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.
$1,484 / set
Pair of Earthenware Jugs, 18th Century, Italy.
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of earthenware jugs, 18th century, Italy. Decorated in shades of blue, depicting a chalice and monstrance, with the initials "SS" for the Blessed Sacrament. Minor defects. Heig...
Ceramic
Gorgeous bronze and glass vase, decorative in classical style, 1970s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Gorgeous vintage-style decorative vase, made with a finely decorated bronze base and a glass frame worked with elegant carvings. The frosted glass top cup gives a delicate and refine...
Bronze
Logbin Brass Copper Rivets Planter
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Unusual with the copper band which is highly decorative elevating the calibre of this log bin. Holds a large quantity of large logs or coal. Suitable for everyday use. Could be re-purposed as a jardiniere or wine cooler for a party. An upper band of copper attached to the brass body with copper rivets...
Brass, Copper
Silvered Champagne Bucket, Bronze, Medici Urn Greek Gods dancing Maidens
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large size cast Bronze with high detailing Champagne bucket with Greek gods of wine and fertility on the sides. High polished lost wax bronze casting with a...
Bronze
$1,349Sale Price|34% Off
Korbschale Porzellan polychrom bemalt KPM Berlin nach 1870
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in Aachen, DE
Prächtige, reich floral geschmückte Korbschale der KPM Berlin, gerfertigt nach 1870. 6 der 12 aufgesetzten Blüten weisen kleine Beschädigungen auf, ansonsten unbeschädigt.
Porcelain
Large Italian cup in Red Marble garnished with an assortment of sea shells
Located in PARIS, FR
Large cup made of red marble from Vitrolles turned foot, garnished with shells. Composition of shells including a leopard cone (conus leopardus), a horned helmet (cassis cornuta), tw...
Marble
Giant Italian early 18th Century Brass Scale / Planter featuring St. George
Located in Troy, NY
Extraordinary, monumental 6' tall brass scale of Italian Origin, ca. 1700. The Baluster-form stem ending in a tripod base and having a cast brass finial featuring St, George slaying...
Brass
Amazing Antique Italian Large Lidded Cassolet Vase, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Amazing Antique Italian large lidded cassolet vase 19th century In green marble with a beautiful frame in decorated bronze (including children and garlands) - height: 66 cm Very goo...
Marble
$10,202Sale 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
Dutch Patinated Copper Jardiniere in the Baroque Style
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Dutch patinated copper jardiniere in the Baroque style.
Copper
Coppered Covered Urn With Bronze Mounts
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A grand scaled hand pounded copper urn with magnificent cast bronze horned figure mounts. From Florence, Italy.
Bronze, Copper
FRENCH FRUIT BOARD TABLE CENTER "Val St. Lambert" 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
FRENCH FRUIT BOARD TABLE CENTER "Val St. Lambert" 19th Century in molded crystal with silver mounts. Hallmark (Boar II), in use since (1887-1938). Crystal marked "Val St. Lambert". ...
Crystal
Pharmacy sleeve in earthenware, 17th century Italy
Located in Madrid, ES
Pharmacy sleeve in earthenware, 17th century Italy Decorated with a blue cartouche featuring a cross and floral motifs. Height: 27 cm. Good condition.
Ceramic