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 floral motifs and gilded with mercury. 

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

The lower crown is adorned with a draped motif of floral and crystal pendants, vertical prisms that 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 decorating our interiors. 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 design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Several key styles stand out among antique furniture. Eclectic furniture dates back to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English style. Towards 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. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed significant similarities 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. The next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant 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 as well is Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, 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. They also drew inspiration from mythology and ancient times, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French artisans. 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 seeking an elegant antique that suits 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 also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.