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.
18th Century Italian Hand Carved Baroque Giltwood Reliquary
Located in Port Jervis, NY
18th century reliquary from northern Italy. Giltwood, polychromed and looks to be hand carved from one piece of wood. Mortised thru the base. A reliquary was used to house a religio...
Glass, Giltwood
Exceptional Polychrome Wooden Music Stand, Late 18th-era or early 19th-era.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Music stand from the late 18th century or early 19th century, Northern Italy, made of carved and polychrome wood. H: 215 cm, W: 79 cm, D: 66 cm Please contact us before placing an ...
Wood
$5,100Sale Price|40% Off
Angelo Basso Bronze Sculpture 'Vanity', Baroque Style, Italy, 1980s
By Angelo Basso
Located in Miami, FL
This striking bronze figurative sculpture by renowned Italian-American artist Angelo Basso is a testament to his exceptional craftsmanship and mastery of ...
Bronze
17th Century Antique Baroque Table Bases, Hand-Carved Pinewood, Gilded
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique pair of Portuguese Baroque architectural table bases made of hand carved Pinewood, in good condition. The partly gilded pieces are particularized by floral décor. Authenti...
Pine, Giltwood
Large Antique 18th Century Italian Sculptural Wooden Barley Twisted Pedestal
Located in Odense, DK
A striking hand-carved wooden sculpture, nearly 200 cm tall, with a twisted form that evokes organic movement and architectural rhythm. Painted in delicate layers of soft pink, green...
Oak, Wood
20th Century French Wooden Baroque Decoration On Metal Base
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th Century French wooden Baroque decoration features richly sculpted fruit motifs and traces of its original polychrome finish, offering a striking example of ornamental craft...
Metal
$1,665Sale Price|25% Off
17th Century Italian Candlestick with Fossil Agate Coral & Pearls on Lucite
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
17th century distressed Italian decorated church candlestick with fossil agate coral and natural forming baroque pearls on a lucite base. The 17th century Italian distressed candles...
Coral, Agate
$9,906Sale Price|20% Off
Baroque Rain White Ceramic Sculpture Glazed Earthenware Contemporary
Located in London, GB
Renzi & Reale, Baroque Rain, 2003, glazed earthenware. Measures: 36 x 36 x 56 cm Large white ceramic sculpture by renowned designer-...
Ceramic, Earthenware
$1,793Sale Price / set|55% Off
H 13.39 in W 17.13 in D 4.34 in
Pair of 18th Century Italian Carved Giltwood Baroque Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique Baroque giltwood candleholders for in total 6 candles, Italy, circa 1750-1780. Weathered, repairs and losses. More pictures available on request. Measurement individual.
Wood
$1,013
H 10.44 in W 3.35 in D 3.35 in
20th Century French in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base
By Brumal
Located in VALENZA, IT
Figure realized in sterling silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 19.5 cm high and depicts a 15th century French soldier with Jousting Lance and shield The wood square base is 7 cm high where there is an engraved label "Armatura Francese XV° Secolo" - "French Armour...
Sterling Silver
LATE 19th CENTURY PORCELAIN SCULPTURE GROUP "MUSIC SCENE"
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant sculpture group in polychrome porcelain, blue and white, with gold finishes, representing a musician and a noblewoman intent on attending the concert. The musician, sitting o...
Porcelain
$768Sale Price|45% Off
H 9.26 in W 10.63 in D 3.35 in
French 18th Century Hand Carved Baroque Winged Angel Head
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful hand carved winged angel head with its original color and gilding. France, circa 1750 Weathered and small losses and old repair. Treated against woodworm. Measurement here...
Wood
Wooden Sculpture of Saint Francis of Assisi, 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Carved and partially polychromed wooden sculpture of a Franciscan monk with raised arms and an upward gaze, likely representing Saint Francis of Assisi. Fragmentary condition; the ar...
Wood
17th Century Italian Baroque Giltwood Angel Candlestick
Located in Buisson, FR
A monumental 17th-century Italian Baroque sculpture of an angel, dating to circa 1650-1680 and masterfully hand-carved from solid wood. This commanding candlestick (porte-ierge) feat...
Wood
18th Century Italian Baroque Santos Figure
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
18th Century Italian Baroque Santos Figure Italy, 18th century or older An exquisite 18th-century Italian Baroque Santos figure is a fine example of religious artistry, dating back...
