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 beneath the calatoia.

The front flap cabinet is equipped with folding 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 wood 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 decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a specific 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, during the reign of 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. Everything originated during Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a significant resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, luxurious pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in opulence. Unique materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical 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 robust, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. During this period, mythology and ancient themes were also popular, 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 furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, reflecting 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 elegant antique pieces suited to your interior.

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