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, where the cross originally stood. This antique niche was likely intended as a holder for a cross.

The base features original silvering with silver leaf, 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 a growing number of enthusiasts for 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 refers to the 19th century, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the Victorian English style. Toward 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.

Classical style furniture, such as Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate, luxurious furniture designed to dazzle with splendor and serve a prominent role in luxury interiors. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to 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 brown 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, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Many leading brands today reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating admiration and respect for 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 relevant when seeking exclusive antique pieces suited to a specific interior.

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