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.

Originally placed together with a twin statue in the large peristyle of Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, they 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 grip 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 ground grip. The slim musculature, the left foot extended as if the athlete is positioned at the starting line of a running race, with a kind of niche facilitating initial momentum, strongly indicates a runner. The placement of two runner statues near a resting bronze Hermes statue, also kept in the Naples Museum, clearly references the Gymnasium theme, where Hermes Enagōnios (Hermes as the judge of competitions, fights, contests) represented the god protector. 

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

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

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few stand out as the most important. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, during which the beloved Biedermeier style flourished. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe, and Victorian styles. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This style originated during Napoleon’s reign, heavily influenced by Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws strong inspiration from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next style is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate pieces meant to shine with splendor and serve a luxurious role. Unique materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style has 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 robust, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as in the construction of cabinets 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 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, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.