Bronze runners from the early 20th century

Brown runners from the early 20th century inspired on a smaller scale by the famous sculptures currently housed in the Archaeological Museum in Naples.

They were originally placed together with a twin statue in the large peristyle of Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, and are probably copies of a Greek sculpture from the late 4th - early 3rd century BC, celebrating a victorious athlete in one of the great Panhellenic games. 

The posture of the right arm extended forward, as if preparing to grasp something, suggests a warrior depicted in a guard stance, although the excessive tilt of the torso is unusual for this type of figure, and the lack of foot mobility makes it unsuitable for sports that require maximum grip with the ground. The slim musculature, the left foot extended as if the athlete were positioned at the starting line of a running race, with a sort of niche that facilitates initial acceleration, strongly indicates a runner. The placement of two runner statues near a resting bronze Hermes statue, also housed in the Naples Museum, clearly references the theme of Gymnasium, with Hermes Enagônios (Hermes as the judge of competitions, fights, contests) representing the protector god. 

These ancient sculptures are in excellent condition and date from the first decades of the 20th century.

Exceptional antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. There is a growing number of enthusiasts for 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.

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

Empire-style furniture and accessories originate from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, influenced by Napoleon’s reign, with strong references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture meant to radiate splendor and luxury. Materials were carefully selected to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style has influenced modern classical furniture, which often resembles the historical period. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, using dark stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These pieces often incorporated mythological and classical motifs, with supports and legs shaped like animals.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance-style furniture. Many global brands now reproduce such pieces, inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to the beauty and history of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character, which is especially relevant when selecting luxurious antique pieces for a specific interior.