A pair of eagles made of carved and gilded wood from the 19th century

A pair of carved and gilded wooden eagles from the mid-19th century. This pair of carved and gilded wooden predatory birds represents a fascinating example of Italian craftsmanship from the 19th century. The sculptures, crafted with great attention to detail, feature intricate feather decoration and gilded leaves, which, although showing minimal signs of age, remain in good condition.

The presence of Sienese yellow earth finish on the upper part instead of gilding suggests that the two gilded figures were decorative end elements of furniture. The spread wings of the eagles evoke movement and vitality, recalling the majestic nature of these animals and symbolizing freedom and strength of this pair of animal figures. The eagle's talons are firmly anchored in an ebony base and rest on a small balustrade. Behind both animal figures, two false supports were placed to facilitate their anchoring. These works, originating from a private collection, tell the story of Italian tradition and craftsmanship from the mid-19th century.

Original antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for furnishing our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a specific character and soul. It is a nod to history, the creation, and design of traditional and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its variants in the early years of this century include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything originated from Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a significant resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. 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 exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on 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. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These were quite distinctive products, offering new possibilities such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. The Renaissance also drew inspiration from mythology and ancient times, 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 creators, 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 key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the customer’s perspective, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.