant motifs, putties. Small flaws, traces of treated woodpeckers. Dim.: 141 x 22 cm. very go...

Paolo di Giovanni Sogliani (Florence 1455-1522) Processional Cross Florence, around 1515 Enameled, chiseled, engraved, stippled, and gilded copper; wooden core ; Inscription: "OPA...

Sea monster Carrara marble mouth fountain Italy, late 16th century It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm) State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble. This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail. An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments. However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84). In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins. During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997). In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013). From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis. The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah). In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...

Artempo Italian palazzo fireplace surround. Exquisite original wear for exceptional authentic interior design project. 16th century period and one of a kind castle element. This fire...

Early Arista y Cuenca tile, most likely made in Sevilla. Azulejo tile decorated with a gemetric pattern with 4 central leafs within a cirlce. Mid 16th century In very good conditi...

This extraordinary cabinet is made of the finest watered oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” It is a four-door cab...

A wonderful and rare walnut credenza or sideboard, heavy patinated, original unrestored finish and original hardware. The hand-carved moldings and classic. Ionic swags above fluted ...

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 ...

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...

Ludovico Trevisan (November 1401 Venice, Italy - 22nd of March 1465) was an Italian Catholic prelate, who was the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Patriarch of Aquileia and Capta...

Spanish 17th century oak refectory table with 2 carved drawers & apron supported on turned legs with stretcher at base.  

Very beautiful Rrenaissance / Henry IV chest from the 17th century, transformed into a desk in the 19th century. Magnificent details are hand carved. The wood has a superb patina. Fo...

Armchairs Italian Renaissance brown leather 18th century, Spain. A lovely pair of armchair made in Italy during the Renaissance era, 1600-1650. Up...

Set of cushions made with pieces of tapestry, borders and chasubles.  

Important Italian Renaissance Polychrome chest with coat-of-arms Origin: Italy Period: early 16th century Height: 71cm Length: 190cm Depth: ...

An old sideboard - chest of drawers with a top in the Renaissance style. Made in the late 18th century from walnut wood. A unique piece of furniture, richly decorated with carvings a...

Hand-carved Italian Corpus Christi with traces of polychromy. This sculpture reflects the transition from Gothic to Renaissance style.

Provenance: Oudenaarde manufacture, Flanders, Mid-16th Century Tapestry wool and silk texture Dimensions 340/330 x 340/338cm Extremely rare piece In good condition Washed and lined It is a typical Flemish tapestry "with large leaves", well preserved, woven with green, yellow and brown yarns whose colors have remained fresh and intense. The market and collectors in recent decades have greatly re-evaluated tapestries with "large leaves", appreciating their high decorative value and ability to blend in with modern furnishings. Our tapestry belongs to a very particular subcategory of the "feuille de...

Early Arista y cuenca tiles made in Toledo. Tile decorated in renaissance with stylized flowers, probably made between 1550 and 1575. I have four of them available, please reach o...

18th-century Tuscan Two-Axis Walnut Fratino Table: a timeless masterpiece If you want an authentic piece of furniture that is rich in history, this 18th-century Tuscan two-axle waln...

A very rare Antique Brocatelle Silk Panel woven in Venice or Florence Italy using crimson silk and silver threads on a linen ground Dates from 17th century circa 1650 Expected an...

Oakwood Original lock and key   This beautiful and robust chest stands on square feet ending in flattened buns. The base presents plain mouldings. The facade is divided in four panel...

EXCEPTIONAL CABINET KNOWN AS THE SUMÈNE CABINET   ORIGIN : FRANCE, NÎMES PERIOD : 16th CENTURY   Height: 199 cm Width: 180.5 cm Depth: 69 cm   Walnut wood Good state of preservation ...

16th - 17th century French Renaissance period fire grate. Made of beautifully forged wrought iron and bronze. The condition is good. The width at the front is 93 cm (36.6 inches). ...

A RARE RENAISSANCE WALNUT CABINET WITH ITS FREESTANDING CARVED COLUMNS ORIGIN : FRANCE, BURGUNDY PERIOD : 16th CENTURY Height : 218 cm Length : 152 cm Depth : 67.5 cm Walnut Thi...

Head of Christ, fragment of a Lamentation group Possibly Maiano Workshop - Giovanni da Maiano (d. 1478) (?) Florence, Italy; probably late 1460s or early 1470s Presumably limewood; ...

Indo-Portuguese sculpture "Lady Conception" 17th century, H 147cm. Our Lady Conception Indo-Portuguese teak wood carving from the 17th century. Upholstered and polychrome . T he ...

Peacekeeper. Bronze. Century XVI. Bronze purse with a handle on the back in the shape of an esse in the same material and a decoration in light relief on the front that shows, unde...

Elegant solid walnut small box, entirely hand-carved. The rectangular chest features an opening top, ideal for storing objects. The front, back, and sides are decorated with geometri...

