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 18th Century Swedish Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Ebony, Oak
1750s Italian Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Walnut
Late 17th Century German Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
1910s English Vintage Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
17th Century British Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
1920s English Vintage Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
Early 1800s Italian Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
19th Century North American Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
Mid-18th Century Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
17th Century Italian Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
17th Century Italian Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Spruce
1840s French Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Cherry
2010s Italian Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
17th Century European Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Leather, Wood, Paint
1960s German Vintage Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
Early 20th Century British Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
18th Century Spanish Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
Late 20th Century Swiss Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass, Steel
1930s English Vintage Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
1850s English Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver
19th Century Belgian Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
1870s English Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
Late 17th Century German Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
19th Century French Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Mahogany
17th Century German Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Glass, Wood
Early 19th Century French Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Enamel
17th Century Danish Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
1720s English Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
17th Century German Antique Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze, Iron