16th Century Renaissance Furniture
quality furniture.
Definition of Terms:
 Bourgeoisie - the middle class,
typically with reference to its
perceived materialistic values or
conventional attitudes.
 Grotesque - comically or
repulsively ugly or distorted.
 Arabesque - a form of artistic
decoration consisting of "surface
decorations based on rhythmic
linear patterns of scrolling and
interlacing foliage, tendrils" or
plain lines, often combined with
other elements.
 Rinceau - in architecture,
decorative border or strip,
featuring stylized vines with
leaves and often with fruit or
flowers. It first appears as a
decorative motif in Classical
antiquity.
 Flemish - or Flemings (Dutch:
Vlamingen) are a Germanic
ethnic group native to Flanders,
in modern Belgium, who speak
Flemish, but mostly use the
Dutch written language. They are
one of two principal ethnic groups
in Belgium, the other being the
French-speaking Walloons.
 Conspicuous - standing out so as
to be clearly visible.
 Finial - a distinctive ornament at
the apex of a roof, pinnacle,
canopy, or similar structure in a
building.
Renaissance Furniture
Renaissance furniture was first
produced in Italy during the 15th
century. Trade brought wealth to
Italy, and the growing bourgeoisie
was able to afford better and bigger
housing. Also, they significantly
increased the demand for high-
The Italian style of furniture also
spread to other parts of Europe.
Craftsmen from other countries
traveled to Italy to learn its form and
techniques, and some Italian makers
were invited to other European
nations by the local courts. In many
places, the designs were adapted to
better suit the local taste and
requirements.
Period of Renaissance Furniture:
The period of furniture design known
as the French renaissance extends
from the early 16th century into the
early 17th century, through the
reigns of:
 Francis I (1515 - 1547)
 Henry II (1547 - 1559)
 Francis II (1559 - 1560)
 Charles IX (1560 - 1574)
 Henry III (1574 - 1589)
 Henry IV (1589 - 1610)
Characteristics of French
Renaissance Furniture:
 Panels were beautifully carved
with graceful figures.
 Grotesque, arabesque, rinceau,
and classical motifs were usual
within the period.
 Flemish scrolls were
conspicuous.
 Stretchers were set-out as X form
with a vase form or turned finial
placed at the intersection.
 Solidly built; with the structure of
Gothic period that has been
continued to be used with Italian
 Cassone/Cassoni (15th Century)

Sphinx Ornament on Furniture (1600)

Armoire (1580)

Cupboard with carved ornaments (16th Century)