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. The sculpture in question 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. 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 key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, dominated by the 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 styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in the Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese “barocco,” meaning an irregularly shaped pearl. These were highly ornate pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which often resembles 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 solid, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. 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 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 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 searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

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