A chic office globe from the 20th century

Globus by Paula Oestergaard from around 1950, published by Columbus Verlag, is a geographical globe with a diameter of 33 centimeters, made by the Columbus company based in Berlin and Stuttgart, and updated by cartographer W. Kaden. It is written in German and dates from the 1950s. This is an important cartographic tool providing information about global political geography and used for educational and research purposes.

The map is printed on twelve segments, glued onto a cardboard sphere. The globe rotates around its central axis and is supported by a turned wooden stand. The large size, good condition, and excellent base supporting the globe make this piece an excellent piece of furniture, also interesting from a historical-geographical, collector’s, and antique perspective.

The condition is very good, with only minor, retouched scuffs corresponding to Bolivia.

The cartography is detailed, and the surface is legible; major shipping routes are present. The globe rests on a turned wooden base, with a compass located at the bottom.

Exceptional antique furniture and accessories can be a perfect idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage products that have a distinct character and soul. This is 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the beloved Biedermeier style flourished. 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.

Beautiful Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, emphasizing resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

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

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French creators. This reflects 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, giving each style a unique 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 for buyers, as many fakes circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.