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.
1970s Bacchus as Harvest Jester Ceramic Mask Majolica Ceramiche Artistice, Italy
Located in Andernach, DE
Absolutely impressive Bacchus in the shape of a jester carrying a full bounty of the harvest on his head: there is fiery red pepperoni placed as horns, a juicy plum, lemons and plent...
Ceramic
$942Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.54 in W 6.3 in D 7.09 in
A woven wicker donkey head wall mask – 1970s - France
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A beautiful wall mask made from woven esparto grass, depicting a donkey’s head. This rare piece of folk art from the South of France dates back to the 1970s. Entirely handcrafted, it...
Natural Fiber
Antique Mexican Demon Mask
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare antique Mexican Demon mask in wood, circa 1970. The mask makes a sound when moved.
Wood
Vintage Lega - Kwele Mask from Congo Africa, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A hand-carved partially painted (natural pigments) Lega/kwele/bakwele mask. Artisan made in Congo circa 1960-80 and brought back to Denmark by a Danish traveller. It is executed in u...
Fruitwood
$800 / set
H 27 in W 16 in D 6 in
Pair of Handcrafted Venetian Jester Masks with Opera Sticks, Commedia dell’Arte
Located in Miami, FL
A striking pair of handcrafted Venetian jester masks, created in Italy circa 2000 and inspired by the rich theatrical traditions of Commedia dell’Arte. These original Venetian folk a...
Gold, Brass, Metallic Thread
Vintage African Tribal Mask, Hand-Crafted Wood and Shell, 1970s Art
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Intriguing good looking mask artistically made of combination of hand crafted beads ,shells , and hand painted wood. To make such a exceptional object of art for display. Custom-mad...
Shell, Wood, Beads
$363
H 4.34 in W 3.94 in D 1.58 in
Small Greek Bronze Brass Theatre Mask Wall Hang Decorative 1970s Vintage Art
Located in London, GB
This is a small Greek theatre mask made of bronze, from the 1970s, designed to be mounted on a wall. The mask has exaggerated facial expressions typical of Ancient Greek theatrical ...
Brass, Bronze
Clay Mask, 1960s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic sculptural clay mask wall art made in Italy. Hand made in an aged adobe color with a short rope which ties off on the face of the mask. Hangs from a single screw making ins...
Clay, Rope
$363
H 4.34 in W 3.94 in D 1.19 in
Small Greek Bronze Brass Theatre Mask Wall Hang Decorative 1970s Vintage Art #2
Located in London, GB
This is a small Greek theatre mask made of bronze, from the 1970s, designed to be mounted on a wall. The mask has exaggerated facial expressions typical of Ancient Greek theatrical ...
Brass, Bronze
$1,300
H 17.52 in W 16.54 in D 6.7 in
Old wooden mask from southern China/lion mask/ritual item//Festival Mask
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Masks have been created around the world since ancient times, deeply connected to the human spirit. Many performing arts involving masks, where the wearer transforms into another bei...
Wood
Clay Mask, 1960s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic sculptural clay mask wall art made in Italy. Hand made in an aged adobe color with a short rope which ties off on the face of the mask. Hangs from a single screw making ins...
Clay, Rope
$2,660
H 17.13 in W 14.38 in D 6.5 in
African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells and Bells from the Ivory Coast 1970s
Located in Salzburg, AT
African Dan Yakuba Guard Mask Small Shells and Bells from the Ivory Coast 1970s Female wooden mask with rich decoration of textile elements, small shells and ceramic beads. The mouth...
Iron
$664
H 8.27 in W 5.91 in D 3.94 in
Lukia XXIth century design wall colored decorative african ceramic mask
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Lukia Modern african decorative wall ceramic mask Original ceramic glazes colors Original perfect condition Signed and dated 2007 Height 21 cm Large 15 cm Depth 10 cm
Ceramic
Venetian Handmade Pink Rose Fabric Turban Mask with Handle and Feathers
Located in New York, NY
This Folk Art mask is a real Venetian creation, entirely hand-drawn and handcrafted. Italian Artists have realized this piece in full respect of craftsmanship traditions and following original designs developed in Venice for “Commedia dell'Arte” during the late 17th century. The papier mâché face...
Feathers, Fabric, Paper
Sold
H 25.5 in W 17 in D 4 in
Italian Modern Venetian Carnival Handmade Blue Mask with Flower Pleated Jabot
Located in New York, NY
This Folk Art mask is a real Venetian creation, entirely hand-drawn and handcrafted. Italian Artists have realized this piece in full respect of craftsmanship traditions and followin...
Metallic Thread, Gold