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. 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward 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 was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by very ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Many global brands now recreate such pieces, inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to the beauty and history of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, giving each style its unique character. This is especially important when seeking a luxurious antique that fits your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We have experts in art appraisal, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.