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
19th Century Pair of French Empire Candlesticks in Gilded Brass
Located in Madrid, ES
French Empire candlesticks made of gold-plated brass, with an octagonal column on lion-claw-shaped legs on a round base.
Rich ornamentation with garlands, reliefs and guilloches typi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Brass
A Pair of Empire Style Sterling Silver Three Arm Candelabras
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A pair of Empire-style removable arms, weighted sterling silver three-arm candelabras by Gorham. Nice patina to the silver, dating to the 1930's.
Category
1930s Vintage Empire Candelabras
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of French Candelabra in Bronze and Ceramics from the Late 19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of bronze and hand-painted French porcelain candelabra, made in the second part of the 19th century
Ø cm 21 Ø cm 7 h cm 42
French porcelain is renowned throughout the world fo...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Large Antique French Patinated Bronze/Gilt Seven-Light Candelabras After Moreau
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent pair of large 19th-century French candelabras, inspired by Moreau, combines classical beauty with exceptional craftsmanship. Each candelabra is crafted in patinated ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
French Pair of Empire Patina Dore Bronze Winged Lady Victory Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful pair French Napoleon III Empire style gilt doré and patinated bronze neoclassic three-arm candelabra with finely cast detail, each featuring a classical winged lady victory...
Category
20th Century French Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Pair French Empire candelabra, circa 1800
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality pair of French Empire bronze and gilded ormolu candelabra, each having Caryatid supports to the scrolling foliate four branch candle sconces. Raised on classical gilde...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
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
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
Pair French Empire Figural Bronze Candelabra Signed Chibout
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This finely detailed, and hand chased pair of bronze candelabra were made by Pierre Chibout. Active 1806-24, he worked with Claude Francois Rabiat who's workshop he took over in 181...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
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
Italian Empire Classical Sterling Silver 5-Light Candelabrum
Located in New York, NY
Italian Empire sterling silver 5-light candelabrum. Raised socket on ovoid shaft to which are mounted four leaf-mounted arms terminating in same. Sockets bellied on wax pan. Shaft mo...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Candelabras
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th Century Pair of French Empire Candlesticks in Gilded Brass
Located in Madrid, ES
French Empire candlesticks made of gold-plated brass, with an octagonal column on lion-claw-shaped legs on a round base.
Rich ornamentation with garlands, reliefs and guilloches typi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Brass
Candelabras Pair 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
A pair of candelabras made of gilt bronze. Made in France In Late Empie Style during the 19th century. Top candle holder decorated with a loose torch.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
20th Century Seven Lights Italian Solid Silver Candelabra Empire revival
By Arno Fassi
Located in VALENZA, IT
Magnificent Empire style candelabra in solid 800 silver
The base is square with lion paw-shaped feet.
Two frames with the typical palmettes of the Empire style frame a second smaller square decorated with 4 central flowers. The stem of the candelabra is a statue of a woman (goddess) with her hair gathered and holding a cornucopia in one hand ending with the main candle holder.
The candelabra has 7 lights.
The arms of the candelabra, made with the casting technique, have candle holders and wax collectors also made with the casting technique and finely chiseled.
The central candle holder stands out for its height which surpasses all the other candle holders, making the candelabra slim and balanced in shape and proportions.
A classic example of high quality Italian silverware suitable to be placed in elegant and prestigious homes.
Made in Milan - Italy by Fassi silverware
Silver 800°°/°°° Candelabra Empire...
Category
20th Century Italian Empire Candelabras
Materials
Silver
Pair of Empire Style Egyptian Caryatid Two-Light Ormolu & Patinated Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Empire-Style Egyptian Caryatid Two-Light Ormolu and Patinated Candelabra, France, 20th Century
A pair of exquisite Empire-style Egyptian Caryatid Two-Light Ormolu and Patin...
Category
20th Century French Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabra with Putti Empire Period 19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
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 French Empire Bronze Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Empire bronze candelabra, sleek and sophisticated in design, each one fitted with three lights, fire gilt details, raised on an...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Patinated and Gilt Bronze Candelabra, 19th Century
Located in El Monte, CA
This impressive pair of gilt and patinated bronze candelabra is a quintessential example of the French empire style. Drawing from Greco-Roman influence, each candelabra features a ce...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Porphyry, Bronze
Italy Late 18th Century Pair Empire Brass Candleholders
Located in Brescia, IT
Italian late 18th Century pair of Empire burnished brass candleholders
This pair of antique brass candleholders was handcrafted by Italian...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Brass
Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze figural candelabra with two lights. 19th century.
