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.
French early 19th century Porphyry and Ormolu garniture Clock Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and complete French early 19th century 1st Empire Period Porphyry and Ormolu garniture clock set. This wonderful three piece garniture set is comprised of a central clock ...
Porphyry, Ormolu
French Empire Style Cupid Riding Panther Gilt Metal and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Style Cupid Riding Panther Mantel Clock, gilt metal mounted siena marble, brass clock face marked "Quartz" with Roman numerals with foliate friezes to either side, on r...
Siena Marble, Metal, Brass
$20,083Sale Price|20% Off
Claude Galle French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1805
By Claude Galle
Located in Lisbon, PT
An exceptional and highly collectible French Empire mantel clock attributed to the celebrated Parisian bronzier Claude Galle, dating to circa 1805. Executed in richly gilded and dark...
Marble, Metal, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Empire Style Ormolu and Malachite Mantel Clock by Denière
Located in London, GB
An Empire style ormolu and malachite mantel clock by Denière French, c.1820 Measures: Height 50cm, width 33cm, depth 14cm Made in the early nineteenth ...
Malachite, Ormolu
Large and Very Fine French Empire Period Ormolu and Malachite Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large and very Fine French Empire period ormolu and malachite mantel clock French, circa 1825 Height 89cm, width 57cm, depth 23cm This very Fine, sculpturally decorated mantel clock dates to the first French Empire period, and combines excellent antique clockmaking with Fine Classically-inspired sculpture to make a beautiful decorative piece. Both the backplate and the silvered brass dial, painted with Roman numerals, are stamped 'JACQUIER, A PARIS.' It bears the serial number 146 to upper left hand margin, and features steel moon hands set within a generous gilt laurel wreath cast bezel; it is cased in malachite (a later veneer), and richly adorned with gilt-bronze. The case is surmounted with a gilt-bronze sculpture of the Roman leader Caesar who wears a toga and a laurel crown...
Malachite, Ormolu
$16,875Sale Price|25% Off
French Empire Allegorical Clock Depicting "Venus Guided by Love" by Lesieur
By Pierre Lesieur
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An important and rare French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock depicting "Venus Guided by Love" featuring a case by the noted bronzier Lesieur. The figures and clock plinth sit on a rectangular green marble base topped with a gilt bronze plinth, raised upon four flattened toupie feet. The round enamel dial, signed “Lesieur à Paris”, indicates the Roman numeral hours and minute graduations. It is housed in a finely chased bronze altar whose pediment is decorated with egg and dart friezes, and be-ribboned torches on either side the façade is adorned with applied stylized butterfly and lyre motifs. The sides feature be-ribboned flower wreaths, and the plinth a leaf frieze. Two fine gilt bronze figures depict a winged and semi-nude cupid who is pointing to the time, while addressing Venus who is clothed in antique robes...
Bronze
Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Le Roy et fils
By Le Roy
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Le Roy et fils French, c. 1810 Height 36cm, width 37cm, depth 14cm This refined mantel clock was created during the Empire period by the esteem...
Ormolu, Enamel
Empire Clock, "The Astronomy Lesson", early 19th century
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
A mercury gilt bronze clock depicting two young women dressed in antique style sitting in Etruscan-style shepherdesses on either side of a draped table with claw feet, studying a map...
Bronze
Empire Period Ormolu and Enamel Ceres Mantel Clock After Thomire
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu and enamel Ceres mantel clock after Thomire. French, c.1810 Measures: height 46cm, width 38cm, depth 13cm. This superb mantel clock was made in the First Fr...
Enamel, Ormolu
Empire Clock, "Cupid & Psyche"
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb gilt and patinated bronze Empire clock. Rouge griotte marble. Signed bled a Paris. Silk thread suspension. France, circa 1804 Dimensions: Height 32" x width 21" x depth 11...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Antique French Empire Style Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock with Goddess 'Ceres'
Located in Madrid, ES
Following a model by early 19th century Paris sculptor and bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire, and showcasing many of the neoclassical design elements common to the Empire Style popula...
