A pair of bronze Grand Tour horses carvings from the early 19th century

For the pair of brown horses, Grand Tour Figural sculptures from the early 19th century depicting standing Italian horses, bronze castings with dark patina resting on wooden bases, turned, stepped, and shaped in gilded wood. These animal sculptures are in excellent condition and come from a private collection.
Dimensions of both figures vary slightly; the largest measures approximately: 19.5 cm in height x 14 cm in width x 6.5 cm in depth. The bronze figures themselves, excluding the base, are 15 cm tall.

The dynamic charm of these ancient neoclassical-era horse sculptures is extraordinary, and the plasticity of the poses with raised front legs masterfully reflects the energy and temperament of these animals.

These sculptures may have been created as travel souvenirs or artistic mementos. They are typical examples of classical art and a fondness for ancient sculptures, which were popular among travelers during the Grand Tour. The sculptures could depict a war horse and a racing horse or simply two majestic stallions. They are works of art of significant historical and artistic value, reflecting an interest in classical culture and the beauty of antiquity during the Grand Tour period.

Original 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 that possess a distinct character and soul. It 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 notable. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early-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.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from Napoleon’s reign. This period emphasized strong 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 next style is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Selectively used materials were employed to further emphasize the grandeur of these works.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classic 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 robust, 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 and broadly speaking, chest-type 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 motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is 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 stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the customer’s perspective, as many counterfeit items circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the actual description and photographs. We also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.