The Baroque period began in the 17th century and has had noticeable effect on furniture design throughout the culture of Western Europe. The Baroque style is very rich, sumptuous and decadent. Intricate designs and details are all necessary to the style which all contributes to the harmonious flow of the overall design and movement of the structure. The details relate to the object as a whole rather than just a design on the surface.
(Figure 2)
As shown in Figure 2 many designs are traditional in baroque furniture such as Griffins, Draped Urns, and Anthemion. Cupboards, Large wardrobes and cabinets had twisted columns, heavy moldings and broken pediments created an elegant and stylistic feature.The Baroque style was developed in the late 17th century by Germany and England, owing much influence to Asian interiors in particular Japanese ceramics and ethnic fabrics. Ceilings were high creating a stretched door and window feature giving grandeur to a room. Drapery was also a key feature, the more fabric you owned and finer it was, the richer and more respected you became.
(Figure 3) Grand wall designs
(Figure 4) Lots of gold was used to emphasise wealth and virtue.
(Figure 6) Columns and borders used around interior.
Figure 2 - Wells, Stanley 1975 Period Lighting, Great Britain, Pelham Books Ltd, 14
