Empire More Clocks
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.
to
2
17
17
42
38
28
26
17
17
16
14
13
11
6
5
4
3
2
1
17
15
4
2
2
12
5
16
14
1
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
17
17
17
1
Style: Empire
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Hartmann À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
An exceptional 19th-century Empire-style mantel clock by Hartmann à Paris, meticulously crafted in gilt bronze. This distinguished timepiece showcases a finely detailed white enamel ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
Figural mantel clock signed “Al. dre Destape Palais Royal”
The bronze figural mantel clock depicting one of the mythical heroes - Orpheus originates from the Empire period. The cloc...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Cérés À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
Empire clock signed à Paris
The mantel clock is in gilded bronze representing Ceres as a goddess of fertility, agriculture, grain crops and motherly relationships. In ancient Rom...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
This nineteenth-century gilded bronze clock exemplifies the grandeur of the Empire style, featuring a rectangular base with four legs, each intricately carved with subtle patterns. A...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Galle, Rue Vivienne À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
This is a beautiful antique French Empire mantle clock was made of gilded bronze and marble. The clock is placed on a rectangular marble pedestal...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Michel-François Piolaine
By Michel-François Piolaine
Located in London, GB
This large and impressive gilt bronze mantel clock is by the French Michel-François Piolaine. The clock body is raised by an architecturally formed, plinth-shaped base, set to the fr...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Isaac Pearson Reading PA Walnut Tall Clock with Rare Jacob Kunsman Case, C 1845
Located in Milford, NH
A splendid Empire walnut veneered tall clock with swan’s neck split pediment crest with bullseye rosettes and three wooden ball & spire finials surmounting an arched front glass door...
Category
1840s American Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Metal
French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in London, GB
French Empire gilt bronze clock
French, early 19th century
Measures: Height 38cm, width 27cm, depth 10cm
This fine gilt bronze man...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Leroy à Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
A magnificent 19th-century Empire-style mantel clock, signed by the esteemed clockmaker Leroy à Paris. This timepiece exudes classical elegance, featuring a finely detailed gilt bron...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Lefevre De Belle
Located in Warsaw, PL
This elegant mantel clock is a fine example of Regency-era craftsmanship, characterized by its refined lines and classical motifs. The clock features a distinctive architectural form...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock 'Pendule au char'
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The rectangular base decorated with a wheat and foliate frieze and raised on four ball feet, the goddess of agriculture Ceres standing while leaning against a Roman chariot with harv...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Set Vase Clock 19th Century Style Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
This Etruscan vase-shaped mantel clock cast from bronze with gilded elements and brown patina originated from the first half of the nineteenth century. The Empire style was based on ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Bras En L'air French Mantel Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This bras en l'air, or "arms in the air," French mantel clock demonstrates the neoclassical luxury of the Second Empire style. The focal point of the clock is a large doré bronze mai...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
A French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Silk Thread Mantel Clock, Circa 1820
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Silk Thread Mantel Clock
The neoclassical theme with a lady and a mandolin.The clock retains its original blued steel Breguet style hands. The ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Monumental French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Malachite Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very large and impressive 19th century Empire style gilt and patinated bronze malachite mantel clock depicting 'Psyche Crowning Cupid.'
Psyche crown...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Chaussee D'aulin À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
This exceptional mantel clock, executed in the highly sought-after Empire style, presents a captivating tableau dedicated to the theme of music. Signed "Caillouet à Paris," a clockma...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Austrian Clock Holder, Granite and Steel with Picture St Stephans Dome
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful and exclusive clock stand made of steel and granite. Holding a picture of the Stephans-dome. The most famous church in Wienna, Austria.
High quality craftsmanship on all...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Granite, Steel
Related Items
Empire Sevres Style Porcelain Bronze Mounted Mantel Picard Clock
By Henri Picard
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a Sevres style porcelain ormolu bronze mounted mantel clock. The frontal cobalt blue porcelain panel is hand painted with a winged cherub holding a basket of flowers. Below him,...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Portico Mantel Clock in Original Glass Dome
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep time in your office, study, or atop your mantel with this elegant antique clock in the original glass dome. Crafted in France, circa 1870, the portico clock stands on a wooden g...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Empire Portico Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This elegant period Empire ormolu-mounted white marble portico clock, circa 1830, is from France. The floral-and-foliate ormolu-mounted frieze sits above four Doric columns with gilt...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Marble
19th Century Marble Mantel Clock in French Empire Style
Located in New York, NY
Antique mantel clock in the French Empire style with variegated white and charcoal marble case with hand-craved white marble neoclassical appliques...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Empire Mantel Clock
Located in Ljungby, SE
An Empire mantel clock in gilded wood, made in Austria or Germany 1820-1830. It features a warrior dressed in classical armor with his arm resting atop the clock. The clock pillar is...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Wood
19th Century Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock, Fidelity
Located in Paris, FR
Early 19th century Empire clock crafted of gilt bronze, or ormolu, featuring an allegorical scene with a woman sitting at her work table play...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Antique (early 19th century) French ormolu bronze mantel clock in the Empire style depicting neoclassical maiden with child.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Mantel Clock from the French Empire Era
Located in NICE, FR
Large Empire period mantel clock - Restoration dating from the beginning of the 19th century (circa 1800-1810) in chased gilt bronze with exceptional gilding quality.
