The decadence of the Baroque style, in which ornate furnishings were layered against paneled walls, painted ceilings, stately chandeliers and, above all, gilding, expressed the power of the church and monarchy through design that celebrated excess. And its influence was omnipresent — antique Baroque furniture was created in the first design style that truly had a global impact.
Theatrical and lavish, Baroque was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. While Baroque originated in Italy and achieved some of its most fantastic forms in the late-period Roman Baroque, it was adapted to meet the tastes and materials in each region. French Baroque furniture informed Louis XIV style and added drama to Versailles. In Spain, the Baroque movement influenced the elaborate Churrigueresque style in which architecture was dripping with ornamental details. In South German Baroque, furniture was made with bold geometric patterns.
Compared to Renaissance furniture, which was more subdued in its proportions, Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from its shape to its materials.
Allegorical and mythical figures were often sculpted in the wood, along with motifs like scrolling floral forms and acanthus leaves that gave the impression of tangles of dense foliage. Novel techniques and materials such as marquetry, gesso and lacquer — which were used with exotic woods and were employed by cabinetmakers such as André-Charles Boulle, Gerrit Jensen and James Moore — reflected the growth of international trade. Baroque furniture characteristics include a range of decorative elements — a single furnishing could feature everything from carved gilded wood to gilt bronze, lending chairs, mirrors, console tables and other pieces a sense of motion.
Find a collection of authentic antique Baroque tables, lighting, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair of Italian Baroque Bronze Pricket Candlesticks
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with candle pricket over a baluster form support and ending on a triangular base with paw feet.
Bronze
Pair of Spanish 17th Century Carved Wood Winged Angel Candleholders
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
A captivating pair of Spanish Baroque carved-wood angel candleholders, late 17th century (circa 1690). Each winged angel stands as a sculptural bearer of light, holding a candle sock...
Wood
$2,781 / set
Candlesticks Pair Brass
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
FINE, PAIR OF LATE 17TH CENTURY, FLEMISH, BRASS CANDLESTICKS WITH PRICKETS - Cast with a variety of turnings and shapes to create a striking aesthetic and enhance the reflection of...
Brass
Pair of brazilian baroque candlesticks in wood polychrome circa 1800
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and original pair of brazilian candlesticks in wood polychomed circa 1800.
Wood
18th Century French Baroque Brass Candlestick
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a great example of a French period Baroque brass candlestick. The candlestick is in very good original condition. There is a slight dent to the round base of the stick and th...
Brass
$3,007 / set
PAIR OF ITALIAN TWO-LUME APPLIQUES 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF ITALIAN TWO-LUME APPLIQUES 18th Century Italians, gilt carving with metal applications. Small defects. Dim.: 53 x 32 cm good conditions
Wood
$4,429 / set
18th Century Italian Altar Sticks
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Set of wonderful four 18th Century individually hand carved Italian Silver Gilt Alar sticks. The Altar sticks were traditional gilded more heavily to the side facing the front of the...
Silver Leaf
Pair of Elegant Silver 925 Candle Holders, London, England, 20th Century
By Roberts & Dore Ltd. 1, D J Silver Repairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of silver candle holders on a sweeping, oval-cloud-shaped base, framed and profiled segments pulled up in the middle and converging to form a grooved ring...
Silver
$2,646 / set
PAIR OF ITALIAN TWO-LUME APPLIQUES 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF ITALIAN TWO-LUME APPLIQUES 18th Century Italians, gilt carving with metal applications. Small defects. Dim.: 35 x 32 cm good conditions
Wood
$2,646 / set
PAIR OF ITALIAN TWO-LUME APPLIQUES 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF ITALIAN TWO-LUME APPLIQUES 18th Century Italians, gilt carving with metal applications. Small defects. Dim.: 34 x 18 cm good conditions
Wood
$3,368 / set
Large 19th Century Pic-Cierges, French
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Tall and elegant pair of repoussé copper baroque, Louis XV style pricket sticks.
Copper
MID 18th CENTURY PAIR OF GOLDEN WOOD CANDLESTICKS
Located in Firenze, FI
This pair of table candlesticks is a fine example of Tuscan manufacturing from the mid-18th century. Made of carved wood and finely gilded in pure gold, these candlesticks exhibit hi...
Wood
Spectacular Pair of 18th Century Italian Prickets, Great Old Worn Finish/Patina
Located in Buchanan, MI
Spectacular pair of 18th century Italian prickets, great old worn finish/patina. Great scale and proportions.
Wood