Baroque

Originating in 17th century Italy, the ornate Baroque style is characterised by its dramatic exuberance and luxurious decadence. Floral garlands and scrolling foliate imagery are common to Baroque design, as is the use of heavy textiles such as velvet and damask. The style was to greatly influence furniture design across Europe throughout the 17^th century, remaining popular until the early 18^th century.

The Baroque style is known for its expert use of movement, contrast, and exaggeration. Grandeur is a central component in this style, aiming to achieve a sense of awe. This stylistic exuberance finds cohesion across the arts in intricate ornamentation.

Baroque motifs, often incorporated into the design on Baroque style antiques, include trophies, weapons, baskets of fruits and flowers, marquetry, and cartouche (a type of ornamental scrollwork). A number of famous painters dedicated themselves to this style including Annibale Carracci, Caravaggio, and Artemisia Gentileschi.

The Baroque soon found fame across the globe, travelling via colonial initiatives to Africa, Asia, South America, the Philippines, and Central America. In China, for instance, it was the Baroque style that was favoured by the Qing rulers.

Browse our selection of Baroque antiques as part of the Mayfair Gallery collection and find your perfect piece today.