Four Direttorio chairs made of maple - antique

Four Direttorio chairs made of maple from 1800, a group of four Ligurian-laminated Ligurian maple chairs, with the back edge bound with ebony profile; they are hot-pressed with the initials “V B” in a plaque located on the inside of the frame.

The chairs are structurally solid and only needed cleaning and polishing. The seats have been upholstered with striped velvet in shades of burgundy and purple; in the photos, you can see the chairs with ochre-colored fabric before restoration. 

This group of Direttorio chairs dates from the first half of the 19th century.

Elegant antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of 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 we can highlight a few of the most important. 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. 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. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese “barocco,” meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced 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 craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. During this period, mythology and ancient times were also of interest, so supports and legs often took animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads – these are common motifs in Renaissance style. 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, so each style had its unique character in a given nation. This is especially important when searching for exclusive antiques suitable for your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.