Antique print - Carnevalone from Milan at the Teatro Lirico di Milano in 1895.

Carnevalone from Milan at the Teatro Lirico di Milano in 1895. Woodcut made by Antonio Bonamore for Secolo Illustrato della Domenica, a weekly magazine published by Sonzogno since 1889. Illustrated alongside the words “Carnevalone di Milano. Floral festival at the Teatro Lirico Internazionale on the evening of February 22, 1895,” issue no. 284 from March 3, 1895. Presented in a passe-partout framed with watercolor profiles in good condition.

Stylish antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.  

There are many different styles characterizing antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture styles originate from the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Variations from the early years of this century include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English style. By the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It all stems from Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese “barocco” – meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate brilliance and play a significant role in luxury. 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, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as in the construction of cabinets or broadly speaking, chest furniture. During this period, mythology and antiquity were also of interest, so supports and legs often took animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French artisans. 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, so each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of prestigious antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.