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.
A fine Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A fine pair of gilt bronze candlesticks from France, dating to the Empire period, circa 1820. Each candlestick is richly decor...
Bronze
Pair Of Antique Empire Silver Candle Holders, by Jakob Krautauer, Vienna, 1803
Located in Vienna, AT
Two elegant, plain silver candlesticks on a round base, foot profiled at the sides, smooth shaft raised in the centre, constriction in the lower third by a profiled band, shaft widen...
Silver
Two Early 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
These magnificent candelabra were cast entirely of gilt bronze in the French Empire period of the early 19th century. Each candelabrum is formed as a cornucopia of scrolled branches holding four lights with drip pans, set on a single torch-form stem, held aloft by a Classical style figure. The figures, one male and one female, are shown draped in swathed clothing, with the male figure depicted holding a quill in his other hand, whilst the female figure clutches a delicate bouquet of flowers. The figures stand upon circular bases, set onto ovoid vases which featured fluted details and central bands of laurel leaf motifs. The vases themselves stand on undulating roundels formed of acanthus leaves, which are further set atop square-form plinths. Classically influenced works were popular during the French Empire period, when the Emperor Napoleon I sought to create a place in history for France alongside the ancient dynasties...
Ormolu, Bronze
Elegant French Empire Doré Bronze Crystal Three-Light Fixture Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
Very fine, beautifully detailed French doré bronze and crystal three-arm chandelier with flame top urn centre in the neoclassical style.
Crystal, Bronze
Empire Giltwood Candleholders with Stylized Palms, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Executed as stylized palms on rectangular landscape bases. The girandoles, each with four nozzles, are crafted in gilt-patinated wood with stucco elements. In unrestored original con...
Wood, Giltwood
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
Pair of Empire Style Bronze and Iridescent Glazed Cassolettes, circa 1875
Located in New York, NY
The tops turn over to be candlesticks.
Bronze
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
$3,294 / set
Pair of Empire Candlestick, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of candlesticks made of burnished and fire-gilt bronze. The spouts are surrounded by three satyr masks crowned by flames. The pyramidal shaft is decorated with torchbearers in r...
Bronze
Empire Period Bronze Candelabra Pair, Gilt Finish, Lion's Feet, France
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Empire period four-light candelabra, on tripod lion's feet over stepped incurved plinth, supporting a palmette form base with reeded column and central gilt candle stem, the ...
Bronze
French Empire Gilt & Marble Candlestick Holders Set of 2
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A refined pair of French Empire–style candlestick holders, combining gilt metal with a solid marble base. Designed with classical symmetry, the fluted column rises from a circular ma...
Marble, Gold, Brass
$10,200 / set
Pair of Empire Ormolu Cassolettes
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Empire gilt bronze cassolettes with pierced covers and engine-turned columns. France, circa 1810.
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
$1,823 / set
A pair of Empire candlesticks, silvered bronze
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exquisite pair of Empire-period candlesticks, likely of English origin, showcases a striking neoclassical design. Crafted with an intricate attention to detail, each candlestick...
Bronze
$24,795 / set
Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A pair of Empire gilt and patinated bronze candelabra. Each with a winged Victorian female figure carrying a torchère on their hea...
Siena Marble, Bronze
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
Pair French Gilt Candelabras Female Maiden Figural Candles
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing an eye catching pair of gilt Empire candelabras Of figural form, the candelabras are held aloft by the toga clad female maidens A perfect left and right Stand on the ...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Period Four Light Bronze Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
This Hommage a Egypte pair were made at the time of Napoleon's unsuccessful foray into Egypt. The shaped bases, winged feet and triangular columns are surely inspired by the campaig...
Bronze
A Pair French 1st Empire Period Ormolu & Verde Antico Marble Figural Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Fine and Unusual Pair of French 1st Empire Period Doré Bronze and Verde Antico Marble Figural Neoclassical Five-Arm Candelabra. Each candelabrum features a tall central shaft issui...
