Baroque Bookends
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.
2010s Czech Baroque Bookends
Brass
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Baroque Bookends
1980s American Vintage Baroque Bookends
Brass
Early 19th Century English Antique Baroque Bookends
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20th Century Korean Baroque Bookends
Brass
1950s British Vintage Baroque Bookends
Brass
19th Century French Antique Baroque Bookends
Metal, Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Baroque Bookends
Wood, Paper
19th Century French Antique Baroque Bookends
Pewter
1980s Indian Vintage Baroque Bookends
Brass
1970s Indian Vintage Baroque Bookends
Brass
1880s German Antique Baroque Bookends
Brass
20th Century Italian Baroque Bookends
Brass
1950s American Vintage Baroque Bookends
Leather
17th Century French Antique Baroque Bookends
Metal
17th Century Czech Antique Baroque Bookends
Brass
Mid-20th Century Kenyan Baroque Bookends
Wood