Exterior view of the facade of the Church of Santa Maria near San Celso, also known as the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Temple of M. Vergine near S. Celso. Exterior view of the facade of the Santa Maria church near San Celso, also known as the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, engraved by Agnelli Federico (1626/1702) and designed by Giuseppe Garavaglia (documented in 1668/1677).

This is an etching from the book “Portrait of Milan” published in 1674. It is presented in a modern walnut frame.

Wonderful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts for 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 we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transition into pseudo styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. Everything originated during Napoleon’s reign, which imposed significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese “barocco”—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen 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 massive, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type 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 elegant antique pieces suitable for your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching its description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.