by Liza Laserow

010412113506-2Renaissance chair used in the gentleman’s library. Photo Niklas Lunström

x2_XXX_8829_1326117896_1Pair of French Renaissance armchairs in stained oak. Used as is with an extra cushion for the comfort sake. Surprisingly comfortable to sit in despite  it`s age. All original ,even the leather,  seat and back

Renaissance: An age of awakening and a time when the geometric forms of classical antiquity gave harmony and balance to the rooms and its interiors.  The period was named Renaissance meaning rebirth and refers to how the furniture were influenced by the Roman Catholic church who was now loosing their grip they used to have around society. In a wider perspective the period has been described as a time that saw the rise of individualism, a time for the individual to take a central role and to have a rich and meaningful life without being judged by the church.

It starts in Italy in the early 1400‘s then spread to the rest of Europe through out  the 15th century. The tool to propagate the new and revolutionary style was engravings delivered by hand. Up until this time the church had been the largest employer of craftsmen but now this role shifted to the royal families.

In Sweden Renaissance was introduced 1520 and lasted until 1650 when the Baroque period took over . Interior-wise in the rooms had only a few furniture of the simplest design and construction. Most of the seating were benches fixed along the walls. Chests were also used to sit on as well as storage. Chairs were not introduced until the first year of the seventeenth century then made in oak with straight backs and loose cushions to make then more comfortable.