Sculpture depicting Mary Magdalene holding the body of Christ after the crucifixion - 18th century

Stunning 18th-century Italian polychromed terracotta relief from the Bolognese circle of master Angelo Gabriello Piò, Bologna 1690-1770, originating from the first quarter of the 18th century, in good age-related condition, with minor restorations. This terracotta group features beautiful original polychrome and impressive anatomy of Christ's body. The antique terracotta Pietà stands on a shaped base made of green and gilded poplar wood.

The Pietà by Michelangelo Buonarroti is one of the most famous Renaissance masterpieces and undoubtedly inspired this sculpture, which depicts Mary Magdalene holding the dead body of Christ after his crucifixion, death, and removal from the cross, before being placed in the tomb.

This antique Baroque sculpture comes from a private collection in Milan and has been restored near symbols of passion. Cracks have been re-glued and secured from below, see enlarged photos. Two fingers of Christ’s left hand have been replaced.

Exclusive 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. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation 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 are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by Napoleon’s reign. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.
Classical style furniture, such as Louis XVI, also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, luxurious pieces meant to shine with splendor and play a significant role in opulence. Rarely used materials were selectively applied to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the past era. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These pieces were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and antiquity were also of interest, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, paying homage to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently across countries, giving each style a unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for exclusive antiques suitable for your interior.

The key aspect of original antique furniture is authenticity. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and accurate description with photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts worldwide.