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.
Large Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock - Fully Restored
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A large and stunning antique French gilt bronze cartel wall clock. Formed of heavy, bold scroll work and featuring crowned dragons to each side with further creatures to the top. The...
Bronze
17th Century Hague Clock Signed by Pieter Visbagh, circa 1675
By A. Petersen & Co.
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Unusually small Hague clock made c. 1675 by Pieter Visbagh, who was apprenticed by Salomon Coster. The latter made the first pendulum clock according to th...
Ebony, Olive
Vintage Barometer and Thermometer Clock in Gold Baroque Style
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Elegant baroque-style wall clock with finely decorated gilt frame. The piece combines three instruments in one: Analog clock with Roman numerals, battery operated. Column thermometer...
Bronze
17th Century Lantern Alarm Clock by Johannes Quelch, Oxford
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
An English 17th century lantern clock made of brass and iron, circa 1665-1670. The clock consists of going and striking trains, as well as a...
Brass
Antique Smith 8-Day Shipboard Clock
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A brass circular base with a central inset hinged glass panel that reveals a white metal face with black enameled Roman numerals hours and Arabic numerals seconds. The clock lacks a ...
Brass
$4,170
H 26.5 in W 11.7 in D 4.5 in
Rare Antique Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze Wall Cartel Clock with Griffin Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and perfect running Gothic architectural design bronze wall clock, from circa 1880. If you like rare antiques in general and one of a kind clocks in particular then this handcrafted specimen for wall mounting could be the perfect addition to your collection or Gothic (inspired) interior. This fine quality antique...
Brass, Bronze
$16,381 / set
H 20.48 in W 12.6 in D 5.52 in
French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier
Located in London, GB
Designed in the French Rococo style, this clock and barometer set have been beautifully ornamented with scrolling foliate gilt bronze forms. The two are diamond shaped, with symmetri...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Italian 17th Century Mannequin
Located in Round Top, TX
A very beautiful 17th century articulating Mannequin from the Veneto region of Italy. Beautifully carved from polychromed wood with very handso...
Wood
Gilt Swedish Cartel Wall Clock
Located in Washington, DC
A gilt Swedish cartel wall clock.
Metal
French 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Wall Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu wall clock, having Rococo influences to the scroll foliate decoration and cherubs above the eight day striking movement, circa 1880.
Ormolu
Gilt Wood Framed Swedish Wall Cartel Clock
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid 20th century giltwood framed Swedish hanging wall cartel clock. This clock is good vintage working condition. Minor wear consistent with age / use. Maker's mark inscribed. The cl...
Brass
Frame with Vellum Painting, 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Carved and gilded frame with painting on vellum, "Virgin of the Rosary with Santo Domingo de Guzmán and Santa Catalina of Siena", 17th century. Registration in the back zone (Mr. Jos...
Leather, Wood, Paint
Art Deco Onyx Clock, Barometer And Thermometer, England, c1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this very attractive and unusual Art Deco Buren 15 jewelled desk clock with barometer and thermometer, set or mounted on a white Onyx base and decorated wit...
Onyx, Brass, Chrome
Mid 20th Century Clock By Jaeger LeCoultre France Circa 1960
Located in London, GB
A mid-century mantel or desk clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, set within an elegant lucite case decorated with inset brass motifs of fish and rising air bubbles. The clock runs on an eigh...
Brass
$4,670
H 2.5 in Dm 30.5 in
French Art Deco Ormolu "Bronze Dorée" Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock, Circa 1915
Located in CH
French Art Deco Ormolu (“Bronze Dorée”) Cartel Sunburst Wall Clock France, circa 1915 A striking Art Deco wall clock executed in gilded bronze (bronze dorée), featuring a sunburst ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$21,447
H 41.34 in W 21.66 in D 5.91 in
Antique French Ormolu Bronze Cartel Wall Clock, Sculptural Case with Cherub
Located in Madrid, ES
Exhibiting the fine design and craftsmanship of French clockmakers Raingo Frères (Raingo Brothers), this impressively large clock, measuring over 1 meter tall ( 3 feet +), is an example of the “Second Rococo” period beginning circa 1830, when the highly ornate "Cartel" style of the early 18th century came back into fashion. The clock is crowned at top center by the figure of a putto or cherub, holding in one hand a dove and the other a garland of flowers. This allegorical figure can represent innocence or purity, and was a popular subject for sculptors of the 19th century. The term "Cartel clock" comes from the French "Pendule à Cartel" meaning roughly "clock in a frame for the wall" - the word "Cartel" meaning in this context "decorative frame". These clocks were almost always made from gilt bronze (also known as "ormolu") and highly decorated. The clock is complete and includes a winding key, and will be checked by our specialist clockmaker to ensure it is functioning properly before shipping. Established in the early 1800s, Raingo Frères was one of the leading makers of precision clocks...
