Baroque Decorative Art
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 Italian Baroque Decorative Art
Harewood, Reclaimed Wood
2010s British Baroque Decorative Art
Burlap, Plaster, Wood
2010s British Baroque Decorative Art
Burlap, Plaster, Wood
Early 2000s English Baroque Decorative Art
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Baroque Decorative Art
Ceramic, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary North American Baroque Decorative Art
Giltwood, Walnut
1850s English Antique Baroque Decorative Art
Paper
17th Century Italian Antique Baroque Decorative Art
Fruitwood
1950s Chinese Vintage Baroque Decorative Art
Lacquer
1960s French Vintage Baroque Decorative Art
Plaster
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Baroque Decorative Art
Oak
1920s Belgian Vintage Baroque Decorative Art
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Decorative Art
Art Glass, Murano Glass
18th Century French Antique Baroque Decorative Art
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Baroque Decorative Art
Glass
Mid-20th Century Danish Baroque Decorative Art
Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery
Late 20th Century Italian Baroque Decorative Art
Faience, Pottery
2010s French Baroque Decorative Art
Ceramic, Earthenware
21st Century and Contemporary German Baroque Decorative Art
Porcelain