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 runs horizontally across the case beneath the top. 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 features a high lower plinth that conceals a false drawer, followed by 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 beneath 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 this secretary stylistically transitions towards Louis Philippe (see the flared shape of the drawer under the top and the light inlay on a darker background), but like the geometric decorations and the silhouette, it is more refined than the tulip influence of the previous period.

As for origin, in Piedmont and Liguria, especially, decorations with rounded edges accented by vertical lines, a marble top, and particularly large “tulip” shapes are quite common.

The furniture is accompanied by a certificate of market approval.

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 possess a specific 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.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture from the 19th century is associated with the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque influences.

Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, heavily inspired by Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws strongly from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in the Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese “barocco” — meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, luxurious pieces designed to radiate splendor and serve as symbols of opulence. Materials were chosen selectively to emphasize the grandeur of these works.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style has influenced modern classical furniture, which is often 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. The Renaissance style was quite heavy and massive. It used brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Additionally, mythology and ancient times inspired the design, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common sights in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture crafted in this style, drawing inspiration from Italian and French artisans. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so each style 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 forgeries. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.