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
Antique Mexican Diablo Mask
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare and very antique Mexican Diablo mask in wood, circa 1940. Great patina.
Wood
$918Sale 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
Xantolo Day of the Dead Mask, Huazalingo, Wood & Goat Hair, 1970s
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Xantolo day of the dead mask from Huazalingo, Hidalgo, A striking example of a Xantolo mask, crafted for the day of the dead event which is profusely celebrated in the Huasteca region of Mexico. The huasteca is known for its rich, Nahua indigenous heritage, comprised of Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí and Veracruz. The mask was part of the Muyaes - Ogazón folk art collection. Jaled Muyaes and Estela Ogazón...
Goat Hair, Wood, Paint
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
Ceramic Mask by Gilbert Portanier, 1979
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilbert Portanier, mask France, Vallauris, 1979. Signed Unique piece Enameled ceramic mask with a polychrome decoration. Nose, arches and beard in relief and two slits to crea...
Ceramic
Ceremonial Jaguar Mask Mexico.
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this extraordinary large-scale Mexican ceremonial mask, hand-carved in wood, depicting the powerful figure of the jaguar—one of the most ancient and sacred symbo...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Mask by N. Dala, Glazed, Congo, 1975
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful ceramic mask by N. Dala. Democratic Republic of the Congo Perfect original conditions, 1975.
Ceramic, Terracotta
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
Ceramic Mask by F. Labelle with a Metal Base, circa 1980-1990
By Labelle
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
An interesting ceramic mask by F. Labelle, with a metal base. Signed "Labelle". Unique piece. Perfect original conditions, circa 1980-1990.
Ceramic
Vintage Leather Mask, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Signed, Circa 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Leather Mask Italian, circa 1960, signed
Leather
$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
1970's Nicaraguan Mask Folk Art
Located in Vancouver, BC
A traditional Indian dance mask from the town of Monimbo, adopted by the rebels during the fight against Somoza. These were worn in order to conceal one's identity. It is a very un...
Metal, Wire
$1,369
H 9.45 in W 8.67 in D 2.76 in
Black Faun Wall Decorative Ceramic Mask circa 1950 French Midcentury
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Wall ceramic mask, circa 1950 French midcentury ceramic mask with elegant black ceramic glaze color. Original perfect conditions Measures: Height 24 cm, large 22 cm, depth 7...
Ceramic