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 small mirrors behind an oval horizontal opening.

On an iron single-handle stand, without a base. They stand 217 cm tall. A lacquered wooden 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 interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess distinctive 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 a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Early variations of this century 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 dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by Napoleon’s reign. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.
Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products 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 impress with splendor and play a significant role in opulence. Materials were chosen selectively to 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, often using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type 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 furniture. Currently, many global brands recreate such furniture, inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to and preservation of the finest Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production varied by country, and each style had its unique character. This is especially important when seeking exclusive antique pieces suited to your interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity and accurate description of each item. We also have experts—art appraisers, historians, and specialists from around the world—available to assist you.