A spectacular pair of Italian Louis Philippe mirrors from the 19th century

Spectacular pair of Italian giltwood Louis Philippe mirrors from the 19th century. Each mirror features a simple lower edge and an upper, molded frame made of giltwood. The frames are beautifully decorated with handcrafted carved, scrolling, pierced leaf garlands, acanthus leaves, flowers, and volutes. All ornaments are mounted and secured with metal plates and screws on the back.

Modern beveled mirrors. Original gilding in gold with a stunning contrast between polished, glossy, and matte sections.

Delicate gilding is recreated through contrast between the polished (glossy) and opaque parts. All are original gilded pieces.

This Italian Neapolitan pair of antique giltwood mirrors comes from a private palace in central Milan.

Exquisite 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 that possess 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.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture from the 19th century includes the beloved Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.
Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was highly ornate, designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Selectively used materials emphasized the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. 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 paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French creators. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles were perceived differently in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for an exclusive antique that fits your interior.

The most important aspect of original antique furniture is authenticity. Ultimately, this is vital for buyers, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s compliance with the description and photographs. We also have experts, art appraisers, and historians from around the world at your disposal.