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.
Rare Baroque Memento Mori Reliquary Display in Gilt Shrine
Located in ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Malaga
Italy, 18th Century A rare and evocative Memento Mori devotional display, crafted in Italy during the 18th century. Housed within an elegant giltwood shrine, this remarkable object ...
Glass, Wood
Stunning Large Woman in Tyrollean traditional Costume Vintage Anri Carving
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage wood carving by Anri is a beautiful work of art depicting a woman in traditional Groedner or Tyrolean costume. This wooden figure was made in the 1980s or older and is a...
Wood
18th Century Bohemian Corpus of Christ
Located in Wien, AT
An expressive hand-carved wooden corpus of Christ from 18th century Bohemia, originally mounted on a wooden cross for devotional use. Executed in the late Baroque style, the figure s...
Wood
18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel
Located in San Francisco, CA
A lovely angel, his right hand extended as if to touch something or hold something. He appears very calm and peaceful, clothed in a partial shroud which is draped over his shoulder...
Wood
Pair of 17th Century Italian Carved and Polychrome Angel Figures
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Late 17th/Early 18th Century carved and polychrome Italian angel figures. Now mounted in modern stands. Wonderful baroque carving and retain original paint
Wood
Pair of beautiful Wood Carved Cherub Angel Heads, Vintage German, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair beautiful hand carved and hand painted cherub angel Heads, found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. Made by a woodcarver in the Oberammergau area, this area is well-know...
Wood
Two Hand Carved Musician Cherub Angel Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved pair of musician cherub angels, found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. We believe that this pieces are from the 1960s or older. A nice addition to any r...
Wood
Pair Beautiful Baroque Style Stucco Plaster Cherub Angel Heads, Antique Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
These beautiful Baroque plaster cherub angel heads are an antique from Italy. Made of plaster and hand painted, these cherub angel heads feature intrica...
Plaster, Stucco
$920Sale Price|20% Off
18th Century Carved And Painted Wooden Crucifix From France
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An early 18th Century antique hand carved and polychromed hand painted table crucifix from France with its original patina preserved. This crucifix could possible date back as early ...
Fruitwood
Stunning Large Man in Tyrollean traditional Costume Vintage Anri Carving
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage wood carving by Anri is a beautiful work of art depicting a man in traditional Groedner or Tyrolean costume. This wooden figure was made in the 1980s or older and is a l...
Wood
18th/19th Century Italian Baroque Silvered Metal Altar Monstrance Reliquary
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning antique Italian Baroque style silvered metal gilded wood monstrance reliquary. circa 1770-1820 Handmade in Italy in the late 18th / early 19th century, commissioned by the church to display an important religious relic, sculptural painted wood form, mounted with decorative silver repousse metal facing, open oval window where the philatory relic was once housed, rising on a gold gilt painted shaped plinth base. Dimensions: (approx) 17" High, 8" Wide, 5" Deep, 1.25lbs History: Reliquaries (also referred to as a shrine or châsse in French), are containers used to protect and display relics. A portable reliquary may be called a fereter, and a chapel in which it is housed a feretory. A monstrance, also known as an ostensorium (or an ostensory), is a vessel used in Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, High Church Lutheran and Anglican churches for the display on an altar of some object of piety, such as the consecrated Eucharistic host during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It is also used as reliquary for the public display of relics of some saints. The use of reliquaries became an important part of Christian practices from at least the 4th century, initially in the Eastern Churches, which adopted the practice of moving and dividing the bodies of saints much earlier than the West, probably in part because the new capital of Constantinople, unlike Rome, lacked buried saints. Relics are venerated in the Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and some Anglican Churches. Reliquaries provide a means of protecting and displaying relics. While frequently taking the form of caskets, they range in size from simple pendants or rings to very elaborate ossuaries. The relics were enshrined in containers crafted of or covered with gold, silver, gems, and enamel. These objects constituted a important form of artistic production across Europe and Byzantium throughout the Middle Ages. Many were designed with portability in mind, often being exhibited in public or carried in procession on the saint's feast day or on other holy days. Pilgrimages often centered on the veneration of relics. The faithful often venerate relics by bowing before the reliquary or kissing it; those churches which observe the veneration of relics distinguish between the honor given to the saints and the worship that is due to God alone. Sixteenth-century reformers such as Martin Luther opposed the use of relics since many had no proof of historical authenticity and objected to a cult of saints. Many reliquaries, particularly in northern Europe, were destroyed by Calvinists or Calvinist sympathizers during the Reformation...
