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

Empire chandeliers 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, from which hang garlands of oval crystals of different sizes, all connected in a larger circle, with six cast arms ending in E14 bulbs. They are beautifully restored and electrified for a maximum total power of 750 watts. 

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

These two Ligurian antique chandeliers are 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 for high-quality vintage items that possess a specific character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of classic 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 reflects the 19th century, especially the beloved Biedermeier style. Its early-century variants 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 and accessories date from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This style originated during Napoleon’s reign, heavily inspired by Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws strongly from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl, was characterized by very ornate furniture meant to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which often resembles 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 design. 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 cupboards and broadly speaking, chest 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. Currently, many global brands recreate such furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, reflecting 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 its unique character. This is especially important when searching for an elegant antique that suits your interior.

The key to elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have experts in art appraisal, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.