Another Vintage Dollhouse Style Is The Grandeur And Drama Of The Baroque Style

Welcome back, dollhouse enthusiasts! Today, we’re delving into the mesmerizing world of vintage dollhouse styles, and our focus is on the captivating and opulent Baroque style.

I’ve already shared insights on other vintage styles like Victorian, Tudor, and Shabby Chic, but get ready to be amazed by the grandeur, drama, and intricate detailing that the Baroque style brings to the miniature world.

It’s a style that exudes extravagance, from its ornate architecture to its luxurious furnishings. Join me as we explore the enchanting world of Baroque-style dollhouses and uncover their timeless allure.

check up on 21/01/24

What is the Baroque style – a little historie

Drama and politics

The period from 1600 to 1750 was dominated by the captivating style known as “Baroque” for both visual arts and architecture.

The Baroque style is characterized by its dynamic and delicate scrollwork that steals the show, featuring gracefully intertwined S and C shapes, the striking play of light and shadow, and theatrical effects that aim to captivate and mesmerize viewers.

Interestingly, the term “Baroque” itself originated in the late 18th century, derived from the Portuguese word “Barroco,” which means “whimsically shaped pearl.”

However, during its early usage, critics didn’t necessarily use it in a positive light.

The Baroque style emerged from the artistic movement of Mannerism in Italy and quickly spread across Europe, leaving its indelible mark.

During the 17th century, monarchs and church authorities strategically employed Baroque art as a powerful tool for propaganda.

The Baroque period stands as a significant chapter in the history of art and architecture, where innovation, drama, and the pursuit of emotional impact reign supreme.

3 different time periods in Baroque.

The Baroque style can be divided into three distinct periods: Early Baroque, High Baroque, and Late Baroque:

1. Early Baroque (1600-1650): The Early Baroque period marked the transition from the Renaissance style.
   
   Architects during this time focused on incorporating classical elements while gradually introducing Baroque characteristics.
   
   The architecture of this period had a sense of balance and symmetry, with simpler ornamentation compared to later periods.
   
   
2. High Baroque (1650-1700): The High Baroque period represents the pinnacle of Baroque architecture.
   
   Architects fully embraced the theatricality and exuberance of the style. Buildings during this period feature grandiose facades, loads of ornamentation, and dynamic forms.
   
   The use of light and shadow became dramatic, emphasizing the sculptural qualities of the architecture.
   
   
3. Late Baroque or Rococo (1700-1750): The Late Baroque period, also known as the Rococo style, emerged as a reaction to the grandeur of the High Baroque.
   
   In this period, everything became lighter and more decorative.
   
   Architects focused on details, asymmetry, and a sense of playfulness.
   

What Architectural Features Are Prominent in the Baroque style and their Vintage Dollhouse?

It is characterized by its emphasis on lavishness, grandeur, and special details. Let’s dive into some key features that define Baroque architecture:

1. Curved lines: Baroque architects embraced curved lines, creating a sense of movement and fluidity in their designs.
   
   These flowing forms can be seen in the curved facades, arches, and domes that show the specific Baroque structures.
   
   
2. Dramatic Light and Shadow: Baroque architecture plays with light and shadow to create a captivating visual experience.
   
   By incorporating deep recesses, niches, and sculptures, the interplay of light and shadow adds depth and drama to the design.
   
   
3. Ornate Decoration: Ornamentation is a typical mark of Baroque architecture.
   
   Elaborate sculptures, intricate carvings, and decorative motifs (such as cherubs and scrollwork) decorate the facades, interiors, and even the smallest details of Baroque buildings.
   
   
4. Dynamic Facades: Baroque facades often feature a sense of movement and rhythm.
   
   The exteriors are characterized by large elements, such as pilasters or columns, that create a sense of depth and layers.
   
   
5. Symmetry and Asymmetry: Baroque architecture plays with the balance between symmetry and asymmetry.
   
   Baroque architects also introduced asymmetrical elements to create visual interest.
   
   
6. Emphasis on Spatial Experience: Baroque architecture aims to create a captivating spatial experience for the viewer.
   
   Through the manipulation of scale, and the use of illusionistic techniques, such as trompe-l’oeil paintings, Baroque spaces add some visual space.
   