Brass, Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Large Vintage Wall Clock - Capodimonte - Ceramic - Baroque Style
By Capodimonte
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A rare and impressive example of mid-century Italian ceramic craftsmanship: this large Capodimonte wall clock is a true statement piece. With a generous diameter of 49 cm (19.3 inches) and a depth of 6 cm (2.4 inches), it commands attention and exudes elegance. The richly detailed face features hand-painted putti and mythological scenes, surrounded by ornate baroque motifs and iridescent mother-of-pearl accents. The combination of high-gloss glazed porcelain and gilded flourishes adds a dynamic and luxurious touch. The back is fully marked with the classic Capodimonte crown stamp along with serial numbers. The clock mechanism is mechanical with an adjustment dial on the back. Dimensions: Ø 49 cm / 19.3 in Depth: 6 cm / 2.4 in Origin: Italy, circa 1950s Condition: Good condition with only minor signs of age. No chips or cracks. The clock functions well and runs on time. A unique collector’s item for lovers of antique Italian ceramics...
Ceramic
Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Cartel Wall Clock
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A stunning original antique French cartel wall clock by Vincenti et Cie. It is beautifully modelled in gilt bronze in the Baroque style, Shield shaped with swan neck pediment, a grot...
Bronze
Rare Gilt Wood Smiths Gold Sunburst Wall Clock. Made in England
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Leicester, GB
Beautiful 1960s or 70s mid-century wall clock by Smiths clock makers. This rare clock has a stunning large golden oval shaped sunburst, hand carved from wood and a simple aluminium c...
Beech
18th Century Italian Cartel Clock by Johannes Bapta
By Johannes Bapta
Located in Roma, IT
Italian ancient carved wooden gold-plated Cartel wall clock. Signed, dated, and situated: Johannes Bapta Vivaldi Roma 1768. Material and techniques: carved wood, giltwood Place of or...
Wood
Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Cartel Wall Clock by Japy Freres
By Japy Frères
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A stunning original antique French cartel wall clock by the famous maker Japy Frères. It is beautifully modelled in gilt bronze in the Baroque style, with scrolling acanthus. Above t...
Bronze
Huge Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock with Dragons
By Vincenti et Cie, Vrai Bronze B.D.
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A magnificent gilded bronze cartel clock featuring two dragons standing guard above the clock, circa 1870. It is baroque in style with mythical creatures, stylised foliage and a bell...
Bronze
Antique French Ormolu Cartel Wall Clock by Maison Baguès, Paris
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A superb ormolu (fine gilded bronze) by the famous Maison Baguès, circa 1890. Beautifully made, crisp and finely finished with a lovely original gild. It is Baroque in style with win...
Ormolu
Japy Freres Ormolu Cartel Wall Clock with Visible Pendulum
By Charles Hour, Japy Frères
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A large and very good quality original antique French Cartel wall clock by the famous maker Japy Freres and retailed by the Parisian retailer Charles Hour. It is beautifully made in ...
Bronze
Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A stunning Baroque style antique French Cartel wall clock. It is beautifully modelled in gilded bronze in the shape of a shield. To the sides are bold acanthus scrolls with finely fr...
Bronze
Sold
H 32 in W 15 in D 3.5 in
19th Century Carved Walnut Barometer & Thermometer in Centigrade MOVING SALE!!
Located in Denton, TX
Antique 19th century carved walnut aneroide barometer with thermometer in centigrade.
Enamel
Sold
H 56 in W 24 in D 5 in
19th Century French Carved Wood Baroque Style Matching Clock and Barometer
Located in Nashville, TN
Rare and exceptional! Both the clock and barometer are hand-carved, depicting acanthus leaves, floral garland and stylized shells, with gilt finish. Convex glass over both the clock ...
Metal
Large Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock
Located in NYC, NY
An impressively large Napoleon III period Cartel clock, the case with decoration combining elements of the fashionable Baroque & Renaissance Revival styles. The clock movement stampe...