A pair of early 19th century Empire chandeliers with six lights, from an ancient Genoese palace

Empire chandelier pair from the early 19th century with six lights, originating from an ancient Genoese palace, in excellent condition.

Designed for candle lighting, they are made with an elegant iron structure covered with round crowns of various diameters made from brass foil, featuring embossed botanical motifs and gilded with mercury. 

The upper crown is decorated with embossed and gilded leaves, with garlands of branched oval crystals, all from that period, connected in a larger diameter circle, with six cast arms ending in E14 bulbs, fully restored and electrified for a maximum total power of 750 watts. 

The lower crown is adorned with a hanging motif of botanical elements and crystal pendants, vertical prisms, which have been integrated due to their absence. 

These two Ligurian antique chandeliers are very similar but not identical, as they differ in two small details: the shape of the upper leaves and the floral motifs of the pendants.

Stylish antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items, which have a 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.

Several major styles characterize antique furniture, but a few stand out as the most important. 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.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This style originated during Napoleon’s reign, heavily influenced by Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style also had a significant impact, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries and leaving a lasting mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate such furniture, drawing inspiration from Italian and French craftsmen. This reflects 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, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for elegant antiques suited to your interior.

The key 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 photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.