Painting from 1700 - penitent Magdalene sitting at a table with a book

Magdalena Penitent Sitting at a Table with a Book and Partially Covered by a Draped Garment. The painting has been restored and renovated. No frame included. Italy, 1700.

Luxury antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess 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 distinguishing features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture design belongs to the 19th century, during which the beloved Biedermeier style prevailed. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-styles of Classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. Everything originated from Napoleon’s reign. It imposed a strong resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also heavily references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are all antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV style. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco' – meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to literally exude glamour and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed 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 style was quite heavy and bulky. It used brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These were quite distinctive products, but they also opened up new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. The era also saw an interest in mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads – these are common features in Renaissance style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, drawing inspiration from Italian and French artisans. 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 unique character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.