A pair of antique silver Venetian candlesticks

Ancient Venetian silver candelabra weigh approximately 354 and 335 g respectively. They are crafted from a basic line of silver foil decorated with palm bands on a fluted background and another motif consisting of repeated Florentine lilies. On the base, the stem, and the final candle drip, we find trademarks of Lombard Veneto Kingdom of the Starry World (a stamp for large works with a silver content of 800/000) and the Poppa Ornament mark (a characteristic punch? Certification Office in Milan), as well as the hallmark of goldsmith Giovanni Fantini operating in Venice at San Marco n. 840 around 1811, with a lion mark above the letter F in a circular field. At the bottom, inside one of the two, there is a ciappolatura.

See V. Donaver - R. Dabbene, Argenti Italiani dell'800, Milan, 1989, volume II, p. 181.

Stylish antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that 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 we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English 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 from the reign of Napoleon, who imposed a style heavily inspired by Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy 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 decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong 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-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets or broadly defined chest furniture. They also reflected an interest in mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French craftsmen. This demonstrates 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 important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photographs. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.