Antique Italian hand-carved and silver-plated base with cherubs - second half of the 18th century

Historic Italian, hand-carved and silver-plated base with cherubs from the second half of the 18th century, in good technical condition.

This is a wooden cloud-shaped base with intertwined carvings, topped with two heads of winged cherubs facing upward, at the spot where a cross originally stood. This antique niche is intended to be a holder for a cross.

The base features original silvering with silver leafing showing signs of oxidation and Armenian bolus. Of Italian origin, it comes from a private collection and dates from the second half of the 18th century.

Stylish 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 distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation 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 styles originate from the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and the Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by Napoleon’s reign. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl, was characterized by highly ornate furniture meant to radiate splendor and luxury. Luxurious materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. Renaissance style is also significant, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries and leaving a lasting mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of sideboards and broadly conceived chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times inspired the design, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, paying homage to and preserving the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character. This is especially crucial when searching for exclusive antiques suited to your interior.

The key aspect of authentic antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is vital for buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.