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 brass foil crowns of various diameters, 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, all 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 designs and crystal pendants, vertical prisms that have been integrated due to missing parts. 

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 a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage products that possess a specific 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and 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 was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, emphasizing Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable antique products include Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture meant to dazzle with glamour and serve a luxurious role. Materials were selectively used to accentuate the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how strongly the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which often resembles the historical era. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. 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 cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture inspired by Italian and French creators, 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 a 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 forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.