Arco di Porta Ticinese in Milan, etching by Naymiller and watercolor by Landini, 1840

Arco di Porta Ticinese in Milan, etching by Naymiller and watercolor by Landini, circa 1840, aquatint. Included in the work “Souvenir de Milan” published in Milan at Bossi Antonio Piazza del Duomo no. 4079 [1828-40]. “Milan in Old Prints” by Paolo Arrigoni 1969 vol. I no. 163, p. 54. In good condition.

The gate was designed by Luigi Cagnola in a neoclassical style and built between 1802-1814. In 1815, at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, a Latin inscription “paci populorum Sospitae” (“to the peaceful liberation of nations”) was placed on it.

The gate was positioned diagonally over the naviglio grande dock, beyond the Spanish walls, to force those entering the city to pay a toll.

In traditional Milanese popular culture, it is also known as porta Cicca, from the Spanish “chica,” meaning “small.”

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a specific 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo styles of Classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

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

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. All antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles are interesting and worth noting. The next style is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese “barocco”—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to 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 period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. It can certainly be said that these were quite distinctive products, but they also opened up many new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Additionally, mythology and ancient times inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, drawing inspiration from Italian and French creators. 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. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.