Wood
Beautiful Lobster Sculpture Brass Bronze, Vintage, Italy, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This striking brass or bronze lobster sculpture was most likely produced in Italy during the 1980s. While the maker or artist remains unidentified, the piece reflects the playful ele...
Bronze
20th Century French Vintage Abstract Brutalist Raw Metal Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern French abstract Brutalist sculpture, décor piece made of hand crafted raw metal, in good condition. Minor fading, scratches due to age. Wear consistent w...
Metal
$419Sale Price|49% Off
H 7.88 in W 6.7 in D 2.76 in
Small 18th Century French Baroque Carved Giltwood Angel Head on Wings
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered giltwood winged angel head, France, circa 1750 Weathered and small losses. Measurements include the wooden base. H:20cm W:17cm D:7cm
Wood
$996
H 12.6 in W 10.63 in D 3.55 in
18th Century Antique Italian Giltwood Floral Decorative Ornament on Stand
Located in Buisson, FR
A spectacular and highly decorative 18th-century antique giltwood ornament, dating to the Baroque / Rococo period, circa 1720–1760. Masterfully hand-carved, this high-relief carving ...
Wood
18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Wooden cross Guanajuato, Mexico Wood, paint 22 x 13 inches, (56 cm x 33 cm) 18th century A wonderful old wooden cross with a painted crucified Christ figure, an angel, possibly Mary Magdelene...
Wood, Paint
18th Century French Wooden Baroque Decoration On Metal Base
Located in High Point, NC
This 18th Century French wooden Baroque decoration is a richly carved fragment transformed into a striking sculptural object. Featuring an abundant cluster of fruit—likely pomegranat...
Metal
Castilian millstone in granite and iron sculpture foot
By Soft Baroque
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind traditional Castilian millstone, wheel, or millstone, circular in shape , forming a unique, singular, and impressive sculpture. The piece is made of granite, and vari...
Granite, Iron
Important Marble High Relief "BOAR HUNT" 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Important Marble High Relief "BOAR HUNT" 18th Century 55x123x7 cm approx. Performed for the Grand Tour. good condition for the age
Carrara Marble
Baroque Style Faux Bois MAC Gilt Candlestick Floor Sculpture, Mar Co.
By MAC
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Tall floor torchère sculpture by Mar Co.' and 'M.A.C. Sculpture, Inc. California. This baroque inspired sculptural floor candlestick is made of resin with a reflective gilt painted f...
Gold Leaf
Sold
H 82.29 in Dm 15.75 in
Huge Antique 18th Century Italian Sculptural Wooden Barley Twisted Pedestal
Located in Odense, DK
A tremendously unique and rare barley twisted column / pedestal in solid oak, later painted in various colors. This architectural piece was made by an Italian cabinetmaker in the lat...
Wood, Oak
Antique Gothic Giltwood Frieze
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Italian antique frieze in hand-carved wood and gilded gold leaf. Very rare. (See my published ancient friezes). You can hang it on the headboard, on a...
Fruitwood
18th Century Spanish Silver on Wood Baroque Reliquary
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and detailed reliquary holder with a thin hammered layer of silver on wood. Beautiful details., Spain, circa 1750. Weathered and small losses.
Silver
Small 19th Century Italian Carved Baroque Style House Altar
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique carved small house altar with its original gilding and several colors visible. Italy, circa 1800-1850. Weathered.
Wood
Pair of Spanish Solomonic Columns, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Spanish Solomonic columns, 18th century. In carved, polychrome and gilded wood. Height: 76 cm. each. good condition.
Wood
Pair 18th Century Portuguese Baroque Vase Finial Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful 18th century baroque finial ornaments with great old colors and gilding. Portugal circa 1750. Weathered, small losses and old repairs. Mor...
Wood
Pair 18th Century Italian Giltwood Baroque Vase Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful 18th century giltwood baroque ornaments in a good but weathered condition. Italy, circa 1750.
Wood
Sold
H 21.46 in W 8.27 in D 3.55 in
17th / 18th Century French Carved Oak Baroque Altar Niche with Angel Head
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique carved oak Baroque altar niche. France, circa 1650-1750. Weathered, small losses and old repairs. Measurement includes the wooden base.
Oak