1650 A beautiful etching with wide margins and water colors from a collection of views drawn by J. Peeters

J. Peeters, Pelaguse on the Archipelago, circa 1650 A beautiful etching with wide margins and watercolour in the collection of views drawn by J. Peeters and engraved by Lucas Vorsterman. The engraving is presented in a passe-partout without a frame.

Beautiful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the prevailing Biedermeier style was popular. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Notable and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to further emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened up new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. During this period, mythology and ancient times were also of interest, so supports and legs often took animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so each style had its own character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the buyer’s perspective, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.