Fratino walnut table with a wonderful single-axis top

Walnut Fratino table with a magnificent single-oval top (with two small edge moldings) from the 18th century, featuring legs in the shape of lyres made of walnut wood, but likely replaced with original parts from a later period.

This historic table requires restoration to close the side joints of the top, while striving to preserve the original patina of this Lombard refectory piece.

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. There is currently a growing 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 a few key ones can be distinguished. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, dominated by the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English 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. It imposed a strong resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles are particularly interesting and noteworthy. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style 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 craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as in the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, 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 furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating 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. This is especially crucial when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of prestigious antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately vital for buyers, as the market is flooded with many forgeries. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of the product in accordance with its description and photographs. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.