A gold, lacquered rotating table lectern from the 18th century

Luigi Sedici Lacquered and gilded 18th-century swivel tabletop lectern, crafted from white lacquered wood and surrounded by a frame of leafy elements accented with centers and corners.

The front features a richly leafy comb surrounding a shield containing a goblet with a silver coin. Below is a winged angel's head among leaves. The two front paws are set at a 45-degree angle and imaginatively formed by an animal's open mouth.

Two other gilded friezes are located on the sides with curved rear legs. In good condition, aside from very minor chips and old labels on the front legs. It tilts approximately 45 degrees thanks to five adjustable steps. Mid-18th century, Central Italy.

Wonderful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also heavily references ancient architecture. Notable and interesting 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 ornate pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is 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, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, 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. Many global brands now 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 across countries, and each style had its unique character. This is especially important when seeking an elegant antique that suits your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.