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Empire Candelabras

EMPIRE STYLE

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.

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Style: Empire
Pair Antique French Empire Gold Bronze Candelabra, circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Antique French Empire Gold Bronze Candelabra, Circa 1890.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Large Pair of French Empire Period Candelabra, Attributed to Claude Galle
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent large pair of five-light doré bronze and patinated bronze Empire period candelabra, attributed to Claude Galle made in the early 1800s. This pair of candelabra are set ...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible pair of spirited early 19th century French Empire bronze candlesticks celebrating the arts with individually cast and applied painters' palettes with brushes, sculptors' hammers and compasses, writers' books, musicians' harps, drama masks...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century French Gilt and Bronze Candelabra of the Empire Period
Located in London, GB
Constructed in two color gilt and patinated bronze; the feminine Grecian figures draped with diaphanous robes blowing bi-form trumpets of swept form, terminating in candleholders a...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Early 19th Century Pair of candelabras made in Berlin
Located in Stockholm, SE
Candelabras with place for three candles, made in Berlin about 1810. Gilded and patinated bronze. Decorated with a standing griffin with a women's face, gilded decorations and lion f...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Gilt Bronze and Slate Candelabras, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This regal pair of bronze and slate candelabras originated in 19th-century France and are beautifully detailed with molded and gilt embellishments. Crafted in the style of Empire fur...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Slate, Bronze

Exceptional Pair of French Late Empire Gilt-bronze Candelabra Attributed to Pier
Located in Benington, Herts
A pair of exceptionally elegant and important late Empire five-light figural candelabra ‘A la Victoire’ in gilt-bronze, attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire, after a design by Charles Percier. Imposing size at 81cm in height. French Paris c.1820 Superbly cast, in the Neo-Classical style, the five scrolling foliate candle branches enclosing central sconces issuing from a circular wreath supported by the winged figure of Victory (Nike), wearing diaphanous robes gathered by a sash above a long underskirt splaying out from above her ankles, with beautifully feathered wings flowing behind her as she looks straight ahead. Each figure standing on one foot, the other bent, resting on a plain sphere over a reeded palmette-cast baluster pedestal raised on square plinth. Wonderful colour and patina, pierced for electricity, old inventory label to the underside. We are delighted to have been able to acquire these important candelabra as rarely does one get the opportunity to purchase items by P P Thomire...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Empire Style Bronze & Marble Candelabra
Located in Southall, GB
A beautifully made pair of French candelabras in bronze and marble. Two neoclassical styled women are blowing trumpet horns which form candlesticks. There is intricate detailing to t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Candelabras

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Russian Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks in the manner Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Cheltenham, GB
A Pair of Russian Empire gilt bronze candlesticks produced in France / Russia around 1810 in the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire Of substantial size and expertly cast in matt and ...
Category

Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Style Brass and Marble Candelabras
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: H: 20 1/2in W: 6 3/4in D: 6 3/4in This beautiful pair of French Empire style 5 light candelabras on marble bases are made from the highest quality bronze. The craftsmans...
Category

20th Century Unknown Empire Candelabras

Materials

Siena Marble, Brass, Bronze

Very Fine Pair of Empire Parcel Gilt Bronze Three Light Candelabra, Circa 1830
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very fine pair of early 19th century Empire Period patinated & parcel gilt bronze three branch candelabra. Both showing a trio of finely cast scrolled & foliate shaped branches fit...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair 19thc French Empire Bronze Male Figural Candelabra
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Gold Bronze Male Mask Figural Candelabra. Very nice detail and stately candelabra.
Category

1890s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Candelabra Apollo & Daphne Manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Newark, England
From our Sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer this fine pair of French Empire Candelabra. The Candelabra exceptionally cast as an opposing pair of Apollo and Daphne. The s...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Pair Large French Empire Parcel Gilt Bronze Figural Candelabras 19th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique pair of oversized French Empire figural candelabra offer cast bronze construction with scroll form arms with gilt rosettes and terminating in gilt candle sockets over flar...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century French Ormolu Candelabras
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of 19th Century French Ormolu Candelabras. Gorgeous.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Ormolu

Distinctive pair of 19th century Empire Style gilt metal candelabras
Located in Leesburg, VA
Anonymous 19th century; European Gilt bronze and metal Approximate size: 17.75 (h) x 9.75 (w) x 3.5 (d) inches The present pair of distinctive antique gilt metal candlesticks are i...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Pair of Empire Candelabra of Ormolu and Patinated Bronze and Marble
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of late 19th century Empire bronze and ormolu candelabra. - Caryatid herm female figures on marble block plinths. - Three ormolu candle arms/cups - Well modeled.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Wall Lights
Located in London, GB
Pair of French gilt and patinated bronze wall lights French, 20th Century Height 103cm, width 50cm, depth 44cm Drawing inspiration from the sophisticated Empire style, these wall li...
Category

