André Durand Church of Mercy in Portoferraio 1862

André Durand, Church of Misericordia in Portoferraio, 1862. A lithograph printed in two colors by Eugène Ciceroni at the request of André Durand, published in Paris by Lemercier and included in the famous work “L’Ile d’Elbe album recueilli sous la diréction de M. le Prince Anatole Demidoff, 1862”. The print is framed in the original hand-marbled cardboard frame in shades of green, and the entire piece is mounted in a shaped rod in sienna yellow. The view, which is discussed, was created from an apartment in the building and depicts a cross-section of everyday life in the town.

André Durand, a renowned illustrator and lithographer, as well as an archaeology expert, encouraged by the enthusiasm of Russian Prince Anatole Demidoff, published his first album containing 18 lithographs of picturesque views of Elba Island (in collaboration with Eugène Ciceroni). These are evocative works showcasing the wild and partly unexplored island. Among them are external views of Portoferraio, Rio Marina, Marciana, as well as the Imperial Villa San Martino with the Napoleonic Museum founded by Prince Demidoff.

Exceptional antique furniture and accessories can be a perfect idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage products that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design 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 prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, especially 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 transitioned into pseudo styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

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, associated with Louis XVI, also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese “barocco”—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate pieces designed to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Selectively used materials were employed to further emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These were quite distinctive products, but they also introduced many new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. They also drew inspiration from mythology and ancient times, 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 such furniture, inspired by Italian and French creators. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that each country perceived furniture production differently, so each style had its own unique character in each nation. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the buyer’s perspective, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product’s compliance with the actual description and photos. We also have art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.