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.
Early 19th Century French Empire Figural Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Pair of rare early 19th century French Empire figural bronze candlesticks featuring patinated putti figures dressed in stylized costume, each supporting a foliate ormolu candle branc...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Italian Empire Silver Candlesticks, Milan, circa 1810
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of elegant Empire candleholders on an unfilled base, conical structure, offset olive-shaped grommets with a flat, plate-shaped drip edge, smoo...
Silver
Pair of French Ormolu Bronze Cassolettes or Censers/Candlesticks
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of early 19th century, French ormolu bronze cassolettes. The censers having pierced tops and Candlestick receivers on the revers.
Bronze
Pair of Empire-Style Bronze and Siena Marble Candlesticks – Circa 1830
Located in IT
This exquisite pair of Empire-style candlesticks from circa 1830 features intricate bronze detailing atop rich Siena marble bases. Resting on tripod bases with lion paw feet, these c...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Candlesticks Empire France
Located in New York, NY
A pair of candlesticks made in France during the late Empire period. Made from gilt- bronze. Standing on a round foot with a baluster shaped stem. Loose cuffs. Cannelated frame.
Silver, Brass
A Pair (2) Fire-Gilded Bronze Girandoles/Candlesticks in the Empire Style, Paris
Located in Berlin, DE
A Pair (2) Fire-Gilded Bronze Girandoles/Candlesticks in the Empire Style, Paris, circa 1815 Bronze, gilded. Square base beneath a columned pedestal with diamond and palmette decora...
Bronze
Early 19th Century Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Female Caryatids Candlesticks
By Claude Galle
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Gilt Bronze Female Busts Candlesticks, circa 1820 A beautiful pair of Empire gilt-bronze ormolu c...
Bronze
$12,000 / set
Pair of Early 19th c Empire Gilt Bronze Cassolettes
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Early 19th C Empire Gilt Bronze Cassolettes. With a classic egg and dart pattern on the rim, the pair are adorned with two sets of winged male figures. The pair rest atop rec...
Bronze
French Fire-Gilded Empire Candleholders, Bronze, 1800-1810
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of French fire-gilded Empire candleholders from around 1800-1810. The candleholders are in the Egyptianizing style that was popular at the time, referencing Napoleon's campaig...
Bronze
Vintage French Empire Brass Candlesticks - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite pair of French Empire style candlesticks brings a touch of Napoleonic grandeur to the modern interior. Crafted from solid brass, each holder features a stately fluted ...
Other
$8,202Sale Price|20% Off
Princely Pomp Candlestick After Pierre Philippe Thomire
Located in Berlin, DE
Extremely finely chased and cast bronze. Fully sculpted figures (Viktoria). Carrying on the head and supporting with the hands torch-shaped shaft with 12 cornucopia, curved lighthous...
Bronze
A Very Fine Pair of Gilt Bronze & Crystal Candlesticks
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Pair of Gilt Bronze & Crystal Candlesticks in the Empire taste. France, circa 1930. Dimensions: Height 11 3/4" Diameter 4 3/4" CW5690
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Candlesticks, Gilt Bronze, Fluted Design, 1800s
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of French burnished gilded Empire candlesticks with light collars. The stems are fluted and decorated with acanthus leaves.
Bronze
French Empire Pair of Ormolu Candlesticks with Original Handcut Threads
Located in London, GB
Fine antique French Empire pair of ormolu candlesticks with original handcut threads. A very elegant pair of candlesticks with original orm...
Ormolu
1st Empire Period patinated Bronze and Ormolu candlesticks, circa 1805
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An attractive and high quality pair of French early 19th century 1st Empire Period patinated Bronze and Ormolu candlesticks, circa 1805. This wonderful pair of ewer designed candlest...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze Candlesticks, circa 1830
Located in Central England, GB
A superb pair of early 19th C French empire bronze candlesticks. This very fine pair of early 19th century French candlesticks are...
Bronze
$1,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Empire Period Pair of Bronze Candleholders, Neoclassical
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Emprie Period pair of bronze candleholders, neoclassical A rare collector quality pair of French First Empire candleholders. A classical bi...
Alabaster, Bronze
French Empire Fire-Gilded Bronze Candlesticks, Circa 1800
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of French Empire candleholders in fire-gilded bronze. They feature decorations of fluting and acanthus leaves. The candle sleeves are removable.
Bronze