Empire Torchères
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 of Tall Italian Torchères, Likely Naples, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
A refined pair of Italian torchères made from mahogany, dating to the early 19th century and likely originating from Naples. The torchères rest on tripod bases with elegantly curved ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Torchères
Materials
Marble
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 Torchères
Materials
Bronze
Empire Torchères, Vienna, circa 1800
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of large Empire torches or candelabra on a three-pass base tapering to the top and inlaid with brass inlays in the form of acanthus leaves and floral motifs. Rising above three ...
Category
Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Torchères
Materials
Mahogany
A Pair of French Empire Polychrome Gilt-Wood Torchères, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Empire Polychrome Gilt-Wood Torchères, 19th Century
Description:
Each torchère with a circular stone top above a concave triform capital with a rosette to each face...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Torchères
Materials
Wood
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 Torchères
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
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H 32.29 in W 10.24 in D 5.52 in
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Located in Catania, Sicilia
Two antique white and gold small torcheres also used as palm holders and used to decorate altars of private church.The two pieces are in original conditio...
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1850 a Pair of Gilded Wood Sicilian Bed Lamps
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Empire torchères for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire torchères for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage torchères 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 torchères made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 torchères differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $577 and tops out at $59,915 while the average work can sell for $9,664.