Madonna and Child, late 17th century, oil painting on canvas

Madonna and Child, late 17th century, oil painting on canvas from Northern Italy, in good condition, housed in an oak frame, from a private collection in Milan. The work depicts the Madonna holding the sleeping Child on her lap and tenderly embracing Him with her hands, covered only by a white cloth that emphasizes the chromatic contrast of the Madonna's dark cloak.
The Madonna is dressed in a pink gown with a white cloth covering her head and shoulders. Her head is gently bowed, resting on the blonde hair of the Child.

The presence of an old varnish layer indicates that this piece has a long history and has been restored multiple times over the years. Removing overpainting is a significant step in revealing the authenticity of the work and highlighting the quality of the original composition.

The fact that the drapery and anatomical details are clearly visible suggests that the artist had extensive knowledge of the human figure and painting techniques. In particular, the way the Madonna with Child is depicted may reflect iconographic conventions of the period, but also bears a personal touch that could distinguish the artist. Originating from Northern Italy, it features a frame made of solid cast walnut wood finished with a gilt strip.

Original 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 specific 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and the Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by the reign of Napoleon. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Antique styles worth noting include Rococo and Louis XV. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—comprises highly ornate furniture meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to 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 using dark stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These pieces were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and other chest-type 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. Currently, many global brands recreate furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, 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, and each style had its unique character. This is especially important when seeking a luxurious antique piece suited to your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. And this is ultimately crucial from the customer's perspective, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming that the product matches the actual description and photograph. We have art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.