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.
Antique French Candle Holders in Marble & Bronze, Circa 1830-1850
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French pair of Egyptian women figure candle holders made of hand crafted marble and patinated bronze, in good condition. The candle sticks are resting on an urn-shaped base. The particularized Parisian décor...
Marble, Metal, 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...
Bronze
19th Century French Patinated Tole Candelabra, Five Arms, Empire Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This generously scaled five-arm candelabra has gained a wonderful patina since its creation during the 1890’s in France. A single arm is raised above the rest while four scrolling ar...
Metal, Tôle
A Rare Pair of French 19 Century Gilt Bronze Dolphin Candelabra
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
These are an exceptionally rare pair of stylized standing gilt bronze dolphin six arm candelabra plus a central stem raised on a rectangular gilt bronze malachite veneered bases. T...
Malachite, Bronze
Empire Style Beaded Crystal Basket Chandelier, Late 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A late 20th century Empire style beaded crystal basket chandelier with a classical circular brass structure and three E27 lights inside.Light bulbs can be replaced unscrewing the bro...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A refined pair of Empire candlesticks in gilt bronze, crafted in France around the 1820s. The design features the elegant, flu...
Bronze
Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Female Figures Vestals Candlesticks
By Claude Galle
Located in Berlin, DE
A beautiful French early 19th century Empire pair of ormolu and patinated bronze candlesticks with female figure decoration in the manner of Claude Galle: Each candlestick with a...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Four-Light Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of classical French refinement to a mantel, console, or dining table with this pair of antique Empire style candelabras. Crafted in France circa 1880, each tall candles...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Revival Patinated and Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 11.5" H
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire Revival Bronze Candlesticks France, 19th Century Elegant pair of French patinated and gilt bronze candlesticks executed in the Empire Revival taste. Each featu...
Bronze
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Winged Victory Candelabra Lamp
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late 19thC French Empire style candelabra converted into a lamp and featuring a finely chased patinated bronze statue of Nike or Winged Victory holding aloft five gilt bronze ca...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Pair of Antique Gilded Bronze Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of dark patinated candle sticks made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candle holders are particularized with flowers decoration, resting on a tripod foot. The Parisian décor...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A powerful and elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks, masterfully cast in gilt bronze with fine neoclassical detailing. Th...
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...
Bronze
Pair 19th Century Italian Gilt Bronze Four-Light Candelabra Engraved Details
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An elegant pair of antique late 19th century Italian gilt bronze four-light candelabra, beautifully crafted in the Continental style. Each candelabrum features a refined geometric co...
Bronze
Antique Empire Bronze Wall Candle Sconces, Italy, Early 20th Century, Set of 2
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique pair of bronze wall candle sconces made in Italy early 20th century. They are made of bronze, heavy, with a beautiful patina. These wall sconces can be left in their origin...
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three-Light Sconce, Wall Candelabra
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
French Empire gilt bronze three-arm wall candleholder finely ornate with foliate, acorn motifs and three female faces, circa 1850-1870. This wall candelabra can easily be converted ...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks, 19th C
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks France, 19th Century Elegant pair of French Empire-period candlesticks executed in finely chased ormolu and pat...
Bronze
Pair 20th Century Empire Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form 7-Light Candelabra
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 20th Century Empire Style Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form Seven-Light Candelabra. Each candelabrum has seven candle holders.They are made of patinated bronze and green...
Marble, Bronze
Royal Copenhagen, pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks. 1962.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen, a pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks in porcelain. 1962. Model 1/15. Marked. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: Height 22.5 cm x 7.8 cm.
Porcelain
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks. With intricate raised decoration in the form of geometric and foliate patterns. The middle of each candlestick is fluted and ...
Bronze
Guardians of the Flame: Pair of Early 19th C Gilt Bronze French Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of French Empire-style candlesticks executed in finely chased gilt and patinated bronze. Each features a tapering fluted shaft rising from a richly ornamented standard d...
Bronze
Pair French Empire Style Torch Form 3-Light Sconces / Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage French empire style torch-form 3-light sconces (wall lights) with candelabra size sockets, faux wax candle covers and on/off switch measuring 23 1/4 by 16 1/2 by 10 1...
Bronze
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4. Two pairs of candleholders in malm, which is a brass alloy with added copper. The cobber gives the brass a darker color. The hei...
Brass
Pair of French Empire Brass Candlesticks, Etched Design, Circa 1800s
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of French Empire style brass candlesticks from the 1800’s with a beautiful silhouette and nice heft in the patinated metal to add intrigue to a mantel or dining table. Subtle,...
Brass
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 ...
