Renaissance

The Renaissance is considered the revival interest in classical design, beginning in Italy during the 14th century and continuing to spread throughout Europe until the 17th century. Renaissance furniture design is simple in structure with a generous use of classical ornament, such as the acanthus leaf, animal forms, and pilasters. Renaissance furniture typically has moderate ornamentation and decoration consists mostly of wood carvings. Renaissance furniture is usually dark in color and common materials consist of walnut and chestnut. The canopy bed and marriage chest are two popular pieces of furniture produced during the Renaissance style.

Bronze doré

A French 18th and 19th Century gilding technique of applying an amalgam of fine, high-carat gold with mercury to copper, brass, or most commonly bronze objects. The bronze is exposed to high heat in a kiln burning off the mercury leaving a thin gold coat behind that is adhered to the metal. Commonly used by the craftsmen, Fondeurs-ciseleurs (founders and finishers), for decorative mounts in furniture, clocks, candelabras, and porcelain. Due to the health hazards of mercury, the technique waned into the late 19th Century and was replaced by electroplating.

Finial

An ornamental, terminating piece that extends vertically from the apex of a design. In architecture, they are found at the tips of gables or spires, and in furniture, as top ornaments on cabinet corners, posts, or supports. Finial also refers to the decorative metal piece used to affix lampshades to table and floor lamps. They often take the shape of a ball, flame, flower, acorn, pineapple, or vase.

Fleur-de-lis

A decorative symbol patterned after a stylized lily or English iris comprised of three petals bound at their base. Historically, it has been used as a royal symbol (primarily in France) and appears on many a royal crest and coat of arms. It has also been used as a symbol of Catholic saints, primarily the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, who are both closely associated with the lily.