Bronze
Unusual Early 19th Century Empire Mantel Clock in the Form of an Accanthus Plant
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Exceptional French Empire Mantel Clock in Gilt and Patinated Bronze A rare and visually arresting French Empire mantel clock, masterfully crafted in the form of a sculptural acanthus...
Bronze
Empire Period Ormolu Mounted Malachite Allegorical Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mounted malachite allegorical mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 50m, width 21cm, depth 14cm This fine mantel clock is an excellent ex...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Empire Period Gilt Bronze Clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in London, GB
Antique Empire period gilt bronze clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire French, Early 19th Century Height 45cm, width 29cm, depth 19cm This superb gilt bronze clock, created by the renow...
Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Style Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century French Empire style gilt bronze mantle clock. The foliate and fruit engraved gilt-brass dial with enamel painted roman numerals. Inside with eight day movement w...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Empire Period Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in Montreal, QC
Empire period gilt bronze figural clock representing Amour & Psyche.
Bronze
$2,064Sale Price|20% Off
Patinated and Fire-Gilt Clock in the Form of a Vase c. 1800
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French patinated and fire-gilt clock in the form of a vase, Empire Era, 1800-1815. The silk-thread mechanism is in good working condition with key and pendulum.
Bronze
Empire Patinated Bronze Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful patinated bronze clock featuring Cupid and Psyche with a Sienna marble base
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Empire Mantel Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Excellent condition with finely chased dore bronze mounts. Has key and pendulum.
Bronze
French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, white Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock. This beautiful clock is supported on a circular white Carrara marble...
Marble, Ormolu
Early 19th Century Empire Mantel Clock by Ledure with Apollo or Eros
By Claude Hemon, Pierre-Victor Ledure
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The clock is signed on the enamel dial by the famous Parisian bronzier ”Ledure Bronzier à Paris” and the clockmaker ”Hedon Hr" (horloger). Patinated and fully sculpted bronze figure ...
Bronze
$7,956 / set
French Empire Influenced Clock Set, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive 19th century Empire influenced green marble clock set. Having the arched clock with a white enamel clock face, an eight day striking m...
Marble, Ormolu
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock with Orpheus, circa 1810
Located in Kastrup, DK
French Empire mantel clock in ormolu, decorated with Orpheus with lyre and harp. The dial has a finely decorated ormolu centre, surrounded by white enamel with black Roman numerals....
Bronze
French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Classical Figures
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze mantel clock with Classical figures French, 19th century Measures: Height 45cm, width 39cm, depth 17cm This mantel clock feat...
Marble, Ormolu
A Palatial 19th Century French Second Empire Ormolu Mounted Bronze Garniture Set
Located in Tarzana, CA
An Palatial 19th Century French Second Empire Ormolu Mounted Bronze and Green Marble Three Piece Garniture Set circa 1820. Origin: France Measures: Clock Height 32" Width 21" Dept...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Marble & Bronze Figural Mantel Clock Signed By Japy Freres
By Japy Frères
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Transport yourself to the grandeur of the 19th century with this exquisite French Marble and Bronze Figural Mantel Clock. A true masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, this clock...
Marble, Bronze
French Restauration Period Ormolu Lyre Mantel Clock with Apollo Mask
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An unusual French Restauration period ormolu mantel clock. The elaborately pierced gilt bronze case in the form of a lyre, with an Apollo mask cresting, on a white marble stepped bas...
Marble, Bronze
Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figurative Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period gilt bronze figurative mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 33cm, width 31cm, depth 12cm This superb mantel clock is a wonderful example of the...
Ormolu, Bronze
Early 19th Century Empire Mantel Clock with Cupid in a Chariot
By Marie Prevost
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Exceptional gilt bronze mantel clock with its key depicting a winged Cupid in a chariot. The chariot is pulled by two doves that are resting on a platform adorned with water-leaf. Th...
Bronze
Brisbart In Paris - Empire Period Clock
Located in Beaune, FR
Early 19th century Empire period vase-shaped clock in gilded and patinated bronze. It rests on a square base decorated with a frieze representing chimeras. The vase rests on a golden...
