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 interior decoration. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation 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, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. 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 to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and worth mentioning are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. 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 serve as symbols of opulence. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

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, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest 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 furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to and preservation of the finest 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 an elegant antique piece suited for your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.