Secretary with a marble top - antique from 1840

Ancient secretary from the period of the Directorate, veneered with walnut wood with inlays of rosewood and maple. The original top is made of black Serpentine marble. The edges are rounded, vertically strung with boxwood, and an inlaid strip with geometric motifs made of maple and rosewood panel cuts across the case at the base. Inside, there is a cabinet marked from top to bottom with a cardboard, some partitions, and a series of Poggiante drawers on two ebonized pear-shaped legs (not original). It has a high lower plinth that conceals a false drawer, then three drawers veneered with maple (the middle one has been reconstructed). The abattant hides a framework of ebonized columns and arches resting on a rich walnut and maple floor with geometric patterns, so we find 2 rows of 5 maple drawers with handles made from lion mask-shaped gilded metal fittings. On the sides and under the top, there are 13 secret compartments. A balcony with an ebonized balustrade at the top conceals a drawer. Finally, the last drawer is placed under the frame supporting the black Serpentine marble top; this drawer has a front matching the shape of the frame, which decorates the entire end of the cabinet. At the back of the cabinet, there is an inscription: “In the year 1840, on March 10th, Albenga in Botega, carpenter Filippo (pi…) and Franco Conte”. The drawer locks are not original; the cabinet has been recently restored.

Clear age and origin: 1840, Albenga in Liguria, Savona province. Regarding dating, it should be noted that the discussed secretary is stylistically transitional towards Louis Philippe (see the flared shape of the drawer under the top and the light inlay on a darker background), but similar to the geometric decorations, as well as the silhouette, which is better than the tulip influence, points to an earlier taste.

As for the origin, in Piedmont and Liguria, especially, rounded edge decorations with vertical lines, marble tops, and particularly large “tulip” shapes are quite common.

A certificate of market approval accompanies the furniture.

Stylish antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that have a defined character and soul. It’s 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.

There are many styles characteristic of antique furniture, but a few key ones can be distinguished. Eclectic furniture from the 19th century, during which the prevailing Biedermeier style was popular. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything stems from Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a significant resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are all antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. The next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese “barocco” – meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively used 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-making. The Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky. Brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs were used. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Claw of a lion, eagle's head – these are common sights in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture crafted in this style, drawing inspiration from Italian and French creators. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that each country perceived furniture production differently, so each style in a given nation had its own distinct character. This is especially important when searching for the perfect exclusive antique for your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. And this is ultimately crucial from the buyer's perspective, as the market is filled with many imitations. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photograph. We have at your disposal art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.