An antique cha...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
An Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock First Quarter 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Very nice high quality French Empire clock, showing a Cupid holding two flag. The opaline dial with Roman and Arabic numbers. The watch is signed by Eugene Bornand
Height 19in (48cm)
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Style Ormolu Clock By Etienne Maxant Paris
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 16 in W: 7 1/2 in D: 4 1/4 in
This exceptional 19th-century French Empire-style bronze ormolu clock, crafted by the renowned Parisian clockmaker Etienne Maxant and r...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
H 16 in W 7.5 in D 4.25 in
French Empire Gilded Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Madrid, ES
An elegant French Empire-style mantel clock crafted in gilded bronze, featuring a classic bust of a gentleman as its central decorative element. This timepiece exemplifies the refine...
Category
1790s Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Clock in Gilt Bronze, Empire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Clock in chiselled and gilt bronze composed by a rectangular base on which stand the dial-plate and a statuette of Bacchus. Round dial-plate with Roman numbers off-center on the righ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Previously Available Items
Antique French Empire White Marble and Brass Mantel Clock, 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19C Victorian Bronze & French Crystal Chandelier
Additional information:
Materials: Bronze, Crystal
Color: Bronze
Period: 19th Century
Styles: Belle Epoque, French, Victoria...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Brass
Empire Period Gilt Bronze Lyre-Clock with a Bust of Homer
Located in Paris, FR
Important clock-regulator entirely realized in gilded bronze of the Empire period. It has a lyre shape with seven strings and a bust of Homer crowned ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Cupid and Psyche Clock after Claude Michallon
Located in Paris, FR
Clock representing the Coronation of Love or Love and Psyche after Claude Michallon. Psyche, dressed in a wet drapery held by a belt, leans over the central pillar in griotte marble to crown Amour, recognizable by his wings and his quiver at his waist. The gilded bronze dial with Roman numerals is set in the pillar decorated with a lyre surrounded by oak leaves. The rectangular base is decorated with leaves, crowns, garlands, trophies of arms and rosettes motifs. The ensemble is supported by four small winged claw feet in gilded bronze.
This figure created by Michallon (1751-1799) during the Directoire period, after an antique marble from the Capitol in Rome, was a great success due to its elegance and the popularity of the subject of Love and Psyche in the 19th century. It was declined many times notably by Feuchère and Thomire. Some examples are kept in renowned museums such as the Château de Fontainebleau, the Musée Marmottan-Monet, the Hôtel de la Marine...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Drouot Place Moubert
Located in Warsaw, PL
The clock is in excellent and perfect working condition. In addition, it was recently cleaned and serviced by a professional clockmaker who specializes in maintaining museums.The eig...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century, Styl Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
"Mantel clock 19th Century Empire Skeleton Clock From The End Of The Eighteenth Century."
Gilt bronze and marble. White enamel dial, The clock is in excellent and perfect working co...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Vase Clock 19th Century Style Empire by Blanc Fils Palais Roya
Located in Warsaw, PL
This finely chiseled vase clock was cast from bronze with gilded elements originated from the first half of the nineteenth century. The Empire style was based on elements of the Roma...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Petit Pizze À Dijon
Located in Warsaw, PL
Early 19th century Empire clock crafted of gilt bronze, or ormolu, featuring an allegorical scene with a woman sitting at her work table play...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Verdiere À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
Profiled and finely chiselled disc feet with a tapered attachment. Rectangular green marble base with a palmette profile on top and a finely gilded, shiny base zone, with Diana walki...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Colin À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
Empire clock signed à Paris
The mantel clock is in gilded bronze representing Ceres as a goddess of fertility, agriculture, grain crops and motherly relationships. In ancient Rom...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Armingaud À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
Early 19th century Empire clock crafted of gilt bronze, or ormolu, featuring a shepherd girl is feeding her sheep by the fountain. Below is t...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Bouzzeb À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
The mantel clock, made of ormol (gilded bronze), shows the beautiful figure of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, accompanied by various emblems. Diana is sitting on the circular ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
French Empire style mantel clock signed ‘Lepaute à Paris’
This refined mantel clock crafted in transitional Directoire - Empire style from ormolu bronze is signed on the dial “Lepaute à Paris”. The Empire and the Directoire style were based on elements of the ancient Roman Empire and its many objects recovered from excavations at Pompeii, which had been rediscovered starting in the eighteenth century. Directoire style aimed at a simpler, but still elegant evocation of the virtues of the ancient Roman empire. However and the Empire style brought a full return to ostentatious richness. The use of gilt-bronze has reached its peak at the beginning of the 19th century in France, as it was cheaper than gold or silver. For this reason, it became the favourite material for clock cases, ornamental elements, candelabra and furniture ornaments. Bronze was the main material used in Empire style timepieces and both the patina and ormolu techniques were vastly used for ornamentation during this period. However, thanks to the skill of remarkable bronze casters and chasers these objects were not merely timekeepers but became objets d'art.
The French Empire figural mantel clocks...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Empire more clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire more clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage more clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire more clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original more clocks, popular names associated with this style include Claude Galle, and Michel-François Piolaine. 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 more clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,335 and tops out at $44,500 while the average work can sell for $4,339.