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.
16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A magnificent Biblical tapestry in wool and silk likely made in the Flemish weaving center of Oudenaarde. With a history of tapestry production dating to 1368, the city created some of the finest tapestries of late Medieval and Renaissance Europe that were widely sought after across the continent. The 16th century...
Wool, Silk
1950's Italian Tapestry Swan in the Lake, Renaissance Style Wall Hanging
Located in Dallas, TX
74749 Vintage Italian Tapestry Swan in the Lake, 03'05 x 05'11. This exquisite vintage Italian jacquard-woven tapestry, titled "Verdure with Pine Tree and Swans," gracefully captures...
Wool
The Venetian Minuet Reverie: A Rococo Tapestry Masterpiece of Carnival Splendor
By Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
Located in Dallas, TX
72967 Vintage French Tapestry Inspired by The Minuet Carnival Scene, 05'07 x 07'01. The Venetian Minuet Reverie: A Rococo Tapestry Masterpiece of Carnival Splendor. An ode to cultivated indulgence, this vintage Venetian tapestry...
Canvas
Flemish Armorial Tapestry, Late 16th Century, Renaissance
Located in Vienna, AT
A Flemish armorial tapestry. Late 16th century, possibly Spanish Woven in wools, depicting the arms of the Abbasid dynasty, combined with those of ...
Cotton
Rugs On Net Antique Green Geometric Holbein Design Ukrainian Wool Rug Carpet
By Hans Holbein
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Hans Holbein Design Ukrainian Pile Carpet ( 6'3" x 9' - 191 x 274 ) Antique Ukrainian Ukraine Knotted Rug, Circa Date: 1890s. This exceptional example of Eastern Europe...
Wool
Magnificent 17th-Century Gobelin Tapestry – “Landscape with Peacocks”
Located in Berlin, DE
This exquisite Gobelin tapestry, titled “Landscape with Peacocks,” is a captivating example of late-17th-century European textile artistry. Woven with remarkable finesse, it presents...
Wool
Renaissance Aubusson Savonnerie Style European Hand Knotted Design Rug Djoharian
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Large sized 10 x 13 ft Renaissance Aubusson Savonnerie style European hand knotted Area rug This large hand knotted wool rug sho...
Wool
Vintage Indian Savonnerie Rug, Timeless Elegance Meets Renaissance Heritage
By Savonnerie
Located in Dallas, TX
78688 Vintage French Savonnerie Style Rug, 09'02 x 12'00. This hand-knotted wool vintage Pakistani Savonnerie style rug is a testament to the fusion of artistic traditions. At its he...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Allover Warm Tan Carpet - c. 1600 Spanish Alcaraz
Located in New York, NY
This rare 17th-century Antique Alcaraz rug from Spain is a compelling testament to early European textile artistry, where Renaissance refinement meets ling...
Wool
The Gilded Parterre: An Antique European Masterpiece of Courtly Elegance
Located in Dallas, TX
77078 Antique European Garden Rug, 10’08 x 10’10. The Gilded Parterre: An Antique European Masterpiece of Courtly Elegance. Woven in an era when refinement shaped every detail of int...
Wool
$28,000
H 112 in W 95 in D 0.1 in
Zabihi Collection Swans Ducks 18th Century Aubusson French Tapestry Panel
Located in New York, NY
Late 18th century Aubusson tapestry panel made in France. Measures: Height 9 feet 4 inches, width 7 feet 11 inches. Swans and ducks swimming in a lake...
Wool
$25,995Sale Price|42% Off
H 132 in W 96 in D 0.05 in
17th Century French Aubusson Mythological Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
A French Aubusson mythological tapestry from the 17th century, depicting the Spartan king, Menelaus, seated at left, sending his brother...
Wool
Nice French Aubusson Style Jacquard Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
"Exquisite French tapestry from the mid-20th century, featuring a beautiful design, showing a gallant scene with young people playing hide and seek game, with nice colours in hues of...
Wool, Cotton
$19,995
H 99 in W 121 in D 0.05 in
Antique 18th Century Flemish Biblical Tapestry, with Queen Esther & Ahashverosh
Located in New York, NY
An antique 18th century Flemish Biblical tapestry, size 8'3 H x 10'1 W. This period European tapestry depicts a climactic moment from the Biblical account of the Purim story, with Queen Esther...
Wool, Silk
$23,052
W 122.05 in L 92.52 in
17th century Antique Aubusson/Gobelin tapestry, France Architectural land, silk
Located in Berlin, DE
17th century Antique Aubusson/Gobelin tapestry, France Architectural landscape, silk Antique Museal Aubosson tapestry made of silk and partly wool. Very fine and antique design. Dep...