Marble, Bronze
Pair Antique French Empire Marble & Bronze Candelabras
Located in Perkasie, PA
Pair of Antique French Empire Marble & Bronze Candelabras – F65659EC A magnificent pair of early 19th-century French Empire candelabras, combining richly colored green marble colum...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Antique French Empire Bronze “À La Victoire” Four-Light Candelabras
Located in Victoria, BC
An exceptional and highly decorative pair of French Empire period four-light candelabra, dating to approximately 1815, executed in richly contrasting gilt bronze and dark patinated bronze and centered upon beautifully modeled winged figures of Victoria, the Roman goddess of Victory. Monumental in scale at approximately 30 inches high, this impressive matched pair embodies the archaeological classicism, imperial symbolism and superb bronzework that defined the finest French decorative arts of the Napoleonic and early Restoration periods. Each candelabrum is conceived as an elegant winged female figure of Victoria, modeled in dark patinated bronze and standing delicately upon a gilded spherical orb. The figures are depicted in classical drapery, their large feathered wings falling behind the body while both arms are raised overhead to support an elaborate gilt-bronze capital from which the candle branches emerge. Above each figure rises an ornate arrangement of four lights, incorporating scrolling gilt-bronze branches ornamented with classical foliate and floral motifs. The beautifully chased arms terminate in finely detailed candle cups and broad drip pans, while the elevated central stem culminates in a sculptural flame-form finial. The interplay between the dark patination of the figures and the warm gilding of the architectural and decorative elements produces the dramatic two-tone effect so closely associated with sophisticated French Empire bronzes. The winged Victoria figures are particularly striking. Their serene classical faces, tightly arranged hair, articulated feathered wings and deeply folded garments display a sculptural quality intended to evoke the art of antiquity. The use of Victory standing upon an orb was an especially appropriate symbol within Empire design, communicating triumph, power and imperial grandeur. Each candelabrum is supported upon an imposing architectural pedestal formed with a ribbed cylindrical gilt-bronze column, surmounted by a richly modeled foliate collar and raised upon a substantial stepped square plinth. Classical ornament is carried throughout the composition, creating a remarkably cohesive design from base to finial. An Important French Empire Design Tradition The design belongs to the celebrated French Empire “à la victoire” tradition of candelabra incorporating winged figures of Victory. Of particular historical interest, this family of winged-figure candelabra has been connected to a drawing attributed to the celebrated architects and designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine. That related design depicts an à la victoire candlestick intended for the boudoir of Empress Joséphine at Saint-Cloud, illustrating how closely this imagery was associated with the highest levels of French Empire interior decoration. These à la victoire candelabrums are in the manner associated with the workshop tradition of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843), one of the leading Parisian bronze founders and chasers of the Empire period, who was appointed Ciseleur de l’Empereur in 1809. Details Origin: France Period: French Empire Date: Circa 1815 Material: Gilt bronze and dark patinated bronze Form: Matched pair of four-light candelabra Figures: Winged goddess Victoria / Victory Design: Classical à la victoire type Height: Approx. 30 in. Width: Approx. 9.75 in. Depth: Approx. 9 in. Quantity: Pair Condition: Antique condition with age-appropriate surface wear, oxidation, patina and rubbing to the gilding consistent with objects over two centuries old. Please review photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description. The substantial scale makes these considerably more commanding than ordinary mantel candelabra...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A refined pair of Empire candlesticks crafted in silvered bronze, dating from France, circa 1820s. These elegant pieces d...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair 18th Century French Louis XVI Bronze Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique French Louis XVI period ormolu bronze and marble candlesticks, circa 1790, with oil lamp-form bobeches with guilloche motif above patinated figures of Roman maidens, ...
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Chandelier, Brass & Crystal, Empire Style, Circa 1860
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...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Beautiful Pair of Gilt Bronze Empire Appliques from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A beautiful and rare pair of gilt bronze Empire Appliques. Made in France during the 1820s. Some wear on the gilding exists, but also carries a beutif...
Gold Plate, Bronze
$1,424Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair, French Empire Gilt Bronze Crane Motif Candlesticks Circa 1815
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, circa 1815. This exquisite pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks, crafted circa 1815, embodies the opulence and grandeur of the Empire style. Each candlestick feat...
Bronze
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Candlesticks with Lion Heads
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain candlesticks with lion heads. Dated 1969-1974. Model number 1/15. Measures: 23 x 8 cm. In excellent ...
Porcelain
Large 19th Century French Empire Period Floor Candelabrum
Located in Forney, TX
An extraordinary period Empire gilded gold dore bronze rolling floor candelabrum. Born in France, the stunning Neo-classical style architectural antique...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Candlesticks in Silvered Bronze, Empire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of candlesticks in silvered bronze. Fluted shaft. Base adorned with a frieze of palmettes. Circular molded feet. English work realized under the French Empire (1804-1815). !Th...
