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 a copperplate 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 interior decoration. Today, there is an increasing 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, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. This period is associated with Napoleon’s reign, which emphasized Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture designed to exude splendor and luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classic 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 brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French artisans. 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 seeking elegant antique pieces suited to your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for 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 experts, art appraisers, and historians from around the world available to assist you.