20th Century French Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Early 19th Century Tall French Empire Ormolu & Bronze Candelabras
Located in Middleburg, VA
Pair of Early 19th Century Tall French Empire Ormolu & Bronze Candelabras. Depicting angels in patinated bronze, these candelabras are stunning. Fra...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of 19th Century Empire Candelabra Italian Gilt Bronze Three-Arm Flambeaux
Located in Milan, IT
Coppia di Candelabri a Tre Fiamme Impero in Bronzo Dorato della prima metà del XIX secolo, di origine italiana, si presentano in buono stato di conservazione con segni di usura nell...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Girandoles, Candle sticks, Candelabras, bronze, ~ 1810 Empire, France
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning pair of so called Girandoles, made in France around 1810, in the famous Empire period. The stepped pedestals are beautifully designed with masks and garland décor. On each...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Bronze

19th Century French Pair of Bronze Girandoles Attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeld
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of girandoles made of handcrafted gilded bronze attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeldt, in good condition. Each...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Brass

Pair French 19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Pair of exceptional French 19th century three-light gilt bronze candelabra in the Empire style, circa 1860s.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

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...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Antique Empire Crystal Glass Chandelier, Parisian Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round, antique French chandelier, pendant made of hand crafted polished brass, in good condition. The hand blown cut crystal prisms are attached, halted to the ceiling lamp brass f...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Brass

Pair of Tall Empire Ormolu & Bronze Candelabras Attributed to Gerard Jean Galle
By Gérard-Jean Galle
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Pair of tall ormolu (mercury gilt bronze) and patinated bronze candelabras, French Empire production, early 19th century circa 1815 - 1820. Tall 4-lights model held by winged putti standing on a finely chiseled ormolu column-shaped base. This pattern is a variant of the candelabras Claude Galle delivered to the Grand Trianon in 1809. This theme used to be very successful during early 19th century and were the subject of a number of imperial orders. Our candelabras were manufactured circa 1815 - 1820 which allows us to attribute them to Gerard Jean Galle...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair Early 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Four Light Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This impressive pair of Classical gilt bronze candelabra in the manner of Pierre Philippe Thomire, are beautifully made in cast bronze and have hand chased details. They feature dolp...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Empire Ormolu Bronze Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
Pair of finest quality 1st Empire Ormolu figural Bronze Candelabras.
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Empire Candelabra with Green Marble Bases & 4 Candle Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
These pair of Empire candelabras feature angles holding 4 candleholders atop a green marble base.
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Marble

19th Century Black French Antique Wrought Iron Napoleon III Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black antique, late 19th century French floor candle holder, candelabra hand crafted in very ornate fer forge work with wrought iron scrolls and seven candle holders, in good condi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Pair of 19th Century Bronze Candelabras
Located in Skanninge, SE
A pair of European Mid-19th Century bronze-gilt candelabras. For two candles each. Very nice original condition.
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Candelabras. Women. Gilded And Patinated Bronze
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Empire candelabra in gilded and dark patinated bronze. 3 Light arms, stem in the form of women in light clothing. Light pipes with chisels. Two light stems with foliage at ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Impressive 4 Light Empire Candelabra
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of gilt and black patinated bronze candelabra, 99 cm high. This is a unusual model with tall blackpatinated goddesses holding four arms with candleholders on their heads. The ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of very large high quality Empire Candelabra made ca 1815.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of large Empire candelabra made around year 1815. The bases are made of Siena marble and mounted with bronze ornaments. On top the bases sculp...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pierre-Philippe Thomire Attributed Single French Empire Gilt Bronze Candelabrum
Located in Savannah, GA
A very fine single French Empire style gilt bronze three-light candelabra featuring the allegorical "à la Victoire". The winged figure holds aloft in her out stretched arms two intricately designed candle-wells in the form of baskets, with an additional basket overhead. She stands balanced on an embossed cylinder over a double plinth with a squared base. This piece is for the serious collector passionate about finely handcrafted decorative arts with superior craftsmanship. It is flawlessly cast and highly detailed, take notice of the folds of her dress that seem to fly in the wind. Done in the distinct manner of Pierre Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843) after the original design by Charles Percier...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi, with its marble base, resume the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Candelabras

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble, Bronze

Single French Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Winged Victory Candelabra
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A mid to late 19thC French Empire style candelabra that at one time was electrified. A finely chased patinated winged Nike or Winged Victory stands on a gi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Belgian Empire Gilt Metal Three-Piece Garniture Clock Candelabras Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Belle Epoque Belgian Empire style Gilt Metal Three-Piece candelabras and Clock Garniture set with Asian inspiration. They measures 11" in width,...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Empire Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in Fairfax, VA
Pair of late 19th century empire Dore bronze woman column candelabras with marble base.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Mid 19th Century Empire Style Bronze Patinated Candleholders
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of fine French Empire style brown patinated bronze candlesticks from the Napoleon III period. A fluted column beautifully decorated with ivy, rises on a tripod with claw-shape...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

