A stylish pair of Italian reliquaries from the 18th century

18th-century monumental pair of gilded and silver-plated wooden reliquaries originating from central Italy, decorated with deep carving featuring a twisting motif, dating from the first half of the 18th century, around 1730.

Standing on bases shaped like inverted shelves, they showcase charming patina, original dark oxidized silver – the mecca – and gold leaf accents. The single-door wooden panel at the back is a later addition. Condition is good, with signs of age-related wear and use.

Luxurious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage products 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 key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture belongs 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 style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transition 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 strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

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 is also significant, 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, cornices, strong bases, and 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 times were also of interest, leading to animal-shaped supports and legs.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, paying homage to and preserving 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 crucial when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is vital from the buyer’s perspective, 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, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.