HND1 Contextual studies: Renaissance Design

Renaissance design refers to the decorative arts which mainly occurred in Italy during the mid- 14th century and lasting up until the late- 16th century.
Italy was the nation that founded the Renaissance movement that revolutionised Europe. Along with this movement came a new set of architectural principles. Medieval and gothic styles were neglected and a more classical style was adopted. Cities in Italy like Florence, Venice, Rome and so on, were heavily influenced by this new style and began to renovate older buildings. The Renaissance movement not only brought a change in architecture but also in learning. Books became more popular because of the invention of the printing press.

Printing Press by Johannes Guttenberg (1568)

The product that was most in demand during this period was the the large Marriage chests (cassoni). They were the most common features found in Italian homes. Although they were expensive, they were bought by all types of social classes. They were made with gesso ad wood and were often dark and elaborate in design. Their design depended on the persons social class status as wealthier people bought more elaborate ones than those who had less money.

Renaissance 'Cassone' (marriage chest) from Florence
done in gilded wood.

Renaissance furniture was usually done in wood which was either walnut or willow and were usually rich in style. From the beginning of the renaissance there was a big change in the design of furniture. Due to the great growth in wealth and powerful bourgeoisie the building of houses became more elaborate and grand and so good and expensive furniture was in high demand. Like the Romans, the purpose of furniture was subordinate to its form. Furniture from the Italian Renaissance was often restraint to beautiful, simple, yet highly decorative designs carved in wood.

A bench coming from the Italian renaissance period.

The furniture of this time was usually rather grotesque and often having old-looking, monster like figures to make the piece of furniture look more dramatic and interesting. Caryatids also became very popular at the time especially with those families which were richer than the majority. They were usually made out of marble and used in the dining room, attached to the legs of the dining room table. Chairs at the time were used as a sign of wealth. The wealthier families had them and were usually very elaborated and grand. The lower class usually could only afford three legged stools or chairs with and X-shaped back.