Category
19th Century 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 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 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 Antique French Empire Style Figural Patinated and Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Spectacular Large Antique French Empire style Gilt bronze, patinated bronze and griotte marble figural candelabras in the neoclassical taste. Each tall candelabra depicting...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Griotte 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...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Bronze Dore Ram Head Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire bronze dore 6 arm candelabras with 3 ram heads and 3 claw feet supported on a 6 sided triangular base. (PRICED AS Pair)
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Ormolu
Wonderful Pair Dore Bronze Two-Arm Winged Putti Cherub Neoclassical Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of doré bronze two-arm winged putti cherub neoclassical candelabras
Measures: 18" H x 6.5" W x 4" D.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire style Bronze and Bronze Dore Candelabra
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine & Spectacular Pair of French Empire style Bronze & Bronze Dore 12 light Figural Candelabra, late 19th Century, each depicting a standing winged Victory with outstreached ...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Mid-19th Century Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of Empire style gilt bronze candlesticks raised on three lions paws, France, mid-19th century.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
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
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
Four French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
This magnificent set of four antique candelabra come as a pair of pairs: one slightly larger pair and one smaller pair. They date from roughly 1805, during the period of the Napoleon...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
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 French Empire Period Doré Bronze Figural Candelabras, Circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent pair of French Empire period doré bronze figural candelabra. Each of these beautiful five armed candelabras are meticulously cast and hand-chased with the finest detail...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Bronze Three Branched Candelabras
By Percier & Fontaine
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive pair of gilt and sculpted bronze candelabras with three branches. The stem of each candelabrum is a patinated bronze form of the winged goddess, Victory, who holds a gilt bronze torch in each of her hands. Her head is topped with a gilt bronze vase that transforms into the candelabra branches, which is embellished with griffins and rosettes. At the top of each candelabrum is a peacock standing on a globe, symbolizing the sun and immortality. Victory is standing on a cruciform-shaped base, which has a winged cupid on two sides and a caduceus on the other two sides. The intertwined snakes of the caduceus are a symbol of the Greek god Hermes (or the Roman god Mercury) and is a symbol of peace, eloquence and negotiation. Empire period. Perfect condition.
Our model is inspired by the projects of Charles Percier and Franc¸ois-Leonard Fontaine, famous architects of the Emperor. Their most important work, entitled Recueil de decorations inte´rieurs (Collection of interior decorations), was published in France at the, end of the 19th century. The winged Victories, caduceus and griffins are some of the motifs present in this piece that demonstrate the adoption of Percier and Fontaine’s decorative...
Category
1810s Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Empire Candelabra Italian Gilt Bronze Three-Arm Flambeaux
Located in Milano, MI
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 Italian Empire Period Brass 3-Light Figural Candelabras, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Finely cast and supported by circular bases, the tops issuing two arms with single candleholders with a central figural candleholder.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Brass
Important Pair of 1st Period French Empire Pat. & Dore Bronze 6-Light Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous and important pair of antique French 1st period Empire patinated and two-tone matte and burnished doré bronze six-light candelabras. Each modeled with figures of Goddess D...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
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
Pair Antique French Empire Gold Bronze and Marble Candelabra, Circa 1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Magnificent Antique French Empire Gold Bronze & Marble Candelabra, Circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair Bronze Candelabras - Large French Cherub Manner Clodion
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of French Empire style bronze cherub candelabras
Good size to them at three feet - 91 cm - tall
Classic French Empire look, great interiors driven pair
In the manner of...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
French Bronze and Marble Two-Armed Candelabrum, 19th Century
Located in Toronto, CA
A wonderful 19th century candelabra in the French Empire style, made of patinated bronze, gilt bronze and marble. The stem represents a woman holding aloft a two-armed torch, the who...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Bronze Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique bronze candelabra with antique crystal, with 3 candleholders. Marble beige base 4" x 6".
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Early 19th Century Empire Candelabras
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning pair of gilded and patinated bronze candelabras, featuring a winged cupid. He is standing on a sphere and holding a torch, which is surrounded by three curving candle branch...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
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
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
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, Brass, Bronze
Wonderful Pair of French Empire Gilt Patinated Bronze Figural Regency
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful large pair of French Empire gilt and patinated bronze figural Regency candelabra raised on paw feet, each figure holding a 6-branch cand...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Two Branch Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of French Empire patinated bronze and ormolu figural two branch candelabra. Set on square ormolu socle with cylinder ormolu stem wit...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
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
A Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
a pair of gilt and patinated bronze candelabra, each with a female figure holding two coronets / horns on a triangular base with elaborate filagree mounts, France, 19th century, circ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French Empire Candleabra
Located in Westwood, NJ
Pair of French Empire bronze doré three-light candelabra with nautical motifs, dolphins and shells.
Category
1820s French 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
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
French Design, Empire, Candelabras, Patinated Bronze, France, 19th C.
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Empire 19th century bronze candelabras depicting insects. These are quite possibly the finest cast bronze pieces on the market. Each having a center column formed rod with wi...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Large Pair of French Empire Period Candelabra, Attributed to Claude Galle
By 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
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.