Marble, Ormolu
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
$2,649Sale Price / set|30% Off
French 1870 Pair of Empire Candle Holders Lamps Ormolu with Gray Dotted Granite
Located in Miami, FL
French empire pair of candle holders lamps. Exceptional pair of antique candleholders, created in Paris France during the imperial period of Napoleon III, circa 1870. They was designed with French empire neoclassical patterns, masterfully crafted with parts made up in gilt bronze ormolu and patinated bronze. Mounted in fluted columns pedestals carved from gray dotted Granite, with polished finish. Embellished with garlands and putties mounted in a four square and stepped bases. Weight: Combined of 12 Pounds (5.45 Kilos). Measurements: 15 Height by 4.50 Length by 5.15 Width Inches, (38 x 11.43 x 13.08 Cm). French Empire Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (1808-1873) was Emperor of France from 1852 to 1870 under the name of Napoleon III. In a way, the artistic codes of the Napoleon III style, also called Second Empire style, were presented at the Exhibition of 1844, during the reign of Louis-Philippe d'Orléans. The second Empire style, also known as the Napoleon III style, is a highly eclectic style of architecture and decorative arts, which uses elements of many different historical styles, and also made innovative use of modern materials, such as iron frameworks and glass skylights. It flourished during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III in France (1852–1870) and had an important influence on architecture and decoration in the rest of Europe and North America. Major examples of the style include the Opéra Garnier (1862–1871) in Paris by Charles Garnier, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Church of Saint Augustine (1860–1871), and the Philadelphia City Hall (1871–1901). The architectural style was closely connected with Haussmann's renovation of Paris carried out during the Second Empire; the new buildings, such as the Opéra, were intended as the focal points of the new boulevards. Comfort was the first priority of Second Empire furniture...
Granite, Bronze, Ormolu
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
$5,000 / set
Pair of Empire Candlesticks with Garland
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of French Empire candlesticks with matching light collars, richly decorated in burnished gilded bronze. The central section is elegantly fluted, and they feature a garland wit...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Ormolu Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Ormolu Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A superb pair of French Empire candlesticks, finely cast and richly adorned in mercury-gilt bronze, dating to the 1820s. Thes...
Bronze
Antique French Marble & Gilded Brass Candelabras circa 1820
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This exquisite pair of antique French candelabras are masterfully crafted from white marble and ornate gilded brass. Each candelabra features three gracefully arched arms adorned wit...
Marble, Brass
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
A Pair of Elegant Empire Candlesticks, Gilded and Patinated Brass, 1820s France
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of exquisite Empire candlesticks which combine gilt and patinated brass. Made in 1820s France. Various intricate rose, floral and leaf patterns adorn the bases in gilt brass. ...
Brass
$24,795 / set
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...
Bronze, Ormolu
$11,069Sale Price / set|30% Off
A Pair Of French Empire Patinated Bronze And Marble Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A Large Pair of Empire Patinated Bronze and Marble Candelabra Each candelabra features a classical winged Victory figure holding stylised oil lamp candleholder with gadrooned nozzles. The winged figure wears a flowing dress with finely detailed, crisp lines and stands atop a gilt bronze orb...
Marble, Bronze
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Cool and unusual composition between gilded and dark patin...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bronze Garnitures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of bronze and dore bronze compote/tazas with finely chased details. Can be used to hold a topiary or a thick candle. Base is 7" Top is 11.5".
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
Elegant pair of Candlesticks i bronze. Empire, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Candlesticks i bronze with dark patinated column. French Empire during the 1820s. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
Pair of Early 19 Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Candlesticks
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent pair of early 19 century French empire gilt bronze neoclassical candlesticks. A tapering stem with rich and finely chased ...
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 ...
Marble, Bronze
Very Handsome Pair of French Empire Period Gilt Brass Candlesticks, Circa 1820
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome & tall pair of early 19th century French Empire gilt brass candlesticks. Both showing reeded columns rising up from circular bases decorated by hand with finely chiseled motifs, to similarly addressed urn-shaped nozzles with detachable bobeches. Constructed in three sections, with the nozzle and column firmly attached to the base by means of a full length threaded metal post...
Brass
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
A pair (2) of figural Empire candelabra candles. Paris, 19th century.
