An elegant pair of 18th century gold friezes

Richly carved, gilded limewood frames featuring a centrally placed oval image depicting Saint Michael. Michael wielding a sword in his right hand and holding scales in his left hand. The frame is complemented by the depiction of an angel's face in the upper part and two angel profiles on the sides connected by scrollwork. The lower part was to be attached to a wooden support, on which a plaque with devotional items was placed.

The Brotherhood of Saint Michael was an association of faithful members of the Catholic Church, aimed at promoting devotion and veneration of Saint Michael the Archangel. This brotherhood organized prayer meetings, processions, cultural and charitable events to honor Saint Michael and spread his protection and intercession among the faithful. The brotherhood could operate at various parishes and churches dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel.

Both brotherhoods are in good condition and originate from central-northern Italy.

Beautiful 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 items that possess a specific character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of traditional and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. 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 transitioned into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Beautiful Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. This period was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which introduced significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next style is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. Baroque furniture was highly ornate, designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style also had a significant impact. Flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, it left a lasting mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These pieces were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and antiquity were also of interest, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce 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 each country perceived furniture production differently, and each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that fits your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to the customer, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.