Sadeler's engraving from 1598, taken from the "Oraculum Anachareticum" series

Engraving by Sadeler from 1598, taken from the series “Oraculum Anachareticum” printed in Venice based on drawings by Martin de Vosa. The sheet has wide margins with tape marks in the corners. The engraving depicts Paul of Thebes, a hermit from the time of Emperor Decius.

Jan and Rafael Sadeler arrived in Italy in 1593 from Antwerp, a global printing hub, and established a printing house in Venice in 1596/97. 

Elegant antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. There is currently a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that possess a specific 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 distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, dominated by the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Notable and worth mentioning are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese “barocco,” meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to radiate 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 the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often 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-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards or broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads — these are common features in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce 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, so each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of prestigious antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.