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.
19th Century Bronze Letter Opener with the Bust of a Lady
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful 19th century letter opener acquired in Paris France. The piece has the bust of a period lady at the top and is very sophisticated and elegant. A compliment to any desk or...
Bronze
XXI Century Italian Baroque Style Sterling Silver Letter Opener
Located in VALENZA, IT
Sterling silver letter opener in Baroque style. The solid handle of the letter opener was cast and then hand-chased, hammered, and engraved. A knurling was added between the scrollwo...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique bronze sculpture of man reading a letter or proclamation. Marble base, 19th century. Unsigned.
Bronze
George Jensen Sterling Silver Letter Opener in Cactus Pattern
Located in Buchanan, MI
George Jensen sterling silver letter opener in cactus pattern.
Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver
Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener
By Edgar Brandt
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau letter opener, circa 1905, in bronze. Decorated with ginkgo biloba leaves, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 20 cm Width: 3.3 cm Thickness: 1 cm Weight...
Bronze
Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener
By Edgar Brandt
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau bronze paper knife, circa 1905. Decorated with mistletoe, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 14.5 cm Width: 3.2 cm Thickness: 0.3 cm Weight: 35 grams Ed...
Bronze
$900
H 12.5 in W 1.5 in D 0.5 in
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Bronze Letter Opener with Mercury Handle
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century French Neoclassical gilt bronze letter opener with Mercury God motif on handle By: unknown Material: metal, bronze, copper, tin Techniqu...
Bronze, Tin, Copper, Metal
19th Century Bronze Letter Rack - Gothic Revival
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant French bronze letter rack, late 19th century. The openwork design features intricate Gothic Revival motifs with stylized foliage, quatrefoils, and decorative details, complem...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Sable Shaped Letter Opener
Located in Meer, VAN
Early 20th Century Sable Shaped Letter Opener. A letter opener with a very distinct sable style design - early 20th century or even late 19th century. Shows a nice patina. About O...
Brass
Sold|$240
H 1.13 in W 9.63 in D 0.38 in
Bronze Letter Opener Art Nouveau early 20th century signed Rischmann, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Superb Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener Signed Rischmann, Late 19th–Early 20th Century An exceptional Art Nouveau bronze letter opene...
Bronze
$655
H 7 in W 0.63 in D 0.63 in
Modernist English Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Brian Leslie Fuller
Located in Bath, GB
A superb mid-century modern letter opener made by the highly collectable silversmith, Brian Leslie Fuller. Made from solid English silver fully hallmarked for London 1979 together ...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Plate Letter Opener Horse Head Design
Located in New York, NY
A substantial sterling silver-plated letter opener with horse head handle, circa mid-20th century, USA. A great desk, office, library, etc., accessory. With maker's mark on underside...
Metal, Silver Plate
$795
H 0.5 in W 9 in D 1 in
Victorian Sterling Silver and Turquoise Blue Guilloche Enamel Letter Opener
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period, sterling silver and turquoise blue guilloche enamel letter opener/paper knife, Sheffield, England, year-hallmarked for 1866, R. Martin and E. Hall (doing business a...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Silver French Christofle Letter Opener
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage French desk accessory by Christofle, this elegant silver-plated letter opener is a refined example of 20th-century decorative craftsmanship. Featuring a circular medallion ...
Silver
Antique Reed & Barton Silver Plated Shoe Horn with Lion Head Mask
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique 1950s Reed & Barton Silver Plated Shoe Horn with Lion head and Ring Handle. Beautiful Reed & Barton heavy Lion head with ring in his mouth. This cool shoe horn by Reed and Ba...
Silver Plate
Italian Steel Stiletto With Bronze Hilt of Eve and the Serpent
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century, or possibly earlier, Italian stiletto knife with triangular section tapering steel blade topped by a very unusual and interesting bronze hilt...
Bronze