Antique Genovese walnut chest/chest of drawers, 17th century

Ancient Genovese-style walnut cabinet from 1700, veneered and fluted on a wavy front, with three large drawers and two rounded smaller drawers under the calatoia.

The front-mounted cabinet features foldable doors that, when lowered forward, create a large desk surface. The calatoia is hidden in a side drawer and several open compartments. 

This is a Genoese-origin office, with solid walnut sides, protruding wooden frames, and shelf legs. It is in good condition, showing signs of use consistent with 18th-century dating, and comes from a private Milanese residence.

Beautiful 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 is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, dominated by the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the Victorian English 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 strong references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, such as Louis XVI style, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, deriving from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture meant to exude splendor and luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which often resembles 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 robust, using dark stains, moldings, strong bases, and relief decorations. These pieces were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Many global brands now reproduce such pieces, inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its unique character. This is especially relevant when searching for an elegant antique that fits your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as the market is flooded with forgeries. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photographs. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts worldwide.