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair (2) of figural Empire candelabra candles. Paris, 1815s Gilt bronze. Recessed pedestal base with palmette and floral decoration on a square plinth. The pair, dressed in antiqu...
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 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
$414Sale Price / item|25% Off
Antique Empire Bronze Wall Candle Sconce, Italy, Late 19th Century
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique bronze wall candle sconce made in Italy, late 19th century. They are made of bronze, heavy, with a beautiful patina. These wall sconces can be left in their original form, or...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze & Brass Candlesticks
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt, Patinated, and Burnished Bronze & Brass Candlesticks, circa 1920 Elegant pair of French Empire style candlesticks, crafted from a harmonious co...
Bronze, Brass
$13,086 / set
Two French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Sconces
Located in London, GB
These two sconces have been crafted in the Empire style, which was popularised by the French Emperor, Napoleon I. The Empire style is characterised by its grandeur and use of opulent...
Ormolu, 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
Pair of 19th Century Empire Candelabras by Pierre Chibout
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of Empire candelabra for five candles each, crafted by Pierre Chibout in the early 19th century. The candelabra are made of patinated and fire-gilded bronze. The candelabras f...
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 ...
Brass, Iron
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s An elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks in finely chased and gilt bronze, dating from the 1820s. The tall and bal...
Bronze
A Pair of Empire Dore Bronze Four-Light Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Stunning Pair of Empire Dore Bronze Four Light Candelabra, Which Convert to Candlesticks. Each constructed with a circular base supporting a tall fluted shaft and detachable four...
Bronze
Two Gilt Bronze Empire Candlesticks circa 1830 French Cassolette
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of 1800s Gilt Bronze Empire Candlesticks, set of two French Empire-style ormolu chests or burners, dating from the first half of the 19th century. These ancient French vessels ...
Bronze
19th century pair of French Empire ormolu candlesticks
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A magnificent pair of Empire ormolu candlesticks in the maner of Jean Demosthene Dugourc. Each with fluted, tapered shaft and delicate ornamentation, surmounted by three female heads...
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...
Bronze
Elegant Pair of French Empire Candelabra in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Pair of French Empire Candelabra in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, 1820s An exquisite pair of early 19th-century French Empire candelabra, masterfully crafted in finely chased g...
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 of French Empire Candlesticks in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, Circa 1810
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of French Empire candlesticks in gilt and patinated bronze. Slender, gently tapering fluted stems with gilt bronze mounts to the top and bottom, decorated with acanthus leave...
Bronze
Set of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This precious Set of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features many finely hand chiseled details. This model is typical of French Empire period due to ...
Gold, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks Ciselé 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks Ciselé 1820s An exceptionally elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks, dating from the 1820s–1830s, executed in finely silvered...
Silver Plate, Bronze
French Empire Period Egyptian Style Porcelain Candelabra
Located in London, GB
French Empire period Egyptian style porcelain candelabra French, c. 1815 Height 81cm, width 27cm, depth 27cm These extremely fine candelabra date from the early 19th Century, during the period of Napoleonic dominance in Europe. It was during this period that interest in the ancient civilisation of Egypt started to become fashionable, in large part due to Napoleon's conquest of the region at the turn of the 19th Century. Each candelabrum is modelled as a standing cross...
Ormolu
$4,500 / set
Pair of Empire Candlesticks
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of French fire-gilded candleholders in the Empire style. They feature acanthus leaf decorations. The candle sleeves are removable.
Bronze
$1,223Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Candlesticks Empire Pattern by WMF Art Nouveau Silverplated
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Beautiful pair of antique candlesticks by WMF are stunning examples of silverplated pewter craftsmanship, made during the Art Nouveau period around 1900. They are part of the "Empire...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Antique French Gilded Bronze Candle Holders, Empire Style, Circa 1790
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French pair of candle holders made of hand crafted matted and polished burnt gilded bronze, in good condition. Each of the detailed sticks is composed with a face mascarons, a crowned man and woman, carrying a mug with flowers, loose cuffs supported by a round plinth, standing on square base. The Parisian décor...
Metal, Bronze