Porta Orientale Barrier 1840, aquatint by an anonymous artist

Porta Orientale Barrier 1840, aquatint by an anonymous artist. Featured in the work "Souvenir de Milan" published in Milan at Bossi Antonio Piazza del Duomo no. 4079 [1828-40]. “Mediolan in Old Prints” Paolo Arrigoni 1969 volume I, page 54.

Today known as Porta Venezia, it was built between 1826 and 1828 according to the design of Brescia architect Rodolfo Vantini, following a competition announced in 1826 (which involved 32 participants). In 1833, statues and reliefs were added, giving the work its final appearance. 

Aquatint is an indirect acid etching technique that produces effects similar to watercolor achieved with a granular plate. Granulation is performed by dropping bitumen grains onto a hot plate, which melt and adhere to the surface, creating a more or less dense base. 

Aquatint is a tonal technique: instead of shaping the image through an ordered series of lines, it creates areas with controlled intensity and shape. To do this, the plate undergoes a special treatment that causes surface corrosion, resulting in a roughness that retains printing ink; this roughness is called a grain.

Prestigious 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 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.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, especially the beloved Biedermeier style. Its early 19th-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-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant influence from Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate pieces designed to radiate 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 classic furniture, which is often 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 furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also drew inspiration from mythology and ancient times, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French creators, 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 own character. This is especially important when searching for a unique, luxurious antique for your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation 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.