From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.
Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.
Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.
Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.
Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$13,568Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century French Empire Pendule Portefaix circa 1810 Paris
Located in Münster, DE
Paris, Empire, c. 1810, bronze body, fire-gilt and patinated, designed by Jean-André Reiche in 1808, 8-day movement, enamel dial with Roman numerals, figure of the wearer on an oval ...
Bronze, Enamel
Fine Early 19th C. Bronze Mantel Clock “Saint Mark with Lion”, Detouche, Paris
By C. Detouche
Located in Lisse, NL
A fine and highly decorative early 19th century French mantel clock, signed C. Detouche, Bté, Paris, depicting Saint Mark the Evangelist seated beside his traditional attribute, the ...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Napoleon I vs Alexander I Monumental Sterling Silver and diamonds Chess Set
By Konforti
Located in ראשון לציון, IL
“Napoleon I vs. Alexander I” is a monumental sculptural chess set conceived as a collectible work of art, created within the Konforti family atelier in the spirit and artistic tradit...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Enamel
19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Mantel Clock Urania - Allegory of astronomy Montpellier Bronze, marble, enamel circa 1825 Dimensions: Height x width x depth: 37 x 31 x 10 cm Description: Beautiful mantel clock designed by the famous Parisian bronzier Jean Andre Reiche...
Enamel, Ormolu
Late 18th Century Round Wooden Engraved Snuffbox Pillbox
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small round Danish late 18th Century snuffbox or pillbox featuring elaborate engravings. Very versatile piece that could also hold jewelry or small trinkets on a vanity. This piece m...
Wood
Antique Russian Silver & Cloisonné Enamel Cigarette Case Circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
A remarkable antique Russian silver cigarette case dating to the late Imperial Russian period, circa 1900, distinguished by its elegant craftsmanship, colorful cloisonné enamel decor...
Silver, Enamel
$952Sale Price|29% Off
Boin-Taburet Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Vase, circa 1900
By Boin-Taburet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant French Louis XVI style cut crystal and gilt bronze vase by Boin-Taburet, dating to circa 1900. This refined decorative piece combines finely cut crystal with an architectu...
Crystal, Bronze
An Exquisite French Empire Ormolu and Cut-Crystal Clock, C. 1815
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Exquisite French Empire Ormolu and Cut-Crystal Clock, c. 1815, attributed to Baccarat. Made from the finest quality mercury gilding ormolu, this clock depicts an allegory seated...
Crystal, Ormolu
$1,350Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Playing Card Box, Rosewood & Brass Inlays, Circa 1860
Located in Münster, DE
Large casket, rosewood solid and veneered, France circa 1860/70, brass handle embedded in the lid, brass inlays, nice division inside (originally for tokens and cards), restored cond...
Brass
Pair Old Paris Porcelain Vases France Empire Style Circa 1840
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Old Paris porcelain mantel vases stands out immediately for its remarkable mirror-bright gilding, a luminous surface that captures and reflects light in the luxurious ma...
Porcelain
Beautiful French Ormolu Mounted Tiffany Blue Opaline Crystal Casket/Jewelry box
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful French Ormolu Mounted Tiffany Blue color Opaline Crystal Casket/Jewelry box This French Blue Opaline Ormolu-Mounted Casket features a solid rectangular form crafted from...
Bronze
Empire Style Crystal Box with Classical Gilt Ormulo Mounts
Located in London, GB
A French late 19th century Empire style crystal box with classical gilt bronze mounts.
Ormolu
Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large egg on smooth tripod with 8-day mechanical skeletal Swiss movement with alarm, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché with Russian E...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Art Nouveau Style Brass Orb Witches Ball, Embossed Pedestal Desktop Sculpture
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Elegant Art Nouveau brass orb or witches ball featuring a smooth domed lid, decorative cast floral and ribbon motifs, and a sculptural tripod base with organic flowing lines. The ref...
