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.
Caspar Netscher Charcoal Portrait Drawing, circa 1670
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Charcoal and chalk portrait drawing on card by renowned Dutch painter Caspar Netscher (Heidelberg/Prague 1639-1684 The Hague) depicting a lady of means...
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
3 Antique Italian Ink Drawings of Venice, Baroque, Circa 1770s
Located in Boca Raton, FL
3 antique 18 th c Italian ink drawings on paper of views of Venice- Dougaba and Santa Maria church, Piazza San Marco with Campanile, Venice fort. framed later. Inscribed and dated.
Paper
Beautiful 17th Century Red Chalk Drawing of the Medici Lion by Domenico Vacca
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Florentine or Flemish school 17th century study of the Medici Lion by Flaminio Vacca. Measures: Sheet 31.7 x 48.8 cm. (12.5 x 19.2 in.) Frame...
Paper
Italian Baroque Period Drawing of the Head of John The Baptist
Located in Hudson, NY
This very fine drawing from the early Baroque period is in Sanguine on laid paper. this Italian drawing in a rich brown-red is framed in a fine old gilded frame...
Paper, Wood
Double-Sided Drawing by Baldassare Franceschini, Called Il Volterrano
By Baldassare Franceschini
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Double-sided Drawing: Studies of a Man Holding a Horn Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist, and study for an Ecce Homo Black chalk on buff paper 14 3/4″ high x 10 3/8″ wi...
Paper
17th Century, Pair of Italian Ink Drawings on Paper with Studies for Grotesques
Located in IT
17th century, pair of ink drawings on paper with studies for grotesques, friezes and helmets. Painter of central Italy of the 17th century, signed with monogram “A.M.”. Measurements: cm L 45.5 x H 59.5 x 5.5; cm 22 x 33 / cm L 46.5 x H 59 x 5.5; cm 22.5 x 31.5 The pair of sheets, in good condition, is framed by antique frames in carved and gilded wood. They show some china studies with some studies for different subjects. Specifically, the first sheet represents the design of a frieze of Renaissance taste under which are some studies probably referring to a family coat of arms. Below the center is a monogram “A.M.”. The sheet is also worked on the back in which are drawn some articulated elements of decoration in the style of the Renaissance grotesque...
Paper
Antique Belgian Engraving of Napoleon I, After Hendrik Schaefels, 1804
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1804 / Engraving / Hendrik Schaefels / paper, wood and glass / Napoleon I / Antique This rare and historically evocative engraving, titled Les Chantiers d’Anvers sous Napo...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Painted Coat of Arms on Vellum, Flanders, 17th c.
Located in PARIS, FR
Interesting coat of arms painted in blazon, surrounded by foliage, with a sort of phylactery on which is noted the name of Cornelia BOLSIUS. In the centre, three protected crossbow ...
Parchment Paper
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Serpent & Galleon, Red Chalk on Paper in GiltWood Frame
Located in Huntington, NY
Serpent & Galleon, Ink on Paper, in an 18th Century GiltWood Frame.
Giltwood, Paper
$1,650 / set
Pair of Italian Old Master Drawings of Soldiers
Located in Bradenton, FL
18th Century Italian Old Master Drawings of Soldiers. These are fine, small illustrations done in brown ink with wash on paper that resemble Old Master figure studies, each depicting...
Paper
Italian Bolognese 17th C. Red Chalk Drawing of a Kneeling Young Man, circa 1680
Located in CH
Italian Bolognese School, Late 17th Century Study of a Kneeling Young Man Red chalk (sanguine) on paper, circa 1680 This expressive sanguine drawing depicts a kneeling young man, r...
Paper
Pair of 20th Century Framed Crackled Prints of Entrances to Schloss Belvedere
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of beautifully framed 20th century crackled paper prints depicting entrances to the Schloss Belvedere Palace in Vienna. One print is of the Main ...
Wood, Paper
F. CEPPARULI (*1750) after VANNI (*1750), "Temple on an Island in the Water"
Located in Madrid, ES
F. CEPPARULI (*1750) after VANNI (*1750), Temple on an Island in the Water, circa 1780 Copper engraving Francesco Cepparuli (before 1750 - after 1767 ) after Niccolo Vanni (before 1...
Paint
18th Century French Drawing
Located in Madrid, ES
18th Century French Drawing 18TH CENTURY FRENCH DRAWING PORTRAIT OF A LADY FROM THE 18TH CENTURY DONE IN PASTEL THE FRAME IS BACK IN GOLDEN WOOD ...
Wood, Paste
Drawing of a hunchback, Rome, 18th s.P.L. GHEZZI?
