View of the imperial villa of San Martino on the island of Elba, 19th century

View of the San Martino Imperial Villa on the island of Elba. A two-color lithograph printed by Eugène Cicerio according to instructions by André Durand, published in Paris by Lemercier and included in the well-known work “L’Ile d’Elbe album recueilli sous la diréction de M. le Prince Anatole Demidoff, 1862”. The print is framed in the original handmade marbled cardboard in shades of green, and the entire piece is mounted in a shaped rod in Siena yellow color. View from the terrace of the Napoleon Museum.

André Durand, a renowned illustrator and lithographer, as well as an archaeology expert, encouraged by the enthusiasm of Russian Prince Anatole Demidoff, published for the first time an album containing 18 lithographs of picturesque views of Elba Island (in collaboration with Eugène Cicerio). These are evocative works depicting the wild and partly unexplored island. Among them are exterior views of Portoferraio, Rio Marina, Marciana, as well as the Imperial Villa San Martino with the Napoleon Museum established by Prince Demidoff.

Original 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 products 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 are particularly prominent. 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 finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during 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. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to shine with 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 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-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These were quite distinctive products but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of buffets and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French creators. 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, so each style had its unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial from the customer’s perspective because many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product’s compliance with its description and photos. We have art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.