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 rather an alchemist than a pharmacist or chemist sitting in his laboratory with glass test tubes and distillers. An elegantly dressed man is sitting at a table writing. In the lower right corner, a cartouche bears the inscription Homo versutus scientiam celat. Ref. XII V7. Below, the signature J.J. Borghetto June 1945. The second image 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, the signature Borghetto.

Luxury 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. 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 characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but we can highlight a few of the most important. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian 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 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. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed 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 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 were quite distinctive products, offering new possibilities such as the construction of credenzas and broadly understood chest furniture. During this period, mythology and antiquity were also of interest, so supports and legs often took animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common features in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating 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 crucial when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

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