Exterior view of the facade of the Church of Santa Maria near San Celso, also known as the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

The M. Vergine temple near S. Celso. Exterior view of the facade of the Santa Maria church near San Celso, also known as the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, engraved by Agnelli Federico (1626/1702) and designed by Giuseppe Garavaglia (documented in 1668/1677).

This is an engraving from the book “Portrait of Milan” published in 1674. It is presented in a modern walnut frame.

Wonderful 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 items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is 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 are particularly notable. 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. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolve into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. This period is associated with Napoleon’s reign, which emphasized grandeur and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture designed to exude splendor and luxury. Materials were carefully selected to emphasize the opulence of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how strongly the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style also played a significant role. Flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, it left a lasting 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 introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French craftsmen. 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 seeking an elegant antique piece suited for your interior.

The key aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as the market is flooded with counterfeits. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photographs. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.