This beautiful and friendly-sized cupboard is made of the finest watered oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” It is a two-door cabinet over ebo...

Frans Franken III and aid, Adoration of the Magi Good condition The oil painting on wood, with a gold background, depicts an Adoration of the Magi. The Magi are dressed in sumptuous silk and brocade dresses; they wear precious hats and jewelery. The richness of their garments is in contrast with the humility of the Holy Family and of the other characters who, around curious, observe the scene. The hut is simple, made of wood and straw: above it shines the Comet, symbol of the divine event. In the distance, a group of wayfarers walk along a path that is lost on the horizon, blending into the gold of the bottom. The representation proposes a traditional iconography, in which the painter inserts some details that he lends himself to symbolic interpretations. Among these is the appearance of the Magi, who from the XIVth century differs iconographically: the wise astronomers represent the homage to Jesus of the then known parts of the world, namely Africa, Asia and Europe. To the right of the Magi, in the foreground, sits a monkey, considered a demonic creature and a symbol of lies and sin. It is depicted on the sidelines, as a defeat, next to a fragment of a classical column: ruin alludes to the end of paganism, of the old world that collapses with the advent of the new one, marked by the birth of Christ and liberation from the Original Sin. On the ruins he climbs the ivy, symbol of the immortality of the soul. The work is attributable to the workshop of the Flemish painter Frans Francken III...

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...

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 t...

Stunning 1700's, 18th C.Antique Large, Italian Renaissance Style, Carved, Walnut Cassone, Chest! Antique Cassone, Marriage Chest, Coffer, Large, Italian Renaissance Style, Carved, W...

An outstanding 16th century Italian (Venetian ) solid walnut and partially polychromed frame. Beautifully hand carved birds and flowers, this style was typical for Venetian time of 1...

Collection Jean Thuile Around the mid-sixteenth century French furnishing evolves in its conception and ornamentation. The start of major archi...

The Martyrdom of Santa Barbara Wool and silk tapestry Bruges, 1530-50 270 x 198 cm Expertise by Professor Guy Delmarcel This Flemish tapestry is a remarkable example of 16th-century craftsmanship, distinguished by its exceptionally well-preserved color palette. The medaillon-shaped center stands out against a background of dark blue roses and acanthus leaves. It depicts the martyrdom of Saint Barbara, identified by the tower where she was imprisoned. According to legend, her father, Dioscorus, is about to behead her with a scimitar, while an angel descends from the heavens to strike him with lightning. At the bottom, beneath Saint Barbara, two fantastical creatures. On the left is a griffon depicted with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. On the right is a creature with the body of a leopard, the head of an elephant adorned in a fancy blue cloak. Both animals face each other standing either side of a green hill top in the middle of the tapestry. The lavish scene of the tapestry is framed by a border which is embellished with foliage, flowers and fantastical elephant heads in blue and white on a red background. The corners and center of the edges display goldsmith-objects. The vibrant brick-red colour and striking bluish-green leaves create a stunning visual impact, showcasing the outstanding state of conservation. Professor Guy Delmarcel connects this tapestry to a series of textiles produced in Bruges after 1530, characterized by their fantastical nature scenes populated with imaginative creatures. Most feature similar roses and acanthus-leaves as well as other vegetation, with wild animals appearing ready to attack. Two almost identical pieces preserved at the Art Institute of Chicago (Bruges, 336 x 599 cm) and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam ("Tournai," 285 x 490 cm) serve as prime examples. The entire surface is filled with greenery, along with birds and fantastic animals. This tapestry exemplifies the rich decorative style of the time, merging naturalistic and poetic elements with exotic animals that spark the imagination. Other works of this type follow the theme of the "Closed Garden." In the lower register, fantastical creatures occasionally appear, as seen in the exquisite Bruges Tapestry displayed at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, and in the example from the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. The Parisian tapestry from Bruges features a mythical animal in the lower register, dressed in blue fabric, which closely resembles the animal in our tapestry. If Enghien or other centers produced similar pieces, several elements suggest a stronger connection to Bruges for two formal reasons: The overall colour-palette of our tapestry fabric characterized by pronounced brick-red colours and bluish-green leaves, aligns more closely with Bruges than with Tournai or Enghien. The intricate border design with the warm brick-red background, adorned with floral motifs, goldsmith-inspired elements such as incense burners and small bells, can be traced back to Bruges around 1530. This style, often associated with heraldic imagery, underscores the tapestry's connection to the city's rich artistic heritage. A comparable example is the tapestry featuring the Arms of Paolo Giovio, now part of the Prince of Liechtenstein's collection in Vaduz. This piece, set against a brick-red background, depicts arms and armors, cornucopias, boys riding grotesque dolphins, as well as various flowers and leaves. All available literature dates this group of tapestries to the second quarter of the sixteenth century. A key formal element further supports this dating: the executioner, depicted preparing to behead Barbara, wields a Turkish scimitar, a reference to the frequent Ottoman incursions into Central Europe beginning with the 1529 siege of Vienna...