Silk, Wool
$929
H 45.67 in W 36.62 in D 0.28 in
Nice French Aubusson Style Jacquard Tapestry « Romance of the Rose »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
"Exquisite Aubusson-style mid century tapestry featuring a captivating medieval design. A magnificent tapestry depicting the Romance of the Rose, an iconic work of medieval literatur...
Wool, Cotton, Acrylic
$5,275
H 48 in W 60 in D 0.2 in
Antique French Tapestry 4X5 Handmade Tapestry Verdure Tapestry 122cm x 153CM
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent antique French tapestry depicting a hunting scene set within a lush verdure background. It features a beautiful colorway that enhances its artistic detail and timeless...
Wool
17th Century French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
A French Aubusson verdure landscape tapestry from the 17th century, featuring a paradisiacal vision of a remote cottage with a beautiful waterfall placed within a lush lakeside setti...
Wool
$2,978
H 54.34 in W 78.35 in D 0.24 in
Pretty vintage French Aubusson style Jacquard Tapestry « the feast of Venus »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
"Discover the timeless elegance of this exquisite vintage French tapestry featuring a replica of the painting by 17th century French painter, Pierre Paul Rubens...
Wool, Cotton, Acrylic
$24,995
H 157 in W 108 in D 0.05 in
Antique 17th Century Flemish Tapestry with the Liberal Arts & Areas of Knowledge
Located in New York, NY
Antique 17th century Flemish tapestry with the Liberal Arts & Areas of Knowledge An antique 17th century Flemish genre tapestry panel, size 13'1 H x 9'0 W, depicting the Liber...
Wool, Silk
Nice 17th century Aubusson tapestry fragment panel
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful antique Aubusson tapestry fragment dating from the 17th century, featuring a finely dressed female figure in a classic, possibly allegorical or pastoral scene. The composi...
Cotton, Silk
Nice French Aubusson Style Jacquard Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
"Exquisite French tapestry from the mid-20th century, featuring a beautiful design, showing a gallant scene with two couples, one sitting at the foot of a tree, and the other arrivin...
Wool, Cotton
Antique Belgian Tapestry. Size: 8 ft x 9 ft 6 in
Located in New York, NY
Marvelous Antique Belgian Tapestry, Country of Origin / Rug Type: Belgium, Circa date: 16th century. Size: 8 ft x 9 ft 6 in (2.44 m ...
Wool
Antique Rugs French Savonnerie Circular Carpet Beige Area Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
This fine wool rug is an antique Savonnerie rug. Savonnerie rugs were produced in the Savonnerie factory, an old converted soap factory, in Paris in the early 1620s. The rugs were originally constructed for the King's palaces and to be given as royal gifts. The factory went on to produce pieces throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th century for the french courts and government buildings. The grand wool rugs are traditionally woven with floral and architectural renaissance concepts and designs. This unique circular Savonnerie rug features a cream background with a decorative floral design, symmetrically woven to suit the circular shape. This piece is sure to uplift any modern or classic home interior with its unique french antique feel. Constructed in the 1880s with fine organic wool and cotton that would have been dyed with organic techniques used in rug construction for generations. This piece is in good condition, ready for use in any room. Antique rugs French Savonnerie circular carpet...
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Vintage Belgian Venetian Scene Wall Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
74926 Vintage Belgian Venetian Tapestry, 02'03 x 03'02. This exquisite handwoven wool tapestry captures the charm and elegance of Venice in the Victo...
Wool
Rare 17th Century Spanish Needlepoint Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Antique Spanish needlepoint carpet, origin: Spain, circa: 17th century - here is an exciting and unique antique carpet - a 17th century Spanish nee...
Wool
Sold
H 123 in W 84 in D 1 in
18th Century Flemish Tapestry Pastoral. Size: 10' 3" x 7' (3.12 m x 2.13 m)
Located in New York, NY
Breathtaking Antique 18th Century Flemish Tapestry Titled Pastoral, Country of Origin: Belgium, Circa Date: 18th Century. Size: 10 ft 3 in x 7 ft (3.12 m x 2.13 m) Combining Romanti...
Wool, Silk
Beautiful 17th Century Flemish Verdure Tapestry
Located in Montreal, QC
Lovely 17th Century Flemish verdure tapestry, featuring a fountain and water park with estate in the background, water flowing u...