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.
Antique French Bronze Baroque Photo Frame, Stamped 1890, Ornate
Located in Lincoln, GB
Exquisite Antique French Bronze Baroque Photo Frame is a stunning example of craftsmanship from a bygone era, designed to elevate any cherished pho...
Bronze
Frame. Carved wood. 17th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Frame. Carved wood. 17th century. It has faults. Rectangular frame made of carved wood that still retains part of its original polychromy. As was usual in various European schools ...
Other
Polychromed and Gilded Wood Frame, Spain, 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Framework. Gilded and polychrome wood, 17th century. Presents loss in lower left area. Frame made of carved wood gilded and polychrome in certain areas that presents a decoration bas...
Other
17th Century Carved Oak Frame with Molded Trim
Located in NANTES, FR
**17th Century Carved Oak Frame with Molded Trim This oak frame dates from the 17th century. It was likely cut down at some point and features a beautiful aged patina. The reinforc...
Wood
21st Century Sterling Silver Baroque "Cartagloria" Picture Frame
Located in VALENZA, IT
Sterling silver frame in Baroque style called Cartagloria. The frame is shaped and decorated with scrolls typical of the Baroque period. In the upper part, in the center, there ...
Sterling Silver
Italian Carved and Lacquered Picture Frame, Circa 1700
Located in CH
Italian Carved and Lacquered Picture Frame Emilia Romagna, Italy, circa 1700 An elegantly carved and lacquered Italian frame, likely originating from Modena around the year 1700. T...
Wood
19th Century, Italian Painting with Still Life with Cherubs
Located in IT
19th century Roman painter Still life with cherubs, flower festoons and herma with faun Measures: Oil on canvas, cm H 78 x W 95 without frame Cm H 122.00 x W 106 x D 8 with frame. The work, painted in oil on canvas, octagonal in shape, represents a nature with three putti or cupids playing with flower festoons in a wooded environment in which is placed a herma with faun and, on the left, a large neoclassical marble vase...
Canvas
Large Sculptural Italian Baroque Tabernacle Frame, Late 18th Century
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
An impressive, large Italian Baroque tabernacle hand carved frame from the late 18th century, which reflects the Renaissance influence of Classical Greek and Italian temples with its columns on both sides and the embellishment of the piece through the carved putti on the top, a typical element of the Baroque style. The religious plaster relief has been added at a later moment. Tabernacle frames...
Walnut
17th Century, Pair of Italian Ink Drawings on Paper with Studies for Grotesques
Located in IT
17th century, pair of ink drawings on paper with studies for grotesques, friezes and helmets. Painter of central Italy of the 17th century, signed with monogram “A.M.”. Measurements: cm L 45.5 x H 59.5 x 5.5; cm 22 x 33 / cm L 46.5 x H 59 x 5.5; cm 22.5 x 31.5 The pair of sheets, in good condition, is framed by antique frames in carved and gilded wood. They show some china studies with some studies for different subjects. Specifically, the first sheet represents the design of a frieze of Renaissance taste under which are some studies probably referring to a family coat of arms. Below the center is a monogram “A.M.”. The sheet is also worked on the back in which are drawn some articulated elements of decoration in the style of the Renaissance grotesque...
Paper
Italian Contemporary Hand-Carved Wood Frame with Gold Leaf Cover, Custom Sizes
Located in Prato, IT
Italian contemporary hand-carved round wood frame with gold leaf cover. Available in custom sizes. Measures: Diameter cm.66 x 9 (Internal diameter cm.35).
Giltwood
Italian Contemporary Hand-Carved Wood Frame with Gold Leaf Cover
Located in Prato, IT
Italian contemporary hand-carved wood frame with gold leaf cover. Available in custom sizes. Measures: cm. 41 x 8 x 42.5 (internal cm.22 x 23).
Giltwood
$170Sale Price|20% Off
B.Esteban Murillo "Les Marchands De Fruits" Engraving by Albert Artigue XIXe
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This etching by Albert Artigue after the oil on canvas by Esteban Murillo. Published in the french art magazine « L' Art » ( 1875-1907) in 1880. Engraved in the 19 century by the Fre...
Paper