Cecilia Metella's grave. Beautiful etching from 1796 by Francesco Morelli

The Tomb of Cecilia Metella. A beautiful etching from 1796 by Francesco Morelli featuring figures in the foreground; it has a small tear at the bottom and has been reduced at the edges.

.... “Today I went to Nimfa Egeria, then to the Baths of Caracalla and the Appian Way to see the ruined tombs and the best-preserved Cecilia Metella, which gives the proper idea of the wall's solidity. These people worked tirelessly and calculated everything, except for the destructive fury of those who came after, before whom everything had to fall”... thus J.W. Goethe’s quintessential traveler describes this monument in 1786. 

François Morel was born around 1768 in Franche-Comté and died after 1830. He was a student of Volpato. He worked in Italy, especially in Rome, where he engraved religious themes and landscapes. See E. Benezit, volume 9, p. 833, Grund 1999. 

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

Stylish 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 have a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, creation, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but we can highlight a few key ones. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the dominant 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.

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 reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese ‘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 classical furniture, which is 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. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and bulky, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These were quite distinctive products but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards or broadly defined chest furniture. They also drew inspiration from mythology and ancient times, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French creators, demonstrating 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 elegant antique pieces suitable for your interior.

The key to high-end 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.