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 Ciceroni 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 hand-marbled green cardboard frame, 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 his first album containing 18 lithographs of picturesque views of Elba Island (in collaboration with Eugène Ciceroni). 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 Napoleonic Museum founded by Prince Demidoff.

Original antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage products that have a distinct 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 own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was dominant. 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 styles.

Original 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.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy 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 decorative pieces designed to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often 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 craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. During this period, mythology and ancient times were also of interest, so supports and legs often took animal forms.

Lion’s 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 important when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to the customer, 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 art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.