1870 French Empire Style Bronze Dore Candleholders, a Pair
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of French Empire style bronze dore candelabra with tapering malachite stems resting on three lion paw feet on triform malachite bases. Circa 1870.
Category

1870s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Candelabras, Antique Pair w/Dore' Gold Finish, 5 Arms
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great looking pair of 5 arm Candelabras. In two colors and Marble bases. In very good condition from an Antique collector in New Orleans. They have been well kept. These will require...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair Antique French Empire Patinated Bronze & Gold Bronze Candelabra, Circa 1860
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Empire patinated bronze & gold bronze candelabra, Circa 1860. These handsome patinated candelabra would be a fine addition to any sideboard or large server...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Patinated and Ormolu Bronze Candelabras
Located in Warsaw, PL
These pair of candlesticks are made from patinated bronze and finely embellished with ormolu. The base of the candlesticks are from interlocking two-layer of patinated bronze and gilded bronze circles that gives it a sturdy but refined look. The knop and stem of the candelabras are gilded and adorned in neoclassical features. Right below the candle cup is a bust statue of a woman in patinated bronze inspired by 19th century hair style and a bit Directoire. The motif adorning the top of the nozzle in the gilt bronze is the acanthus leaf, commonly used in Greek decorative art. Just below the acanthus gilt bronze pattern is a rose band...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Polished Brass and Black-Enameled Cast Iron Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Each with removable nozzle in brass above an acanthus shoulders over a brass column with lotus-leaf capital terminating in an acanthus-form knob, supported on a tripartite base with ...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of 19th century gilt and patinated bronze candelabra now as lamps. Figural Baccantes holding torchieres. Empire or Charles X ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of French Empire Candelabra, ca 1820
Located in Stockholm, SE
These pair of candelabra are very unusual with the cut crystal bases. Glass was one of the most expensive materials in these times and therefore exc...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Fine Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Miami, FL
A fine pair of French 19th century Empire candlesticks. We are pleased to present you a gorgeous pair of French Empire period, original gilt bronze candlesticks, finely chiseled of ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Mid-19th Century Empire Style Ormolu Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and large scale pair of French mid 19th century Empire st. ormolu and marble candelabras. Each candelabra is raised on a marble base with concave sides below the ormolu...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century French Pair of Empire Candelabra Gilded Flambeaux with Putti
Located in Milan, IT
From a luxury villa at Como Lake a stunning pair of early 19th century Empire four-light gilt bronze figural candelabras, of French origin, dating back to circa 1810, measure: 31.50 ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Period Candelabras
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning pair of period Empire gilt patinated brass and bronze candelabras. Born in France in the early 19th century, fine quality and detailing, elaborately decorated, unique d...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Empire Style Patinated and Gilded Bronze Candelabra
Located in Hudson, NY
This impressive pair of candelabra made in the era of Napoleon III in France circa 1870 are very powerful and impressive. Heavily cast with references to the classical past and profu...
Category

1870s Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Empire Ormolu and patinated Bronze Candelabra attr. Thomire
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 19th century Empire ormolu and patinated bronze candelabra attr. Thomire Each with a tapering leaf tip cast partially gilt and patinated bronze stem supporting three folia...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Early 19th Century French Ormolu & Bronze Empire Period Candelabra
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning pair of early 19th century French Empire candelabra, with four scrolled candle arms supported by classical winged figu...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Exquisite French Empire Gilt Bronze Two-Light Candelabra ca 1810
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
These candlesticks are ornate artifacts from the French Empire period, which dates back to the early 19th century, typically considered as the reign of Napoleon I from 1804 to 1814. ...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Bronze French Empire Style Candelabrum
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Bronze French Empire style candelabrum.
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Empire Six-Light Candelabra Attributed to Escalier De Cristal circa 1819
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A remarkable and highly important pair of Empire gilt-bronze and cut-crystal six-light candelabra attributed to Escalier De Cristal De Paris. French, circa 1819. This exceptional pair of candelabra can almost certainly be attributed to the workshops of l'Escalier de Cristal de Paris. They relate in particular to a dressing table and chair, now in the collection of the Louvre, which formed part of a toilette suite that was exhibited by L'Escalier de Cristal at the 1819 Paris exhibition of the Produits de l'industrie. The present candelabra may very likely have been made as part of this suite. In 'Baccarat: La Legende du Cristal', it states: "A l'Exposition des produits de l'industrie française de 1819, Mme Désarnaud présente une toilette, une cheminée, deux grands candélabres, deux tables, une grande pendule et plusieurs vases, en cristal et bronze...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Empire Style Gilt and Burnished Bronze Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze figural candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi resumes the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by gilt satin br...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Empire candelabras for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire candelabras for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage candelabras created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire candelabras made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original candelabras, popular names associated with this style include Gherardo Degli Albizzi, and Arno Fassi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for candelabras differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $148,649 while the average work can sell for $6,528.

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