Beautiful antique geographical map of the Duchy of Milan from the 18th century

Nicolas De Fer The States of the Duchy of Milan 1705, a beautiful geographical map of the Duchy of Milan published in Paris in 1705 by Nicolas de Fer in Atlas Curieux ou le Monde Réprésenté dans des Cartes Générales et Particulieres du Ciel et de la Terre, his most successful cartographic work.

The title “Les Estats du Duché de Milan” is placed in a simple, linear cartouche, similar to the one containing the two-mile scale. At the bottom, Harmanus van Loon signed as the engraver of the plate.

The marked area extends from Turin to Garda, from parts of Valtellina to the territory of Bobbio, but the center features Milan with its Duchy. Despite its small size, the map is clear and very pleasing to the eye, thanks to the careful selection of what is depicted and the symbols and signs used; the application of colors, mostly characteristic of that period, emphasizes the administrative and national borders illustrating the political realities.

The map appears to be well-preserved and framed in a modern, lacquered frame in a vivid crimson color. 

Beautiful 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 have a defined character and soul. It is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of traditional 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 notable. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Its early variations 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.

Original 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 is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate pieces meant to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to further 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 design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These were quite distinctive products, offering new possibilities such as the construction of sideboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French creators, paying homage to and preserving 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 luxurious antiques suitable for your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the customer’s perspective, as many counterfeit products circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.