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 the cursive inscription Reichel pinx 1812, referring to the artist, about whom we have found no additional information. The back lacks lining, and we see a zinc 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 we can highlight a few key ones. 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. 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 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. Antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles are also interesting and noteworthy. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture meant to exude 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 classic furniture, which is 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 introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest-type 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. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that each country had its own perception of furniture making, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important 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 product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have at your disposal art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.