Sculpture of a pair of beggars in Pastiglia from the first half of the 20th century

Pair of beggars in Pastiglia from the first half of the 20th century. Both sculptures with charming patina are rendered in shades of brown and ivory. One of the figures depicts Rigoletta, the court jester, as indicated by the square base of the standing figure. The other figure is a caricature of an old, deformed, and quite suffering character: hunchback, wart on the forehead, painful posture, and anguished facial expression are characteristic elements of the physiognomic repertoire of popular and grotesque performances in Northern Europe. Behind the base of Rigoletta, we find initials MDPS, probably referencing the manufacturer.

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. 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 a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

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.
Classical furniture refers to the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on 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 furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, moldings, strong plinths, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly conceived chest furniture. During this period, interest in mythology and antiquity persisted, 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 artisans, reflecting 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 crucial when searching for exclusive antiques suitable for your interior.

The most important aspect of original antique furniture is authenticity. Ultimately, this matters most to the buyer, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.