An elegant pair of 18th century gold friezes

Richly carved, gilded limewood frames featuring a central 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 an image of an angel's face at the top 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 distinct character and soul. It is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of traditional 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 from the 19th century is associated with the beloved Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally 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. 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. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—features highly ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and antiquity inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French creators, demonstrating admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for luxurious antiques suitable for your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the customer’s perspective, as many counterfeit items 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, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.