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.
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
Vintage Patinated Bronze Statue of Napoleon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This commanding vintage bronze statue captures Napoleon Bonaparte in his most iconic silhouette, donning his legendary greatcoat and bicorne hat. Cast with remarkable detail, the fig...
Bronze
$24,000
H 28 in W 28 in D 16 in
Lifesize Pair of Original French Bronze Sculptures of Herons- Moigniez
Located in New York City, NY
This important and unusual pair of life size French 19th century Blue Herons are realistically depicted with the two birds foraging in their natural environment. One large Heron is h...
Bronze
$5,525
H 50 in W 17.5 in D 11 in
Greco Roman Style Vintage Verde Bronze Statue of a Male Nude with Grapes in Hair
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Greco-Roman style bronze nude statue from the 20th century with verde patina and wooden pedestal base. Created with the traditional technique o...
Bronze
$57,000
H 34 in W 53 in D 24 in
Large Pair Patinated Life Size Bronze Statues Sculpture of Regal Big Cats Lions
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Large pair patinated life size bronze statues sculpture of Regal Big Cats Lions. Exceptional detailed high quality Large pair of Patinated bronze statues of...
Bronze
$5,500 / set
H 14 in W 31 in D 12 in
Pair of English 1920s Cast Stone Reclining Lion Sculptures on Conforming Bases
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English cast stone reclining lions statues from the early 20th century, on rectangular bases. Created in England during the first quarter of the 20th century, each of this ...
Cast Stone
1990s Vintage Life Size Bronze Statue
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This striking bronze statue, designed in the United States circa the 1990s, presents a powerful yet elegant interpretation of the female form. The figure is depicted seated with legs...
Bronze
Bronze Statue of Liberty Statue Garden Casting 8 Ft
Located in Potters Bar, GB
A striking large sculpture of the Statue of Liberty, cast in metal with a verdigris patinated finish, capturing the iconic form of the famous New York monument Good size at eight fee...
Bronze
$1,672Sale Price|25% Off
H 23 in W 10 in D 18 in
Vintage French Cast Stone Seated Figural Lion Statue, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-20th century cast stone garden sculpture lion seated on plinth with one paw raised. Beautiful detail of head and mane. Some natural patina a...
Stone
1990s Vintage Bronze Reclining Nude Woman Statue
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This striking bronze statue, designed in the United States circa the 1990s, presents a bold and expressive interpretation of the reclining female form. The figure is depicted in a re...
Bronze
$2,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 15.5 in W 22.5 in D 8 in
Pair of English 20th Century Composition Reclining Lion Sculptures with Patina
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English composition lion sculptures from the late 20th century, with weathered patina. Born in England during the late 20th century, each of this pair of composition lions ...
Composition
Pair of French Vintage Terracotta Snarling Lion Statues
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French vintage terracotta lions. This pair of lions from France, standing approximately 2 feet in height, each feature abundantly fl...
Terracotta
$4,500Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 25 in W 9 in D 9 in
Antique Terracotta French Renaissance Garden Sculpture Statues
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful pair of antique painted terracotta garden sculptures or figures with a perfectly aged and weathered patina. Each piece standing just over 2 feet tall.
Pair of Lion Figures
Located in Bronx, NY
A pair of cast lion figures. Great finish.
Marble Tiger Lion Cat Paw Garden Element Plant Stand
Located in New York, NY
A substantial marble tiger lion cat paw architectural element, circa 20th century or earlier. Piece has a flat top with decorative edge around and detailed lion tiger cat paw with na...
Marble
Late 18th Century Golden Painted Eagle Statue
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 18th century gold painted papier mache eagle with wings spread and on a rectangular wooden base. Originally from Birr Castle, Ireland.An impressive late 18th century gold pain...
Paper
Two Large Fish Sculptures, early 19th c. 123 cm long.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two large fish sculptures, Early 19th century. Probably for an exklusive outdoor sign. The fishes are sculpted of wood and covered with hundreds of thin rectangular copper plates. Both the artistic design and the patina is fantastic with a greenish tone to the copper surface. This Empire design was quite often used on Swedish Empire tables...
Copper
19th c.Terracotta lion mask
Located in Madrid, ES
Terracotta lion mask to the First Empire Era
Terracotta