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.
$5,160Sale Price|50% Off
French 18th Century Forged Iron Folk Art Baroque Tavern Sign
Located in Buisson, FR
Important and beautiful 18th century Tavern sign depicting a rearing white horse with a crowned coat of arms on its back. Most likely from the Alsace, France due to the German influe...
Iron
Folk Art Sign
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian Folk Art sign with overscale finger, insribed ‘Left Luggage’.
Hardwood
18th Century Apothecary Sign
Located in Napa, CA
18th Century Apothecary sign was created with wrought iron, fer forge. Beautiful details of the medical symbol of a winged staff with two snakes intertwined.
Wrought Iron
$820
H 29 in W 5 in D 27 in
Tavern Sign 19th/20th Century, Iron and Tin, Hand Painted, Mermaid with Swan
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare and highly decorative antique tavern sign dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, handcrafted from iron and tin and beautifully han...
Metal
British Crown & Anchor Iron Hanging Tavern or Pub Sign
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare hanging British "Crown and Anchor" pub or tavern sign constructed out of iron and wood. The sign is crafted with a forged iron frame having two hanging loops. The sign feature...
Iron
Vintage Smaller Folk Art 19th Century Barber Pole
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A great Folk Art barber pole in a smaller size that would hang on a post or in the front of the shop with holes to the reverse. Having fantastic patina with wear, age and being repai...
Wood, Paint
$850
H 18 in W 20.5 in D 4 in
American Folk Art Wood and Iron Farm Bureau Weathervane Advertising Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great looking cartoon Midwestern Americana weathervane. Farm Bureau Insurance started in 1921. This great piece most likely was a premium or advertising piece. Hand painted wood with...
Iron
Antique Folk Art Sign Copper Folk Art
Located in Munich, DE
This unusual ornamental copper plate was used to write information on it, possibly the menue for a restaurant. We can see traces of writing. The beautifull carving shows birds, leav...
Copper
$2,600
H 24 in W 16 in D 18 in
19th Century Folk Art Hand Painted Watchmaker Wooden Trade Sign with Iron Hanger
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful folk art watchmaker trade sign with hand painted dial and gilt case, including a forged wrought iron arched hanger for the outside of a shop. Possibly English or American...
Wrought Iron
18th or 19th Century French Ship Chandler's Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th or 19th century French ship chandler's trade sign, circa 1800, an oval pine double sided sign built with large dove-tails, advertising Cooperage and...
Pine
American Folk Art Fishing Lure Trade Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Early 20th century fishing lure trade sign. Hand forged and hand painted oversized trade sign. With red painted blade and feathers. A historic piece, with the perfect rustic look. Gr...
Metal
Authentic Antique Folk Art Equestrian Horse Farm Sign
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Charming hand made vintage horse farm sign that is finished front and back. The horse and letters are black wrought iron, and the wood has a distressed paint...
Iron
$6,057
H 27.96 in W 20.08 in D 45.67 in
Impressive Huge 19th Century Pawnbroker Folk Art Sign with Three Spheres Symbol
Located in Lowestoft, GB
An impressive rare and monumental in scale folk art pawnbroker trade sign with its original trio of giltwood spheres which represent the universal symbol for the pawnbroker trade. ...
Wrought Iron
Antique Lion Rampant Heraldic Shield, English, ca. 1860
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful polished cast iron wall-mounted armorial. Fixed to a distressed shield shaped painted panel which is also circa 1860.
Iron