Brass
Gardener’s Delight, Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze Beehive Model Encrier
Located in New York, NY
Great fun for a gardening afficionado - a delightful desk accessory wether you're planning a beautiful garden, tending a beehive, ordering new seeds for the season or wish for a an uplifting reminder at your work space of the bounty and beauty of nature... France, 19th century This fabulous antique French gilt bronze inkstand has a beehive central well with a hay stack cover, several bees on the surface, flanked by two bronze baskets with covers laden with fruit, flowers and wheat sheaves, at the base of one sits a bird leaning over a large basket with a container for sand in the shape of a large bunch of wheat tied with a rope and a bird perched on top as a cover. The back of this fantasy is composed of a group of garden implements which include a sickle, a spade, a trowel, a scythe, ring pliers and a pitch fork tied with an attractive bow and hung with garlands of flowers, masses of grapes, wheat forming a support for a quill. The base designed as naturalistic wood logs topped with rustic wood...
Bronze
Early 20th century burr yew desktop box with clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century burr yew desktop box with clock circa 1920. Empire revival burr yew cigar box with clock. Strung and inlaid to outer edges, decorated with an ormolu mount to the...
Brass
Atelier Musee Du Louvre after Pilon Germain, King Henri II Bust, 1850s, France
By Germain Pilon, Atelier de moulage du Louvre
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A French Grand Tour 19th century plaster, bust of French King Henri II made by Atelier de moulage du Louvre between 1854-1865 after Pilon Germain...
Plaster
An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock
Located in Amersham, GB
This extremely rare swinging portico clock by Béchot Paris, in an ormolu case of exquisite quality, finely cast and gilded with its original burnished and chased finish, this clock i...
Ormolu
Antique Ansonia Black Mantel Clock with Bronze Coated Columns and Claw Feet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Ansonia Empire Black Enameled Metal Mantel Clock with Bronze Coated Cast Iron Columns, Beveled Glass Door, Scrolling Detail, and Claw Feet. Circa Late 19th Century. Measureme...
Metal, Iron
19th Century French Empire Clock, Japy Frères et Cie Movement
By Japy Frères
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
This magnificent mantel clock exemplifies the height of French Empire Revival design in the 19th century—where classical grandeur, refined materials, and superb craftsmanship converg...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Copper
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A powerful and elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks, masterfully cast in gilt bronze with fine neoclassical detailing. Th...
Bronze
" Photo Frame enamels on guilloché with vertical stripes in 3 colors Salimbeni "
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular external frame for round photo in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on guilloché with vertical stripes in 3 colors and ornaments around ...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Gilt French Empire Table Clock, Early 1800s
Located in New York, NY
A French Empire table clock, first half of the 19th century. Measures: Width 30, depth 11, height 38 cm. Key included. Later added hatch at back. F...
Brass
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A refined pair of Empire candlesticks in gilt bronze, crafted in France around the 1820s. The design features the elegant, flu...
Bronze
Antique Empire Style Cigar Box, Cedar Interior, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely empire style wooden box probably produced in Sweden. The box is 14 x 14 cm (5.6" x 5,6") in diameter and 23.5 cm (9.4") high. It is in excellent condition except from that t...
Glass, Wood
19th Century French Patinated Tole Candelabra, Five Arms, Empire Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This generously scaled five-arm candelabra has gained a wonderful patina since its creation during the 1890’s in France. A single arm is raised above the rest while four scrolling ar...
Metal, Tôle
Collection of Turquoise Opaline Glass with Bronze Mounts, Italy Early 20th Cent
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of Vases made of opal glass all with Bronze Mounts. These types of articles and jewelry boxes were mainly made in France, Italy and earlier in Bohemia. They we...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze NIKE Figural Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This stately patinated and fire gilt bronze candelabrum is of the finest quality, and retains its original finish. The figure of Nike (Winged Victory) standing on a gilt globe holds...
