An antique engraving depicting a Chamois Hunt from the 17th century

Giovanni Stradano (1523-1605) Chamois hunting published by Philipp Galle (Haarlem 1537 – Antwerp 1612) taken from the work Venationes Ferarum, Avium, Piscium. An original engraving depicting the subject by Jan van der Straet, born in Bruges in 1523 and died in Florence in 1605, digitized and known under the name Giovanni Stradano, a preparatory drawing with a hunting theme for the tapestries of Villa Cosimo de' Medici in Poggio a Caiano.

Printed on a piece of thin handmade paper with a watermark, consistent with typical North European paper production from the first half of the 17th century, complete with a plate impression and margins of various sizes from 1 cm to 2 cm, with minor defects on the edges but overall in good condition. The plate is full of action-packed figures surrounded by bucolic scenery, including men, animals, fantasy, and reality intertwined. Latin signature at the bottom.

Original 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 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 refers to the 19th century, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early variations 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.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from the Napoleonic era. It features significant influences from Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, luxurious pieces designed to dazzle with splendor and play a significant role in opulence. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style has influenced modern classic furniture, which often echoes the grandeur of the past. 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 relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined 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. Many global brands today recreate furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating 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 crucial when searching for a luxurious antique that fits your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is vital from the customer’s perspective, as many counterfeit products circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.