Relic of Saint Francis with a charming wooden frame carved and gilded with fine gold

Relic of Saint Francis with a charming carved wooden frame gilded with fine gold. In the center, the relic is contained within a metal reliquary stand. The back has been re-lined with silver paper. Italy, early 19th century. In good condition.

Beautiful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, creating and designing 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 are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was predominant. 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. This period was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which introduced significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next style is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly shaped pearl. These were highly ornate, luxurious pieces designed to shine with splendor and play a significant role in opulence. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how strongly the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style as well is Renaissance. Which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance style was quite heavy and solid. It used brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened up new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French creators, paying homage to the beauty of 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 elegant antique that suits your interior.

The key aspect of prestigious antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.