Bronze
$15,770Sale Price|20% Off
Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Lapis Box
Located in London, GB
A Magnifient Lapis Empire Style Box This box is Absolutely Stunning, Ormolu Mounted
Lapis Lazuli
Sterling Silver Salt Cellar & Spoon
Located in New York, NY
A sterling silver salt cellar vessel and sterling silver spoon with Lion head and paw feet detail, in the Empire style, circa early-20th century. Piece is a salt or pepper cellar ves...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Two white Opaline Glass Flower Vases Italy 20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of Vases made of opal glass made by Opalina Fiorentina, Italy. These types of articles and jewelry boxes were mainly made in France, Italy and earlier in Bohem...
Glass
Fire-gilded French Empire bronze clock, ca. 1800, “Chariot of Aurora”; Deniere
Located in Münster, DE
Fire-gilded bronze clock depicting Aurora’s chariot, dial signed Deniere á Paris, Maison Deniere The signature “Denière” or “Denière Fabt de Bronzes à Paris” belongs to Jean-Franço...
Bronze, Enamel
Clock “Alexander the Great” Empire, the model by P.V. LEDURE 1825-1830
Located in Berlin, DE
Empire Pendule, Bronze applies, Ormolu Mantel Clock, French, Empire, Clock Apollo, Antique, Bronze, Figural Clock, Pierre-Victor Ledure (1783–1870) Height: 50 cm Width: 34 cm Depth: ...
Gold
Pair of French Empire Dore Patinated Bronze Urns on Pedestals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of quality bronze Dore Urns on Pedestals. The pair are in wonderful vintage condition. one small bend to the lip or edge of one - not greatly noticeable or offense...
Gold, Bronze
French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock
Located in Rome, IT
Extremely fine quality Directoire/Empire gilt bronze mounted gilt brass skeleton clock with enameled chapter ring and openwork movement. Roman numerals for the hours and outer half...
Ormolu
Empire Style Beaded Crystal Basket Chandelier, Late 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A late 20th century Empire style beaded crystal basket chandelier with a classical circular brass structure and three E27 lights inside.Light bulbs can be replaced unscrewing the bro...
Crystal, Bronze
Antique German Iron Coffer with Griffins, Empire Style, Circa 1810
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, black antique German coffer made of hand crafted iron, particularized with griffins, torchères and tendril motifs on the wall and pinecone mode on the lid, in good condition. The small detailed decor piece represents the Empire time period...
Metal, Iron
19th Century Gold French Empire Gilded Bronze Table Clock, Antique Pendulum
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French table clock, pendulum made of hand crafted fire-gilded bronze, in good condition. The circular enamel dial of the Pa...
Metal, Bronze
Antique French Mantel Clock, Fire-Gilded Bronze, Diana Motif, c. 1810
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French table clock, pendulum made of hand crafted fire-gilded bronze, in good condition. The circular enamel dial of the Pa...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Revival Patinated and Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 11.5" H
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire Revival Bronze Candlesticks France, 19th Century Elegant pair of French patinated and gilt bronze candlesticks executed in the Empire Revival taste. Each featu...
Bronze
French Antique Stately Bronze Napoleon on Prancing Horse Sculpture, Marble Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted. Practical size sculpture of imperator Napoleon Bonaparte. If you are a collector of good quality antiques having to do with (French) historical figures then this rare a...
Marble, Bronze
Early 19th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock "Portefaix", Paris, circa 1810
Located in Greven, DE
Pendule Portefaix Paris Bronze, enamel Empire around 1810 Dimensions: H x W x D: 36 x 28 x 11 cm Description: Beautiful, fire-gilded and patinated bronze pendule from the early 19...
Ormolu
Napoleon On Horseback, Double Patina Bronze Clock, H40cm, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Bronze clock with double patina, representing Napoleon I on horseback, looking into the distance with his telescope. In front, 2 feet in the form of lion paws and a macaron with a...
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three-Light Sconce, Wall Candelabra
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
French Empire gilt bronze three-arm wall candleholder finely ornate with foliate, acorn motifs and three female faces, circa 1850-1870. This wall candelabra can easily be converted ...