Located in PARIS, FR
Pen and brown ink drawing, with sepia and gray wash highlights, portraying a hunchbacked man wearing a long coat. He is looking up at the sky, one hand holding a hat (or a piece of c...
Paper
Luigi Bartolini Baldelli "Roman Scene" 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Luigi Bartolini Baldelli Tuscan engraving from the 19th Century " Roman Scene " With mahogany frame Measure: 62cm x 65cm.
Paint
Marcel Delmotte, Drawing, Signed
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marcel Delmotte (1901-1984) , drawing , signed Measures: 31 x 23 cm and 46 x 38 cm.
Paper
English Framed Print 19th Century "A New Collections of English Coins"
Located in Madrid, ES
English framed print 19th century "A New Collections of English Coins" Measures: 55cm x 68cm Very good condition.
Paint
English Framed Print 19th Century "A New Collections of English Coins"
Located in Madrid, ES
English Framed Print 19th Century "A New Collections of English Coins" Measures: 55cm x 68cm Very good condition.
Paint
English Framed Print 19th Century "A New Collections of English Coins"
Located in Madrid, ES
English Framed Print 19th century "A New Collections of English Coins" Measures: 55cm x 68cm Very good condition.
Paint
Lorenzo Rocheggiani "Marte" 18/19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Lorenzo Rocchegianni Italian engraving "Marte" Measures: 65cm x 45cm with frame Very good condition.
Other
English 1920s Large Charcoal Life Drawing
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
English 1920s framed charcoal figure study of a life drawing class in progress. With remarkable talent the artist has constructed a tense scene dominated by the nude male model at th...
Paper
$2,333 / set
H 10.83 in W 7.88 in D 0.01 in
1786 Pair of Red Chalk Drawings After Carracci by Ludwig Weiß, Munich Academy
Located in Epfach, DE
This rare pair of finely executed red chalk drawings was created in 1786 by Ludwig Weiß, a notable academic artist associated with the Munich Academy. Both sheets are signed and date...
Paper
$8,200
H 19.25 in W 20.25 in D 0.5 in
Original Drawing, Circle of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo 1696-1770 Venice, Italy
By Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Original Drawing, Circle of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo 1696-1770 Venice, Italy Although we offer this old master drawing as circle of Tiepolo, we are convinced, based on the composi...
Paper
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.63 in W 24.63 in D 1.88 in
Serpent & Galleon, Red Chalk on Paper in GiltWood Frame
Located in Huntington, NY
Serpent & Galleon, Ink on Paper, in an 18th Century GiltWood Frame.
Giltwood, Paper
Framed Surrealistic Drawing by Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Pedro Friedeberg (Mexican, 1936-) Title:Le Tombeau D'Hemingway Year: 1963 Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper: Size: 14 3/4 x 19 1/2 plus 3 inch frame Mark: upper lef...
Paper
Study of a female nude, Italian futurist charcoal drawing
Located in Milano, IT
A remarkable futurist charcoal drawing on paper depicting a twisting female nude with her arms raised above her head. The work stands out for the plastic force of its lines and the i...
Wood, Paper
"Wanted This Men", Ink Drawing in Protest of War
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Clearly drawn to protest the induction and destruction of young men in the name of war, this ink sketch depicts three inductees in the British army, surrounded by uniformed officers ...
Paper
French Vintage Charcoal Drawing of Jesus
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French, early 20th century (if not prior) charcoal and chalk drawing of a risen Jesus Christ. Beautiful in its monochromatic palette, the work highlights the gathering of fabric in h...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$4,200
H 35.25 in W 28.25 in D 0.5 in
"Roping Sculpture", Drawing of Two Youths w/ Classical Stone Head, Burnt Sienna
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This finely detailed drawing by Peter Todd Mitchell -- famed for his fabric and wallpaper designs after World War II -- depicts two semi-nude male figures maneuvering a Classical stone head...
Paper
Drawing on Paper, Study of a Nude Man, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper, Study of a Nude Man, 20th Century. Drawing, pencil on paper, study of a nude man, lying down, unsigned, 20th century. h: 51cm , w: 50cm, d: 0,2cm
Paper
Abstract Charcoal Drawing by Miriam Kubach
Located in Atlanta, GA
Abstract charcoal drawing by Miriam Kubach, American, circa 1960s. It is executed on paper and has been professionally framed under UV resistant glass in a clean lined black lacquer ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Modernist Ink Drawing of a Sleeping Cat, 1943
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A delicate and intimate ink drawing capturing the serene grace of a sleeping cat, executed with a refined economy of line reminiscent of early 20th-century Belgian modernism. In the ...
