An antique print depicting the surroundings of Milan from the 18th century

Nicolas De Fer Milan Area 1705 Engraving. Map depicting the surroundings of Milan with city walls, enhanced with an ornate cartouche bearing the title. Excellent condition. Map of northwestern Italy and bordering regions with Switzerland and France, first published by Nicolas De Fer in 1696. The map extends from Milan to the Genoese coast, Lake Como and Graubünden in the east, to the regions of Nice, Savoy, Lyon, and Lake Geneva in the west. The left part of the sheet is almost entirely occupied by a large title and dedication cartouche to the Dauphin at the top, and a section dedicated to “Les Valles de Perouse, De Pragelas, De St. Margtin, D’Angrogne e di Lucerne” at the bottom. In the bottom right corner is the signature of Jacqueline Panouse, one of the few women involved in map engraving, making these plates a rare find. Nicolas de Fer (1646-1720), the official geographer to the kings of France and Spain, was one of the most prolific and influential French geographers and cartographers of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Exceptional antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation 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, marked by the popular 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 styles.

Beautiful Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from Napoleon’s reign. It features 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 products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture designed to exude splendor and luxury. Selectively used luxurious materials emphasized the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how the Baroque style has greatly influenced modern classical furniture, which often resembles 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, often using dark stains, moldings, strong 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 recreate such pieces, inspired by Italian and French artisans. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that each country perceived furniture production differently, giving each style a unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for luxurious antiques suited to your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is what matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also have experts—art appraisers, historians, and specialists from around the world—at your disposal.