Ancient bronze sculpture depicting the figure of a dog, Molosser, tied to a chain by P.Lecourtier

P. Lecourtier Bronze Rampant Dog exhibited at the Salon des Beaux-Arts in 1878. 

An ancient bronze sculpture depicting a dog, a Molosser, chained. The figure with beautiful bronze patina is signed on the oval base by P. Lecourtier. Prosper Lecourtier (Gremilly 1851-Paris 1924) was a French sculptor, a student of E. Fremiet, from whom he inherited his passion for the animal world. He exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1875. This sculpture was displayed in 1878, as noted on the front edge of the base. There is a mark on the pillar with the inscription “prenez garde au chien”. It is in excellent condition.

Beautiful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. 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 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 notable. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, dominated by the 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.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by Napoleon’s reign. This period features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture meant to radiate splendor and luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is 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, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient times were also of interest, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands recreate such furniture, 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 furniture production was perceived differently in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when seeking a luxurious antique piece suited to your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photographs. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.