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 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 decorating our interiors. 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 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 is from the 19th century, during which the prevailing Biedermeier style was popular. Its early-century variants 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-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. This style originated during Napoleon’s reign, emphasizing strong similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from 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 decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and serve a luxurious purpose. 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 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-making. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, 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 craftsmen. 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 its unique character. This is especially important when searching for an elegant antique that fits your interior.

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