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, p. 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 bas-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 "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 have a specific 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early 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. Noteworthy 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 decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were chosen selectively to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can see 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-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also reflected an interest in mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance-style furniture. Today, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French craftsmen. This is a sign of 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, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.