RENAISSANCE FURNITURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18680, 9 April 1924, Page 16

RENAISSANCE FURNITURE.

An indication of the education enjoyed at any particular period in history may be judged to a certain degree by the measure of domestic comfort existing at that time. Italy, came under the spell of the ancient classic achievements, and so powerful was that influence that every part of Europe was ultimately affected. Classicism found expression in various countries in various ways, each reflecting some distinctive national trait —the re vived impetus coming from Italy. It is therefore of no little Interest to consider the furniture that was conceived under such conditions. Pieces of furniture were created which owed nothing to' previous pioductions apart from decoration* The new conditions demanded new domes- ; tic appointments. Chests, Coffers, cabinets and' buffets were in a sense altogether new. They were the outcome of conditions reflecting altogether different social customs. And yet, so far-seeing were the Renaissance masters, that even f.o-day the general lines and form of such furnishings nave not radically altered. In fact, it would be possible to find pieces which in feeling are still modern, though several centuries old. It is in the decoration of furniture that the classic note is most clearly evidenced. The features that had served the Greeks and Romans to such noble purpose were taken and revived for purposes entirely different, in materials hitherto untried. Caryatides, griffens. masks, and arabesques were used to excellent effect, particularly as carvings; on cabinets and tables. The Renaissance style has still a rare beauty which the housewife is well advised "to study. Within Itself it combines all the virtues of colour and carving, a combination somewhat rare in these days of simplicity in decoration. Properly handled, it is possible to plan a room and furnish it in keeping with Renaissance feeling that will have a refreshing novelty, but discretion must be wisely exercised. Modern carved pieces, based on antique designs, must be clearly cut and without coarseness. Chests and cabinets can possess panels of colour representing old classic myths, while the deities of those times made ideal subjects for carved cartouches. Generally speaking, the furniture must be characterised by its weightiness and generous proportions. For hall, dining room, study, and billiard room, the Renaissance style is admirable, but its virtues are somewhat too overpowering for bedrooms or boudoirs.