Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
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.
Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
Early 1900s Spanish Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
1910s English Vintage Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
1920s English Vintage Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century German Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century American Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Walnut, Pine
Early 20th Century European Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
Early 19th Century German Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Walnut, Softwood
Mid-20th Century Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
Early 19th Century Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
1890s Italian Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Oak, Paint, Wood
Mid-20th Century European Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Mid-19th Century English Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Dutch Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Clay
1920s Vintage Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Resin
Early 20th Century European Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
1920s Canadian Vintage Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
Early 20th Century French Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold, Enamel
1910s Spanish Vintage Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Early 20th Century Swiss Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Early 20th Century French Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
Early 20th Century French Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold, Enamel
Early 20th Century European Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Tin