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 location where the cross originally stood. This antique niche should serve as a holder for a cross.

The base features original silver leaf gilding with 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 interior decoration. Today, there is a growing 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 refers to the 19th century, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles blend into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from Napoleon’s reign. It features significant influence from Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting 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 furniture designed to dazzle with splendor and serve a role in 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 is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style is also significant, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries and leaving a lasting mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times influenced their design, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance style. Many global brands now reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, paying homage to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character. This is especially crucial when seeking exclusive antique pieces suited to your interior.

The key aspect of authentic antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately important for buyers, as the market is flooded with forgeries. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and correspondence with the description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.