Grandi Corse at the San Siro Hippodrome in Milan from an 1892 Illustrated Century xylography.

Grandi Corse at the San Siro racetrack in Milan from the Illustrated Century xylography from 1892. Created by Antonio Bonamore for the weekly Illustrated Secolo della Domenica, published by Sonzogno since 1889. Under the illustrated section titled “The Great Races at the Hippodrome San Siro in Milan (view of Campo from the grandstand)” taken from issue no. 140 dated May 20, 1892. Presented in a passe-partout, surrounded by watercolor profiles, in good condition.

Beautiful 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 products that have a distinct 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 own distinctive features. 

There are many styles characterizing antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the prevailing Biedermeier style was popular. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy 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 representative pieces designed to exude glamour and play a significant role in luxury. Unique materials were selectively used to further emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on 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-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and bulky, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened up new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets or broadly defined 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 furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, drawing inspiration from Italian and French creators. 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 own character. This is especially important when searching for an elegant antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as many counterfeits 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.