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 A pair of large pendant-sized paintings of French origin; the first depicts rather an alchemist than a pharmacist or chemist sitting in his laboratory with glass test tubes and distillers. An elegantly dressed man sits at a table and writes. 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 painting of the same size shows three men in Nordic costumes, hunting snakes with forked sticks and spring clips to place them in 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, Borghetto's signature.

Luxurious 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 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, especially the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English 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 centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.
Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from 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. Materials were selectively chosen 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 historical period. 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 massive, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French creators. 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 crucial when searching for an exclusive antique suitable for your interior.

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