Caricature of the music critic Abbiati made in watercolor on paper by Mario Vellani Marchi in 1955

Mario Vellani Marchi the Critic Abbiati 1955 caricature of a music critic Abbiati created with watercolor on paper by Mario Vellani Marchi in 1955. 

The drawing is in excellent condition, framed in a black mount.

Elegant antique furniture and accessories can be a perfect idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of 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 refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles blend into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque influences.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by strong references to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly shaped pearl. These were highly ornate, luxurious pieces designed to radiate splendor and serve as symbols of opulence. Materials were chosen selectively to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can see how significantly the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which often closely resembles the historical period. The Renaissance style also made a major impact, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries and leaving a lasting mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often finished with brown stains, featuring moldings, strong bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Today, many global brands reproduce such pieces, inspired by Italian and French craftsmen. 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 across countries, and each style had its unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for a luxurious antique that fits perfectly into your interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is what matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. 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.