Glass, Paper
Sold
H 18 in W 10 in D 2 in
Set of twelve 17th century French engravings after L. Gaultier (c. 1561-1641)
Located in Houston, TX
A rare and architecturally presented suite of twelve 17th century French engravings from the celebrated series Les Festes du Mois, engraved by Leonard Gaultier, one of the most accom...
Paper
Sold
H 14.25 in W 19.75 in D 1.5 in
Original, hand-colored 18th century estate engravings from Britannia Illustrata
Located in Houston, TX
Set of Four Hand-Colored Engravings by Johannes Kip after Leonard Knyff, from Nouveau Theatre de la Grande Bretagne, circa 1707-1725. Important and distinguished highly decorative, ...
Paper
Sold
H 14.38 in W 10.83 in D 0.4 in
Painting, Sanguine on Paper by Jean Robert Ango (1710-1773), XVIIIth Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Painting, Sanguine on Paper by Jean Robert Ango (1710-1773), XVIIIth Century. Sanguine, drawing on paper of a notable man of the town, framed from the XVIIIth century by Jean Robert...
Wood, Paper
Sold
H 13.98 in W 11.82 in D 0.4 in
Sanguine on Paper by Jean Robert Ango (1710-1773), XVIIIth Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sanguine on Paper by Jean Robert Ango (1710-1773), XVIIIth Century. Sanguine, drawing of a woman with her child on framed paper from the 18th century by Jean Robert Ango . Drawing:...
Wood, Paper
Francisco José De Goya Y Lucientes '1746-1828' " Toros "
Located in Madrid, ES
Francisco José DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES (1746-1828) The mob cutting the legs of a bull with spears, half-moons, banderillas and other weapons Plate...
Paint
Sold
H 8.67 in W 8.86 in D 0.6 in
Damiano Ambrosioni, Red Chalk Drawing of a City, Giltwood, Italy 17th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Small red chalk drawing of an Italian city view. Framed behind glass. Image size 9.5 x 10 cm. Signed lower right: Damiano Ambrosioni.
Paper, Giltwood
Sold
H 11.6 in W 8.6 in D 0.1 in
A fine chiaroscuro drawing of a pensive Bearded Venetian Man on blue paper
Located in Leesburg, VA
A fine chiaroscuro drawing of a Bearded Venetian Man gazing downward Possibly by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta or his ambit Early 18th century; Venice, Italy Charcoal with white lead heightening on prepared blue paper Approximate size: 29.5 x 22 cm The present drawing, of superb execution and carefully articulated expressiveness, features the head of an elderly bearded man gazing downward. While his cap suggests a man of middle-class stature, his contemplative gaze embodies a sense of dignity and the wisdom that comes with age. The man is pensive, contemplative, beguiled by his own meditations. The portrait emerges from the negative space of the sheet, with the protagonist’s beard dissipating into the void of prepared rich blue paper—the Venetian carta azzurra—and rendered in black charcoal with white heightening, offering a tonal depth that emphasizes the dimensional relationship between the sheet itself and its portrait. The sketch is highly finished, made with great efficacy, and perhaps copies some detail of a finished work: perhaps a painting made by the artist himself, or one derived from another artist’s work. The verso appears to feature a white chalk counterproof of the Penitent Magdalene and an inscription along its margin offers an old attribution to Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. While the suggestion of Tiepolo is likely incorrect, a more befitting suggestion could be Tiepolo’s contemporary, Giovanni Battista Piazzetta who frequently executed and sold drawings...
Paper
Giovanni Volpato, Pilaster Decoration in the Vatican 1776
Located in Madrid, ES
Giovanni Volpato, Pilaster Decoration in the Vatican large-format depiction of a lavishly decorated and painted pilaster in the loggias of the Vatican, copperplate engraving on two s...
Paper
19th Century Italian Drawing of an Archangel in Red Chalk
Located in Stamford, CT
A good size Italian Baroque style red chalk drawing of a winged angel, possibly Saint Michael the Archangel. The angel is shown in Roman ga...
Paper
Red Chalk Study of a Young Man, 17th Century Italian School
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Drawing study of the head of a young man. Red chalk on paper. With collector's mark at bottom, surmounted by a crown. In an 18th Century Spanish frame...
Paper
Sold
H 27 in W 32 in D 1.5 in
Set of Four Finely Framed and Matted Engravings of English Men on Their Horses
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of four finely framed and matted engravings of English men on their horses. Each signed and titled set in very decorative custom frames.
Paper
Set of Four Finely Framed and Matted Engravings
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of four finely framed and matted engravings. Finely color plates. Each signed and dated. GRAPHIC SHEET, J. V. D. Aveelen, St. Holmia.
Paper