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Pair of Antique Gilded Bronze Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of dark patinated candle sticks made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candle holders are particularized with flowers decoration, resting on a tripod foot. The Parisian décor...
Metal, Bronze
2 Antique French Sarregumines Majolica Snake Serpent Mantel Vase Urn 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of very large and impressive late 19th century Sarregumines majolica pottery vases - classical urn shape with coiled double headed snake / serpent handles, brown and white multi...
Majolica
Russian Empire Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Portico Clock
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a striking Russian Empire-style portico mantel clock, richly veneered in vibrant green malachite and adorned with finely cast gilt bronze mounts. The architectural case is fo...
Malachite, Brass
Pair 19th Century Italian Gilt Bronze Four-Light Candelabra Engraved Details
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An elegant pair of antique late 19th century Italian gilt bronze four-light candelabra, beautifully crafted in the Continental style. Each candelabrum features a refined geometric co...
Bronze
Table Clock with Glass Dome, 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
Shaped case in gilded bronze topped with a musician putto and a tiger, white enamel dial with Roman numerals and black hour markers, long pendulum extending from the top and key-woun...
Bronze, Enamel
$2,100Sale Price|40% Off
A Homer bust ormolu empire clock in the manner of Thomire
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
AN EMPIRE ORMOLU BUST OF HOMER After the Antique The bearded bust of Homer on a rectangular clock decorate with lyres and gryphon heads on the side
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair French Empire Egyptian Doré Bronze Candelabra Designed by Charles Percier
Located in New York, NY
Thomier A Paris, A Monumental & Quite Rare Pair of French Empire Egyptian Style Doré Bronze and Patinated bronze Seven Light Candelabras After Designs by Charles Percier, Signed ...
Bronze
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Winged Victory Candelabra Lamp
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late 19thC French Empire style candelabra converted into a lamp and featuring a finely chased patinated bronze statue of Nike or Winged Victory holding aloft five gilt bronze ca...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze and Patinated Bronze Victory Candelabras
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Large 19th Century Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Victory Sculptures Candelabras in the manner of Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) A large a...
Bronze
Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Female Figures Vestals Candlesticks
By Claude Galle
Located in Berlin, DE
A beautiful French early 19th century Empire pair of ormolu and patinated bronze candlesticks with female figure decoration in the manner of Claude Galle: Each candlestick with a...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
$6,128 / set
Pair of Empire Style Porcelain Vases Swan Decor
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of porcelain vases adopts a classical architecture directly inherited from Antiquity. Each vase rests on a square plinth base supporting a pedestal. The ovoid body flares u...
Porcelain
French 19th Century Bronze Sculpture/ Bust Of A Woman, Signed F, Barbedienne
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This elegant antique French gilt and polished bronze bust sculpture of a woman was crafted in Paris during the 19th century by the renowned foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne (1821–190...
Bronze
Early 19th Century Mantel Clock - "Pendule au Noir", Faizan à Paris circa 1810
By Faizan A Paris
Located in Greven, DE
The barrel roller - so-called "Pendule au Noir" Paris fire-gilt bronze early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 34 x 27 x 11 cm Description: Fire-gilt bronze clock from the early...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Pair 20th Century Empire Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form 7-Light Candelabra
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 20th Century Empire Style Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form Seven-Light Candelabra. Each candelabrum has seven candle holders.They are made of patinated bronze and green...
Marble, Bronze
$7,600 / set
Pair White Neoclassical Campagna Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair White Neoclassical Campagna Vases. Pair of Paris Porcelain all white glazed porcelain two part vases with double mask handles. France 1810. Dimensions: 9.5" diameter x 13.5" ...
Porcelain
Pair 18th Century French Louis XVI Bronze Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique French Louis XVI period ormolu bronze and marble candlesticks, circa 1790, with oil lamp-form bobeches with guilloche motif above patinated figures of Roman maidens, ...
Marble, Bronze