An oval-shaped box made of carved alabaster with a dog

Alabaster box with Weimaraner. The oval-shaped box carved from early 20th-century alabaster from Tuscany is in good condition, with minimal defects.

The lid is topped with a Weimaraner, an elegant and exceptionally beautiful breed; the dog is lying with its head turned back, alert and attentive, resting on an oval base that elevates this sculpture from a simple representation to something more symbolic and significant, recalling the fluidity and elegance of classical sculptures.

The slender and ascetic appearance, physical features of this work emphasize the traits of the breed: proud and determined, dynamic and cheerful, sweet and very affectionate towards its owner.

The origin of the Weimaraner is unknown; the only certain fact is that in the 19th century, this breed was bred at the court of the Duke of Weimar. Before debuting in society, it was used exclusively by hunters and gamekeepers, mainly in the regions of Weimar and Thuringia. It is believed that this breed is the oldest among German breeds.

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, creating and designing 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, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. 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. Antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles are also interesting and worth noting. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was highly ornate, designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to further emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical 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 craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, drawing inspiration from Italian and French creators. This reflects 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, and each style had its own character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of prestigious antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to the buyer, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and accurate description with photographs. We have experts in art appraisal, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.