What is Baroque furniture?
Baroque style uses exaggerated movement and clear detail to create grandeur and enthusiasm in painting, sculpture, music and decoration. Baroque furniture captures this taste and is evident in rich details, live colors and wealth. The decoration of the period was widely detailed and highly ornamental. Baroque began at the beginning of the 16th century in Rome and spread throughout Europe.
The Roman Catholic Church encouraged a rich style using Baroque furniture and paintings. The Church said it wanted to use Baroque art and style to inspire raw emotions, which allows people to feel closer to religion. The aristocracy also appreciated the dramatic style of Baroque furniture and used it in its palaces. Baroque style prefers large pieces, exaggerated decorations, colossal statues and high volumes.
Louis XIV from France enjoyed Baroque furniture and used it as evidence of his royal glory. He was King of France from 1643 to 1715, when Died. It was strongly incorporated into his Versailles Royal Palace.
Small details were ODEcly integrated into Baroque furniture. Cherubs was often depicted in art and was added to almost any piece of furniture or decoration. Cherubs were evident from the fireplaces to the paintings. They were also used as an accent in furniture, often carved into a chair or sofa. Nymphs and angels often accompanied or replaced the cherubs.
The golden gold leaf of gilded Baroque furniture was common during this period. Deep colors were used in a rich velor or velvet fabric to cover sofas or chairs. The seating was large, soft and comfortable. Gold and marble were often expensive elements of Baroque tables. Mirrors with complicated foiat patterns complement and create a larger looking room.
Baroque design had immense popularity in England. This gilded style was used by the depiction of the wealth of the owner. Baroque style also influenced American craftsmen who began to employ complex patterns in carvings in furniture that wouldl usually made of oak. This simple yet excellent imitation of Baroque furniture was known as a pilgrimage style.
Poland accepted the Baroque style and mixed it with oriental influences. Poland shared a large border with the Ottoman Empire, so this influence was integrated into the Baroque style. It created something that was unique for Polish furniture.
In the 18th century, the Baroque era of Rococo style retreated. This new style was lighter and more decorative, often described as too complicated. The Rococo era continued to be popular until 1750.