The baroque architecture found its greatest patronage in the Catholic Church and royal courts, where its grandeur and theatricality were celebrated.

What Makes the Baroque Furnishings and Decor of Baroque Vintage Dollhouses Stand Out?

Baroque furniture is a feast for the senses.

These furniture pieces are renowned for their opulence and exquisite details, drawing inspiration from the architecture of the same period. Let’s explore the defining features:

1. Opulent and Rich Materials: Baroque furniture boasts a lavish use of materials, exemplifying the grandeur of the style.
   Expect to find sumptuous fabrics, complicated woodwork, and ornate metal accents that exude luxury and craftsmanship.
   
   
2. Two-Sided Symmetry: Symmetry plays a prominent role in Baroque furniture design.
   The pieces often exhibit a striking balance with their two-sided symmetry, creating a harmonious and visually pleasing composition.
   
   
3. Abundant Decorations: Baroque furniture embraces an abundance of decorative elements.
   Expect to find intense carved details, gilded accents, and sculptural embellishments that elevate the furniture to a level of artistic opulence.
   
   

Exuberant colors and lavish decorations are hallmarks of this furniture style. Notice the spherical legs, a distinctive characteristic of Baroque design.

The furniture is adorned with numerous ornamental features and showcases elegantly curved shapes and legs.

It is not uncommon to find gold or silver-colored fittings adding a touch of refinement to these remarkable pieces.

Not to confuse Roccocco with the Baroque style.

To be clear, when doing the research for this article, I got confused as hell (sorry for my English) as well.

Because when I looked up Baroque dollhouses on Etsy, for example, I tended to find a lot of “French” dollhouse furniture. As I am no interior architect in any way, I looked up the difference between the actual Baroque style and this so-called French style.

Turns out that what is actually meant by the French style is more about a later period (1723-1774), called the Rococo or Late Baroque style, which coincided in France under the reign of King Louis XV. (as explained at the beginning of the article)

Confused yet? I am haha! Anyway, I just wanted to mention this as well.

I found some dollhouses and miniatures in this Baroque vintage dollhouse style

Finding dollhouses or miniatures in this vintage dollhouse Baroque style was honestly not as easy to find as other styles like the dollhouses from Greenleaf, for example, but here we go, some of them!

1. A Baroque Settee tutorial!

I have found this wonderful tutorial on how to create this Baroque settee and it literally has a golden look!

This is created by Billette’s crafts on YouTube:

2. Thierry Bosquet

Not much is known or found about this artist, but I found a blog called LoveIsSpeed with plenty of pictures of dollhouse rooms in the Baroque style. Look at those luxury interiors!

3. Ken Haseltine

Ken Haseltine has created a dollhouse room in the Baroque style and shows the pictures on his Flickr account here.

Furthermore, I didn’t find any actual dollhouses or dollhouse room boxes, but I did find some more beautiful antique furniture pieces:

4. AntiqueologyToday 

“Antiqueology Today” has quite a few antique items, including vintage dollhouse furniture from The House of Miniatures.

These 2 Baroque furniture pieces are from the 1950s “German Spielwaren” and represent a Side Chair and a sofa that I wanted to show you:

Check out these Baroque dollhouse furniture pieces here.

5. Winzerdoll from the Ukrain.

Talk about breathtaking and elegant! This 1/4 baroque armchair for dolls of 16 inches (or even Blythe dolls) is extremely well-made! But please just check it out for yourself and agree with me haha!

Check out more details on this vintage dollhouse furniture here.

6. MiniatureCrush

MiniatureCrush has this white and golden miniature Bathroom Sink in the Baroque style because Baroque dollhouses also need and had bathrooms already 😉

Check it out!

Check out more Baroque miniature bathroom furniture here.

My Final Conclusion

I hope that you found this article on the Baroque vintage dollhouse style and architectural style interesting and informative.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to leave a comment down below in the comment section or join (one of) my social media pages or my cozy Facebook group.

I wish you happy crafting!

Kind regards,

Lizzy

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