A pair of 19th century Venetian gondola lanterns in the baroque style

Charming pair of Italian Venetian gondola lanterns, polychrome iron gondola lanterns mounted on lacquered iron sheets, attached to long red lacquered poles. Each features hexagonal lanterns made of embossed iron sheet, swinging and decorated with scrolling leaves on the sides; with small windows on each side fitted with alternating yellow and red stained glass and tiny mirrors behind an oval horizontal opening.

On an iron single-handle stand, without a base. They stand 217 cm tall. A lacquered wooden support base can be customized upon request. Originally used to illuminate gondolas with candles, both were electrified in the 20th century with large E27 Edison bulbs and do not have a supporting base. Italy, 1800.

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess 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 refers to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and 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 late 18th to early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, emphasizing grandeur and referencing Roman and Greek decorative motifs.
Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate, luxurious furniture designed to dazzle and serve as a statement of opulence. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which often closely resembles 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, often finished with brown stains, featuring cornices, strong bases, and relief carvings. These pieces 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 and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Many global brands now reproduce such pieces, inspired by Italian and French craftsmen, as a tribute to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character. This is especially crucial when selecting exclusive antique pieces for your interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also have experts, art appraisers, and historians from around the world at your disposal.