André Durand Marciana Marina from the 19th century

André Durand Marciana Marina 1862 Lithograph printed in two colors by Eugène Cicerio 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 Demidoffi, 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 Siena yellow. The view described was captured after arriving from Biodoli along the Sentiero della Salute trail.

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 Cicerio). These are evocative works depicting 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.

Original antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a specific character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of traditional and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing 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.

Original 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 style, also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese “barocco”—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often 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 design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These were quite distinctive products, offering new possibilities such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. During this period, interest in mythology and antiquity persisted, 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 furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so each style had its unique character. 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 customer’s perspective, as many counterfeit products circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.