Antique walnut chest of drawers with three drawers from the 19th century

Lyre-shaped chest with three drawers, walnut, 1800s, originating from Piedmont, in excellent condition, restored approximately twenty years ago. The supporting legs are decorated with a front carved motif depicting leaves and grapes, which repeats on the external frame surrounding the drawers. The drawers are adorned with an oval image featuring geometric decorations made from boxwood marquetry, around a plaque flush with the lock. The sides are shaped like a lyre, and the top features a central marquetry in an oval field with a chariot drawn by a horse and figures against a background of ebony and pearwood. The top was replaced in the past with a new surface, originally intended to be marble. Piedmont, first half of the 19th century.

Exceptional 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 products that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s 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.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few stand out as the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevalent Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Magnificent Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, such as Louis XVI style, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—features highly ornate furniture designed to exude brilliance and luxury. These pieces used exclusive materials to emphasize their grandeur and opulence.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which often reflects the aesthetics of the past. 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, often finished with brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of sideboards and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and classical themes were popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, paying homage to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production varied by country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for a luxurious antique that fits perfectly into your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is what matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photographs. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.