View of the Imperial Forums. A beautiful etching made in 1796 by Francesco Morelli

View of the Imperial Forums. A beautiful aquatint created in 1796 by Francesco Morelli, otherwise François Morel (1768-1830), depicting the view of the Forums, also known as Campo Vaccino, as evidenced by the grazing cows visible in the scene. Likely inspired by a similar view by Giovanni Volpato, it faithfully captures the spirit of the Grand Tour. The print has been trimmed at the margins and shows minor tears at the bottom. 

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

François Morel worked in Italy, especially in Rome. A student of Volpato, he engraved religious objects and landscapes. Source: E. Benezit, volume 9, p. 833, Grund 1999.

Wonderful 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 possess a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation 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, dominated by the 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.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. This period is associated with Napoleon’s reign, which heavily drew inspiration from Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, 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 ornate pieces designed to dazzle 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 classic furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style is also significant, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries and leaving a profound mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Today, many global brands reproduce such pieces, drawing inspiration from 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 across countries, and each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

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