View of the Imperial Forums. A beautiful etching made in 1796 by Francesco Morelli

View of the Imperial Forums. A beautiful aquatint created in 1796 by Francesco Morelli, otherwise François Morel (1768-1830), depicting the view of the Forums, also known as Campo Vaccino, as evidenced by the grazing cows in the scene. Likely inspired by a similar view by Giovanni Volpato, it faithfully captures the spirit of the Grand Tour. The etching has been trimmed at the margins and shows minor tears at the bottom. 

Presented in a Pompeian red passe-partout with an ebonized wooden frame. 

François Morel worked in Italy, especially in Rome. A student of Volpato, he etched religious objects and landscapes. Source: E. Benezit, volume 9, p. 833, Grund 1999.

Wonderful 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 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 characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing 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-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate pieces meant 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 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, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also drew inspiration from mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands recreate such 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, giving each style a 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 documentation 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.