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, the creation, and 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 are particularly notable. 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 Victorian English 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 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. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly shaped pearl. These were highly ornate, luxurious pieces designed to radiate splendor and serve a role in opulence. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance style was quite heavy and substantial. It used brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired this style, 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. 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, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for an elegant antique piece suitable for your interior.

The key to prestigious 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 with its description and photos. We have at your disposal art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.