Porta Orientale Barrier 1840, aquatint by an anonymous artist

Porta Orientale Barrier 1840, aquatint by an anonymous artist. Featured in the work "Souvenir de Milan" published in Milan at Bossi Antonio Piazza del Duomo no. 4079 [1828-40]. “Mediolan in Old Prints” Paolo Arrigoni 1969 volume I, p. 54.

Today known as Porta Venezia, it was built between 1826 and 1828 according to the design of Brescia architect Rodolfo Vantini, following a competition announced in 1826 (which involved 32 participants). In 1833, statues and reliefs were added, giving the work its final appearance. 

Aquatint is an indirect acid etching technique that produces effects similar to watercolor achieved with a granular plate. Granulation is performed by dropping bitumen grains onto a hot plate, which melt and adhere to the surface, creating a more or less dense base. 

Aquatint is a tonal technique: instead of shaping the image through an ordered series of lines, it creates areas with controlled intensity and shape. To do this, the plate undergoes a special treatment that causes surface corrosion, resulting in a roughness that retains printing ink; this roughness is called "grain".

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items 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 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 the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transition 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. Notable and worth mentioning are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word "barocco"—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to exude 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 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, 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. They also drew inspiration from mythology and ancient times, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion’s paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate 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, so each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits 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 product’s authenticity and accurate description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.