Gouache on paper depicting a battle related to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

French-Prussian War of 1870. A lithograph on paper depicting a battle related to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, evidenced by the hussar on a white horse in the foreground, armed with a Mameluke sword of the French cavalry.

The lithograph is signed in the lower left corner by Bartezago L. by the Milanese painter Luigi Bartezago (1829-1905). 

It dates from the late 19th century, is in excellent condition, with a passe-partout in a beautiful contemporary Italian walnut frame.

Elegant antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, the creation, and 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, 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. This style originated during Napoleon’s reign, emphasizing strong similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the 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 ornate, luxurious pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in opulence. Materials were selectively chosen to accentuate the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how strongly the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style is also significant. Flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, it left a substantial mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards 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 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 its unique character. This is especially important when seeking an elegant antique piece suited for your interior.

The key 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 product’s authenticity and accurate description and photos. We have at your disposal art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.