Mario Vellani Marchi caricature of Anna Pavlova (1881-1931)

Mario Vellani Marchi caricature of Anna Pavlova (1881-1931), the great Russian ballerina from the early 20th century, depicted in a ink caricature on paper by painter Mario Vellani Marchi (1895-1979). Above on the left, a pencil writes "Anna Pavlova." Below on the right, the artist's signature. The sheet is in good condition, without folds, with clear edges, and is presented in a black mount with an acetate mask.

Antique prestige furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage products that have a distinct character and soul. It’s 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.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the beloved Biedermeier style prevailed. Its variants in the early years of this century include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything stems from Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Classical style furniture corresponds to Louis XVI, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are all antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese "barocco" – meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical 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 craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive. Brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs were used. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets or broadly understood chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired this style, so supports and legs often took 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 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 a luxurious antique suitable for your interior.

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