Woman in prayer, an elegant painting on canvas from the 19th century

Emile Vloors Woman praying, oil painting on canvas from 1894 depicting the interior of a church with an elderly woman sitting in prayer next to a hanging icon of the Virgin Mary. The painting is in good condition, signed in the lower left corner by Emile Vloors ’94 Bruges, and framed in a modern ebony oak wood frame. Albert Émile Vloors or Emil Vloors, born May 31, 1871, in Borgerhout, died December 29, 1952, in Antwerp, was a Belgian painter and sculptor.

Beautiful 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 distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of traditional 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 are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the beloved Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and 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, originating from the reign of Napoleon. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by very ornate furniture meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

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. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient times inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, paying homage to and preserving 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 crucial when searching for luxurious antiques suitable for your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is vital from the customer’s perspective, as many counterfeit products circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item in accordance with its description and photographs. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.