Portrait of a noblewoman with an illuminated rectangular fan on an ivory base

Portrait of a noblewoman with a backlit rectangular fan on an ivory base with significant thickness (about 2 mm) compared to current plate thicknesses. The woman is dressed in elegant attire: a fitted bustier at the waist, entirely decorated with gold, a shawl with soft draperies over her shoulders, a fan in her right hand with four bracelet strands on her wrist, earrings, and an intricate hairstyle with inlays of colorful pearls. The background is neutrally gray with a slight absence on the right side of the face. The frame is without a period. The miniature dates from 1600.

Luxurious 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, creation, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but a few key ones can be highlighted. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles transition 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, which imposed a significant resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are 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 literally shine with splendor 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 the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the past era. 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 products were quite distinctive but also opened up new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas or broadly understood chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, 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 unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for elegant antiques suitable for your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. And this is ultimately vital from the buyer’s perspective, as many forgeries 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.