Antique print via Dante in Milan in 1893 drawn by C. Linzaghi for the Illustrated Secolo della Domenica

Ancient print via Dante in Milan in 1893. Woodcut, drawn by C. Linzaghini for Illustrated Secolo della Domenica, a weekly magazine published by Sonzogno since 1889. In the illustrated section, the inscription: “Illumination May 20 in Milan at via Dante (drawing from the life of C. Linzaghi)”, taken from no. 192 dated May 28, 1893. Presented in passe-partout, surrounded by watercolor profiles, in good condition.

Prestigious 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 products that have 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 styles characterizing antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its variants in 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 evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. Everything originated from Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a significant resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese “barocco”—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to exude glamour and play a significant role in luxury. Unique materials were selectively used to further emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical era. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These were quite distinctive products but also opened up new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets or broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports and legs often took animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, drawing inspiration from 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 in a given nation. This is especially important when searching for an elegant antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the buyer’s perspective, 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.