Metal
18th Century German Baroque Architectural Putti Bust Wall Shelf Carving
Located in Forney, TX
A finely carved Baroque period architectural element, now fashioned as a sculptural bracket shelf. Hand-crafted by a master-artisan in the 18th century, originally part of a corbel, likely from a church around the Black Forest region of Southern Germany. Exquisitely hand carved solid walnut, exceptionally executed and intricately detailed, featuring two protruding busts of cherub children with fine facial details and sculpted wavy hair, over pierced foliate floral decoration. circa 1750 Provenance / Acquisition: Property from the magnificent estate of the late T. Boone Pickens (1928 -2019). An American business magnate and financier. Acquired from the highly reputable auction house J. Garrett Auctioneers, Dallas, Texas. September 2022 More of T. Boone Pickens Estate catalog J. Garrett Auctioneers had the pleasure of presenting this item from the iconic Texas and Oklahoma oil...
Walnut
18th Century, Spanish Conquistador Carved Wood Figure
Located in Houston, TX
18th century Spanish Conquistador carved wood figure. 18th century Carved and painted wood Spanish Conquistador figure or sculpture. This beautif...
Wood
18th Century Italian Carved Wood and Polychromed Figure of Baby Jesus
Located in Ballard, CA
18th century exceptional Italian carved wood and polychromed figure depicting baby Jesus holding the world in his hand, he has halo made from sterling silver and the globe is also sterling silver.This piece would have originally been dressed in an elaborate gown and would have been changed into different attire depending on the holy season. Extremely detailed and the carving is exceptional. this piece came from a very reputable merchant in Verona, I did inherit it from my mother in Law...
Silver
Baroque Style Wood Carved Cherub Angel Head, Vintage Anri Italy, 1970s
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved and hand painted cherub angel Head, found at an estate sale in Germany. Made by a woodcarver in the South Tyrollean area, this area is well-known for their wo...
Wood
Large C18th Limewood Relief Plaque, Judith And Holofernes
Located in London, GB
A powerful biblical relief carving showing Judith with the head of Holofernes, worked in what appears to be limewood (linden) with a warm, waxed brown surface. The scene is set withi...
Wood
Carved Walnut Bas-Relief “The Visions of the Soul” by Gian Pietro Ceoldo
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A powerful and highly distinctive carved walnut bas-relief by Italian sculptor Gian Pietro Ceoldo, titled “Le Visioni dell’Anima – Il Paradiso,” conceived as an intense meditation on...
Nutwood
Pair of beautiful Wood Carved Cherub Angel Heads, Vintage German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair beautiful hand carved and hand painted cherub angel Heads, found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. Made by a woodcarver in the Oberammergau area, this area is well-know...
Wood
Pair of beautiful Wood Carved Cherub Angel Heads, Vintage German, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair beautiful hand carved and hand painted cherub angel Heads, found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. Made by a woodcarver in the Oberammergau area, this area is well-know...
Wood
Pietro Ceoldo “Politicante,” Italian Contemporary White Lacquered Wood Sculpture
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A visually striking and intellectually thought-provoking work of contemporary Italian sculpture, Gian Pietro Ceoldo’s “Politicante” transforms the impossible grace of a dancer into a...
Hardwood
Pair of beautiful Wood Carved Cherub Angel Heads, Vintage German, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair beautiful hand carved and hand painted cherub angel Heads, found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. Made by a woodcarver in the Oberammergau area, this area is well-know...
Wood
Hand Carved Angel Child Figurine Statue, 1960s German Oberstdorf
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Hand-Carved Cherub Angel Sculpture, Germany, Circa 1960s A beautifully hand-carved cherub angel, this charming sculpture exemplifies the fine craftsmanship and tradition of German w...