This is a Pair of Gilt Cobalt Blue Urns. Both Urns depict a cobalt blue background that is decorated in the center with a hand painted country side landscape enhanced by a maid playi...

More information coming soon… The work of an immensely talented 17th century Italian woodworker, this oak socle pedestal has been hand-carved with an entablature that resembles a ve...

A Very Rare Venetian Velvet Cover Cut and uncut voided silk velvet in green on a light gold ground The pattern is a lattice of Leaf motifs, with the diamond shaped openings contain...

Beautiful and rare Dutch Renaissance two-door cabinet. This cabinet stems from an era in Dutch history that is called "the golden age'. This cabinet has the typical arched panelled doors and is called a 'poortkast' or portal cabinet. It is made in the best quality solid oak. It stands on ebonized bun feet with an ajour cut skirt. The panelled doors have a hand-carved arched top. The top corniche has beautiful hand-carved elevated panels depicting cupids holding garlands. The whole cabinet is enriched with inlaid parts of ebony...

Set of two 16th century oak panels, one representing a character accompanied by a dog, the other a character in flames, probably saints. These ...

Italian Renaissance-style (18th Century) walnut headboard with an open design top under a panel door design (originally a confessional having a Jesuit logo)

18th Century Italian walnut trestle style table. A rectangular top sits on a pair of lyre shaped bases connected by a center stretcher. The stretch...

A bespoke hand made pillow The Crimson silk velvet ground appliqued with a design of flowers and foliage within gold thread borders. Spanish or Italian circa 1600 Finished with ra...

17th Century English Renaissance Carved Oak and Wrought Iron Bench Banquette. Item features deep relief hand-carved back and legs which terminate at claw like front feet. The base is...

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 to reveal a gold metallic groun...

A magnificent pair of large one-of-a-kind medieval Italian armorial shield church architectural elements. Dating to around the late 15th century, hand-crafted in Italy, most impressive size, standing over 6-feet tall, bow front shaped shield form, polychrome painted Memento Mori - The Wars of the...

Italian Renaissance style (17th Century elements) oak refectory table with carved apron an bulbous shaped legs with a stretcher at base (plank top 19/20th Century). Condition: Good;...

This cabinet is composed of two bodies, the upper one being recessed. The extraordinary proportions are enriched by a mythological and floral carved decor. The Lower body stands o...

Inkwell Calamelli workshop (attr.). Faenza, second half of the 16th century Height 4.33 in; length 8.07 in; depth 2.95 in (11 cm; 20.5 cm; 7.5 cm) Weight: 0.800 lb (363 g) State of conservation: some chipping to the top of the mask around the mouth. Handle glued, without any restorations; minor chips in some raised areas. This object has the shape of a foot wearing Greek-style footwear, as can be seen in some raised areas. The foot is anatomically modeled with bare toes, while the ankle is partially covered by the footwear. On the heel, there is a small circular handle to support the object. The mouth of the container is shaped like a mask. The interior, completely enameled, suggests that the piece was intended to be used as an inkwell or to contain some other liquid. The base, however, is not enamelled. The painted decoration, scant and brief, consists of rapid cobalt blue shading between the toes of the foot, with more precise emphasis on the nails. It is accompanied by yellow citrine accents to enhance the forms. The mask is painted with the tip of the brush, to accentuate the tense nature of the eyes and to accentuate their outline. Thin strokes of yellow-orange line the interior of the mouth. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. This artwork finds parallels in similar objects all characterized by this refined style and produced in the city of Faenza and other Italian centers starting from the mid-16th century. The closest comparable example in majolica is a foot acquired by the British Museum in 2011 (inv. 2011, 8008.1). This was previously published by Carmen Ravanelli Guidotti in 1996 and later by Dora Thornton in 2016 during the conference on Renaissance ceramics...

ORIGIN : ITALY, TUSCANY PERIOD : 16th CENTURY DIMENSIONS : Height : 73 cm Length : 180 cm Depth: 57 cm Good condition Walnut wood This significant Florentine cassone in the shape of a sarcophagus features a beautiful front panel flanked at the corners by two mascarons surrounded by voluted acanthus leaves. It rests on two lion's paw feet at the front. The decoration includes a beautiful frieze of scales at the bottom, which continues on the sides. Above this, in the center, a scrollwork cartouche once bore coats of arms. On either side, there is an abundant vegetal decor with vine branches and sumptuous grape clusters. The domed top lid is adorned around its edge with a wide frieze featuring a scale motif, harmoniously matching the lower cornice. This beautiful cassone is interesting for several reasons. The choice of ornamentation is not random. Grapes have numerous meanings and are often associated with fertility, especially when represented on a wedding cassone...

A wonderful 16th century draped female torso in classical style. Made in France under Italian Renaissance influence this female torso is finely sculpted with great detail to the stol...