Miniature with the philosopher's profile in white marble with Scagliola in the background

A miniature featuring a philosopher's profile against a Scagliola background. The oval shape depicts an ancient profile of a bald man with a beard and a split neck, similar to relief sculptures. The face is carved from white Carrara marble.

The oval field is surrounded by a laurel wreath originally carved in Scagliola and gilded. 

This ancient miniature carved from marble is framed by a rectangular, ebonized pearwood frame. The condition of this ancient marble bas-relief is good; it originates from Italy and dates back to the early 20th century.

Wonderful 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 items that possess 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 a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the popular Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. This style was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, featuring significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by very ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can see how much the Baroque style 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 robust, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Many global brands now reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character. This is especially crucial when searching for exclusive antique pieces suitable for your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, and historians from around the world at your disposal.