Reichel Portrait of a Woman 1812 painted in watercolor on an oval ivory board

Reichel Portrait of a Woman 1812 painted with watercolor on an oval ivory plaque, surrounded by a gilded and carved bronze frame within a rectangular oval ebonized frame with gilded and carved bronze accents; this is in turn set into a rectangular ebonized wood frame.

Good quality and well-preserved, despite minimal stains on the bronze oval frame, marked with a cursive inscription Reichel pinx 1812, referring to the artist, about whom we have found no additional information. The back lacks a lining, and we see a galvanized sheet covering the ivory plaque.

Exclusive antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. 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 we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers 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-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

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

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also heavily references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to exude 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 influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style is also significant, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries and leaving a lasting mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also opened 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. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, reflecting 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 unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately vital 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 experts in art appraisal, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.