Wood
Pair of Baroque Style Wood Carved Cherub Angel Heads, Vintage Anri Italy, 1970s
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair beautiful hand carved and hand painted cherub angel Heads, found at an estate sale in Germany. Made by a woodcarver in the South Tyrollean area, this area is well-known for th...
Wood
Pair of Italian Carved and Polychromed Wood Models of Rearing Horses
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A charming pair of Italian carved and polychromed wood models of rearing horses, late 18th/early 19th century. Each spirited animal is modeled mid-rear — one dark, one dapple grey — ...
Wood
Antique Baroque Handcarved Lion Sculpture, Italian or Austrian
By Antonio Raggi
Located in Vienna, AT
Early fine carved sculpture of a lying lion. Attributed to the circle of Alessandro Vittoria, located in northern Italy/ Venice. Original late Renaissance or early Baroque figure. T...
Wood
Pair of Baroque Style Wood Carved Cherub Angel Heads, Vintage German, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair beautiful hand carved and hand painted cherub angel Heads, found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. Made by a woodcarver in the Oberammergau area, this area is well-know...
Wood
$12,950Sale Price|29% Off
Large 19th Century Patinated Bronze & Giltwood Carved Crucifix - Siegfried & Roy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Large and Impressive Continental 19th Century Patinated Bronze and Giltwood Carved Crucifix Former property of Siegfried & Roy, the renown German...
Bronze
18th Century Noblewoman Man Wooden Gingerbread Cookie Speculaas Springerle Mold
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Classic 118th century wooden double sided gingerbread cookie or speculaas springerle mold (Noblewoman and Nobleman). Made of hand carved wood. Found...
Wood
Elegant Mahogany Plant/Bust Holder Column - Vintage 1960s
Located in Manzano, IT
Gorgeous decorative mahogany wood column, dating from the 1960s. The piece is distinguished by a refined central shaft with spiral (torchon) work, which lends momentum and elegance t...
Mahogany
Italy Sicily Late 19th Century Set 7 Kitchen Wooden Tiles with Rural Scenes
Located in Brescia, IT
This particular set of wooden tiles, was handmade with colorful rural scenes, to decorate the sides of the Sicilian carts used during popular folks. Thes...
Wood
Large Baroque Style Late 18th or Early 19th Century Carved Giltwood Angel
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A Baroque style gilt carved wood Icon or angel sculpture - depicting draping robes and curling locks of hair. Wall hanging. Original iron hanging point. As expected wear, Italy, Circ...
Wood, Giltwood
Saint Eloi, religious Carved Boxwood Statue, 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A statue carved from very high quality boxwood, monobloc carved The statue represents "Sint Eloi", patron saint of blacksmiths 19th Century Old patina Figure height 18.5 cm, total he...
Boxwood
17th Century Italian Polychrome Carved Wood Statue Of Saint Florian
Located in Bilzen, BE
A fine quality 17th century Italian polychrome carved wood Saint Florian Saint Florian (Latin: Florianus; 250 – c. 304 AD) was a Christian holy man a...
Wood
Italy Sicily Late 19th Century Set of 4 Kitchen Wooden Tiles with Rural Scenes
Located in Brescia, IT
This particular set of wooden tiles, was handmade with colorful rural scenes, to decorate the sides of the Sicilian carts used during popular folks. Thes...
Wood
St. John Santos Sculpture, 18th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A large Saint John the Baptist santos sculpture, 18th century. 17 ½ inches wide by 14 inches deep by 43 inches tall
Wood
$1,800Sale Price|47% Off
Scandinavian Late 17th Century Baroque Angel Candleholder
Located in Copenhagen, K
Late 17th Century Baroque Angel Candlestick, Scandinavian Amazing carved wood and polychrome candleholder.
Wood
Column Vase/Bust Holder - 1980s Vintage Handicrafts
Located in Manzano, IT
elegant pedestal column in classical style, handcrafted production in the 1980s. The cabinet has a solid and imposing structure, with fine hand-carved details: floral-patterned panel...
Mahogany
Vincent Gonzalez Crucifixion, Carved Oak Subject
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Vincent Gonzalez (1928-2019) Crucifixion. Carved oak subject.
Oak