An antique pair of Renaissance caryatid sculptures dating from around 1500

A unique pair of Italian, hand-carved caryatids, dated around 1500, with a height of almost 210 cm. This antique pair of Renaissance sculptures with a dark patina originates from a choir ensemble used as partitions between stalls. The two bas-relief figures have long hair and hold an Ionic capital on their heads. Drapery and scrolls connect the figures to the carved pilaster. In the central part, there are two different compositions of fruits carved in bas-relief.

The caryatids have old conservative restorations with minor additions consistent with the age of 1500 and are in good condition related to their age, with a beautiful dark patina.

A caryatid is a female figure serving as an architectural support element, functioning as a decorative band, balustrade, balcony, or shelf. The caryatid was also widely used in furniture decoration, sometimes completely detached from its load-bearing function, solely for decorative purposes.

Luxurious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there are more and more enthusiasts of high-quality old products that have a specific character and soul. It is a nod to the history, creation, and design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

There are many different styles characterizing antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important ones. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, which saw the reign of the Biedermeier style. Its variations in the early years of this century include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally, the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture spans the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon's reign, where significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek decorations were imposed.
Classicist furniture is the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are all antique products in the Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, whose name comes from the Portuguese 'barocco'—which translates to an irregularly developed pearl. These were very representative pieces of furniture, meant to literally ooze splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Exceptional, selectively used materials were employed to further emphasize the grand tone of these products.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style had on today's classic furniture, which is designed with great similarity to the past era. The Renaissance is also a significant style. It flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and also left a significant mark on the art of furniture making. The Renaissance style was quite heavy and massive. Brown stains were used, as well as cornices, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. It can certainly be said that these were quite specific products, but they offered many new possibilities, such as the construction of sideboards or generally broadly understood chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports or legs took on animal forms.

Lion's paws, eagle heads—these are common sights in the Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate such furniture, taking examples from Italian or French creators. It is a manifestation of admiration and care for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that in each country, furniture manufacturing was perceived differently, so each style in a given country had its own distinct character. This is very important, especially when searching for the right exclusive antique for your interior.

The most important aspect of original antique furniture is authenticity. This is ultimately crucial from the buyer's perspective, as there are many counterfeits circulating in the market. Luxury Products provides a document confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photo. We have art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.