Italian inlaid pietra dura plaque depicting an Italian street with landscape - mid 20th century

Italian pietra dura inlay panel from the mid-20th century, Florentine commesso depicting an Italian street scene with landscape, in good condition, circa 1950.

This Italian artwork is a mosaic with inlay technique, which uses highly polished, hand-cut semi-precious colored stones that are inlaid to create a stunning image, utilizing the natural colors of various stones and marbles. The stones used are exceptionally polished and include Sienese marble, Bardiglio green marble, Verona red marble, paesina, and many others.

This inlay panel is unframed and comes from a private collection in Milan.

Luxury antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. It 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.

Several key styles stand out among antique furniture. Eclectic furniture dates back to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Early in that century, you can find antique furniture in neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe, or Victorian styles. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

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

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate, luxurious furniture designed to impress with splendor and play a significant role in luxury interiors. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how the Baroque style has profoundly influenced modern classical furniture, which often resembles the historical period. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often finished with brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global companies reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French craftsmen, 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 exclusive antique pieces for your interior.

The most crucial aspect of authentic antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is what matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and accurate description with photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.