Gilded bronze Empire style chandelier with angels, 20th century

Chandelier in Empire style made of gilded bronze with putti. An Italian chandelier featuring winged angels crafted from gilded bronze, with intricately carved castings and high-quality gilding, dating from around 1950. The chandelier is Italian and originates from the 1950s. The piece is in good condition, ready to hang, with the gilding cleaned and the fixture rewired.
This elegant, six-arm, gilded chandelier is suspended by three chains attached to a gilded bronze casting, which is surrounded by a pinecone-shaped finial; the casting is connected to a ceiling rosette by a tall, fluted tubular element. The three chains support the lamp shade, a round shade decorated with an elegant pattern resembling a pinecone, with a decorative pinecone motif at the bottom. The same pinecone motif is found above the cup in the center of six winged cherub figures. Around the perimeter of the cup, near the edge, are six cupids—these are six angels, alternately standing and kneeling, holding a chain with both hands.

The cup has six curved arms ending in bobèches, on which six electric candles are placed, compatible with E14 bulbs. The maximum power is 500 watts.

Exceptional antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of {traditional|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 stand out as the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the dominant 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-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Beautiful Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It all stems from the reign of Napoleon, which imposed a style heavily inspired by Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles are also interesting and noteworthy. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by very ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Selectively used luxurious materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often 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 robust, often using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. During this period, there was also an interest in mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French craftsmen, 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 own character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique piece that suits your interior.