Bronze
Antique French Gilded Bronze Candle Holders, Fluted Design, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French pair of candle holders with loose candle cuffs, made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candlesticks have downwardly tapering, fluted shafts, supported by a round footplate. The base is particularized with palmettes and leaves. The Parisian décor pieces represent the First French Empire time...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Period Fire-Gilt Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An exceptional pair of French Empire period candlesticks executed in finely chased fire-gilt ormolu and contrasting dark patinated bronze, dating to the early 19th century. Each cand...
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Candlestick
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French candlestick is a stunning example of French craftsmanship, made of brass with intricate detailing. The candlestick features a textured body resembling scales...
Brass
Pair of French Napoleonic Tin Wall Mounted Candle Sconces Ca. 1820s
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of 19th century French Napoleonic tinned steel wall mounted candle sconces in the Empire style.
Tin
$5,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Trajan's Column Ormolu Candlesticks
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of early 19th century Empire Trajan's column ormolu candlesticks in the manner of P.-P. Thomire (1751-1843): Pair of large Empire ormolu candlesticks, the stem ressembling th...
Ormolu
Pair of Empire Period Silver Candlesticks England circa 1820
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Empire period standard silver candlesticks from England circa 1820. Each stick has a squared tapered shaft decorated with still-leafed border as well as beaded bandi...
Silver
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.
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...
Bronze
Pair Of Empire Silver Candle Holders, Floral Decor, Johann Gutmann, Vienna, 1804
Located in Vienna, AT
Two elegant silver candlesticks on a round base, guilloché pattern on the side of the base, raised shaft in the centre, constriction in the lower third with a guilloché ring, shaft w...
Silver
Pair of Empire Style Silvered and Gilt Bronze Candelabra with Marble Bases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very large French 19th century French Empire style silvered and gilt bronze candelabra with marble bases.
Bronze
$2,850 / set
French Empire Doré Bronze Candlesticks, A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of French Empire Doré Bronze Candlesticks. These candlesticks feature a fluted and diamond-patterned shaft rising from a circular molded base with guilloché border. The upper se...
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...
Porphyry, Bronze
Italy Mid-18th Century Empire Pair Brass Candle Holders
Located in Brescia, IT
Italy Mid-18th Century pair of brass Empire five lights candleholders or table lamps This wonderful pair of brass candle holders, is a magnificent hand made work by Italian artisan...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Brass Candle Sconces, Swan Design, Antique, 1820
Located in Austin, TX
Candle holder sconces from France from the Empire period. This finely cast pair of sconces features a solid brass structure with a swan holding two chained candle...
Bronze
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...
Wood
c. 1810–1830 French Empire Ormolu Candlestick with Classical Portrait Medallions
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
This magnificent French Empire ormolu candlestick presents the pure luxury of early 19th-century Parisian craftsmanship. The sculptural body features four finely cast classical portr...
Bronze, Ormolu
Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Metal Candelabra, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of French Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Metal Candelabra, each depicting Winged Victory upholding two candleholders, standing on cylinder pedestal and square plinth. Overall:...
Metal
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...
Marble, Bronze
Pr. French Empire Dore Bronze 6-Light Candelabra w Swans, signed Thomire a Paris
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptional and Quite Rare Pair of French Empire Period Dore Bronze Six-Light Candelabra with Swans, Signed Thomire a Paris. The candelabra are cast in dore bronze and formed wit...
Ormolu
Pair of Empire ormolu candlesticks - Sweden, early 19th century circa 1810
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine pair of tall ormolu candlesticks, beautiful mercury gilt (mat and shiny finish), finely chiseled bronze palm patterns. Sweden, early 19th century circa 1810 (Empire period). O...
Bronze, Ormolu
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...
Bronze
$3,000Sale Price / set|51% Off
Candelabras 5 Arms French Silver Plate 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
Candelabras 5 Arms French Silver Plate 19th Century France . A pair of French silver plated candelabras. Decorated with leaves and flowers.
Silver Plate
$109,145Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Pair of Italian Empire Gilt Bronze Candleholders or Floor Lamps, 1800
Located in Rome, IT
Impressive pair of Italian Empire finely chiseled ormolu Flambeaux, on triform base, each with 25 scrolled gilt-bronze candle arms. Attributed to Luigi Manfredini the famous bronze a...
Bronze
19th Century Pair of Empire Girandoles in Bronze & Griotte Marble
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of Italian girandoles on triangular marble bases with pyramidal Rouge Griotte marble plinths, resting on gilded bronze paw feet. Each features three black-patinated caryatids su...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Wonderful Pair French Empire Figural Bronze Patinated Regency 2 Arm Wall Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of very fine French empire doré bronze and patinated figural women two-arm sconces, rewired with new candelabra sockets and ready to install with supplied mounting b...
Bronze