A pair of 19th century gold kartagloria of different sizes

19th-century gold-plated Carthage-style plaques, one large and one small, as foreseen in the Ambrosian liturgy. Crafted in carved wood with spectacular gilding, which plays on the contrast between opacity and the shine achieved through polishing with agate. The good condition miniature has a well-glued longitudinal crack and slight discolorations in the reliefs of the carving, visible in the attached images. Missing the prayer, they were originally used as photo frames (available glass and small panel). Italy, 1800. Frame dimensions: large cm 39.5 x 44 x 2 (lightweight 21.5 x 29.5 cm); small cm 32 x 25.5 x 2 (lightweight cm 16 x 11.5).

Elegant 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, which possess 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 are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, dominated by the Biedermeier style. 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 reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco' – meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate brilliance and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these works.

Today, we can observe how strongly the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is designed with a great 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 design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and bulky, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These were quite distinctive products, but they also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads – these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture inspired by Italian and French creators. This is a sign of 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 unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for an elegant antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to the buyer, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and correspondence with the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.