A pair of French genre paintings 1945, The Chemist and the Snake Catcher by Borghetto JJ

Borghetto JJ the Alchemist and the Snake Hunter 1945. Two large pendant images of French origin; the first depicts more of an alchemist than a pharmacist or chemist sitting in his laboratory with glass test tubes and distillers. A well-dressed man is sitting at a table, writing. In the lower right corner, a cartouche bears the inscription Homo versutus scientiam celat. Przyp. XII V7. Below, the signature J.J. Borghetto Juin 1945. The second image of the same size shows three men in Nordic costumes, hunting snakes with forked sticks and spring clips, placing them into a shoulder bag. In the lower left corner, in a cartouche, there is the inscription Coleban mutos serpentes Sap. II. V16. In the opposite corner, the signature Borghetto.

Luxurious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is a growing 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 characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but a few key ones can be highlighted. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was predominant. 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 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 is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate 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 influence the Baroque style has had on modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style also made a significant impact, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries and leaving a lasting mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. During this period, mythology and antiquity were also of interest, 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, showcasing 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 crucial when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of original antique furniture is authenticity. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s compliance with its description and photographs. We also have experts—art appraisers, historians, and specialists from around the world—at your disposal.