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.
$13,529Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco 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
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
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
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
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
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
$227Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
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
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
$5,950Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
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
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 Empire Porcelain Vases by August & Conrad Bauscher, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Germany / 1900 / 2 Vases / August & Conrad Bauscher / Porcelain Factory Weiden Bros / Porcelain and Polychrome / Empire An elegant pair of signed porcelain vases from the estee...
Porcelain
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
$15,667Sale 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
$1,347Sale 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
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
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
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
Danish Rectangular Empire Wood Gilt Gold Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Danish gilt gold art frame found in a market in Denmark. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has wonderful patina throughout and would loo...
Gold
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
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 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
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
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
$6,113 / 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
Antique Green Glass Inkwell with Ormolu Mounts, French Empire Style
Located in Nashville, TN
A quite stunning French green glass inkwell of substantial size, with extremely elegantly worked neoclassical mounts, intricate scrolling .The level of detail on this piece is quite...
Blown Glass
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
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
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
18th Century Brass Mounted and Lacquered “Marriage” Dowry Box.
Located in Middleburg, VA
18th Century Brass Mounted and Lacquered “Marriage” Dowry Box. Exquisite Indian craftsmanship made of teak with decorative brass on a patinated red lacquered surface with intricate ...
Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
Add architectural presence and old-world elegance to an entry, hallway, living room, or study with this stately antique French Empire walnut grandfather clock. Crafted in France circ...
Brass
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
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
A pair of French 19th century 1st Empire Period patinated Bronze and Ormolu urns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fine and high quality pair of French 19th century 1st Empire Period patinated Bronze and Ormolu urns, circa 1805. This wonderful pair are raised on square Ormolu plinths with top R...
Bronze, Ormolu
$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 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
Egg on tripod Sterling Silver emerald fired Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on tripod in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè, Russian Empire style inspired by Carl Fabergè eggs late 1800s, early 1900s. Measurem...
Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver
Photo Frame tripod Sterling Silver Enamel on guilloché Empire style Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Photo frame mounted on a tripod easel with ribbed tubes, in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché. Ornaments in Russian Empire style, late 1...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate
Elegant late 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Pen Holder
Located in Knivsta, SE
Late 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Pen Holder An elegant French pen holder in finely chased and gilt bronze, executed in the Empire taste during the second half of th...
Bronze
1876 The Family of Serbs Russian Imperial Porcelain Manufacture August Spiess
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful, extremely rare and valuable unglazed Bisque Porcelain group depicting a family of Serbs. An armed man is saying goodbye to his wife and little son before leaving for war against Turks. Manufacture : Russian Imperial Porcelain...
Porcelain
Photo Frame enamel for oval photo Empire Style with stripes 925 Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular frame for oval photo in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché patterns with vertical stripes in three colors and ornaments with...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
French Empire Style Table Picture Frame in Brass, Velvet and Glass
Located in Milan, IT
French Empire Style Table Picture Frame in Brass, Velvet and Glass
Brass
19th century Swedish gilt and eglomise ornate wall clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish gilt and églomisé ornate wall clock circa 1840. Fine quality Swedish wall clock of the empire period circa 1840. Beautifully carved, surmounted with doves. 2 si...
Brass
Large Pair Of French Empire Ormolu Campagna Form Urns
Located in Essex, MA
Impressive size with their original oxidized patina that I have left uncleaned. Handles with rams heads. The plinth decorated with wreaths and musical lyre.
Bronze, Ormolu
French Charles X Ormolu Mantel Clock with Horatius, circa 1820-1830
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and finely executed French Charles X mantel clock in ormolu. The clock is surmounted by a seated Roman general, possibly Horatius, dressed in classical armour and drapery...
Bronze
$112,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles , Exceptional fine pair of Large French Retour D'egypt period terra...
Terracotta
Pair of French Empire Brass Candlesticks, Etched Design, Circa 1800s
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of French Empire style brass candlesticks from the 1800’s with a beautiful silhouette and nice heft in the patinated metal to add intrigue to a mantel or dining table. Subtle,...
Brass
Early 19th Century French Mantel Clock - Allegory of Love, Paris circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Mantel Clock - Allegory of Love Paris Ormolu circa 1815 Dimensions: H x W x D: 45 x 35 x 13 cm Description: Antique French mantel clock as an allegory of love. Set...
Enamel, Ormolu
French Porcelain Compote Basket
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French oval white and gold pierced Paris Porcelain compote basket tazza bowl in the Empire style, circa late 19th century, France...
Porcelain
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
Empire Period Large Porcelain Lidded Apothecary Jar
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A wonderful Empire period porcelain lidded apothecary jar, dating from the 19th century. Exuberantly decorated with a vibrantly enamelled design of exotic birds and butterflies on a ...
Porcelain, Paint