Bronze
French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and high quality French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock, signed Veibel a Lyon. This stunning clock is raised on Ormolu topie shaped feet supporting a rectangular marble base. The base is decorated with finely chased Ormolu plaques on three sides, in the manner of Clodion, and with delicate beaded frames. Standing on the base are four Ormolu Doric columns leading up to the Carrara marble entablature decorated with Ormolu pegasi and finely chased beaded trim bands. From the entablature hangs the enameled clock face and mechanism, adorned with a delicate Ormolu frame and richly chased hanging drapery featuring a foliate movements, mythical creatures, and a lovely female mask atop the wonderful sunburst pendulum. All original gilt throughout. Veibel a Lyon, also known as "Weibel", was an 18th century master clock maker based in Lyon, France. Established in 1783, Veibel began his career by crafting exceptional table clocks and pocket watches. Later he specializes in astronomical regulators...
Marble, Ormolu
French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Venus and Cupid
Located in London, GB
French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock with Venus and Cupid French, early 19th Century Measures: Height 53cm, width 37.5cm, depth 13.5cm This fine Empire period mantel clock is crafted from gilt bronze. The clock includes a sculptural surmount of Venus accompanied by Cupid. Venus sits atop the square clock...
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire Style Ormolu and Vert Patricia Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble clock, signed Armingault à Paris. The clock is raised by an impressive rectang...
Marble, Ormolu
Pierre-Philippe Thomire Empire Marble Mantle Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843) Empire marble mantel (fireplace) clock. 1st quarter 19th century; Rouge Griotte marble and bronze doré...
Marble, Bronze
Gilt Bronze French Empire Clock Depicting An Allegory of a Library
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare model of a French Empire clock in gilded bronze called The Library, featuring a boy and a girl dressed in classical attire diligently studying in a library, both are sitting on a stool in front of a clock which is integrated into a column which also serves as a bookshelf. The oval clock...
Bronze
Very Large French 19th Century Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Portico Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
French Empire Ormolu Bronze Portico Mantel Clock by Gaston Jolly, Paris, Circa 1810s, with original pendulum.
Bronze
$3,481Sale Price|20% Off
Empire Portal Clock, Mahogany and Bronze, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Portal clock on a rectangular, stepped base in mahogany veneered with small bun feet. The stepped architrave is supported by four smooth columns, the capi...
Bronze
Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze & Marble Statue Clock of Homer by Ravrio 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A very Fine antique French Empire gilt bronze statue clock, depicting Homer in the Ruins of Troy, by André-Antoine Ravrio (1759-1814), circa 1810. This e...
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock - Allegory of Astronomy
Located in New York, NY
French Empire period early 19th century ormolu bronze mantel clock depicting Urania, muse of astronomy, in an allegory of astronomy, beside a variety of scientific instruments. 16 b...
Bronze
French Empire Period Miniature Bronze Doré Portico Mantel Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant miniature French Empire-period portico clock crafted in bronze doré. The architectural case features four classical columns above a rectangular plinth with rounded feet, c...
Bronze, Enamel
French Empire Portico Clock, White Marble & Gilt Bronze, Circa 1830
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This elegant white marble portico clock with gilt bronze appliques dates to the French Empire period, circa 1830. The floral-and-foliate ormolu-mounted frieze sits above four Doric c...
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock with Seated Female Figure Reading Poetry
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and finely executed French Empire mantel clock crafted in ormolu. The clock is modelled with a seated female figure reading poetry. Behind her stands a tablet inscribed "...
Bronze
Antique French Empire Style Bronze And Marble Mounted Tall Case Clock
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: 90.5 inches high x 26 inches wide x 16 inches deep. Exceptionally elegant antique French Empire style bronze and marble mounted tall case clock, a striking architectural...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
$5,955Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt Bronze Table Clock « the Gardener Angel » French Work, Circa 1805
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
"L''Amour jardinier" is a gilt bronze table clocks with a garden angel and garden decors. The garden angel is on a scale and catches a butterfly. The m...
Bronze
Italian Neoclassical Parcel-Gilt Clock
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassical parcel-gilt clock. Roman military Empire period mantel clock of obelisk form topped by an extraordinary eagle with outs...
Metal
Monumental Marble and Bronze Dore’ Clock Adorned with Psyche and Amor Figures
Located in Houston, TX
Amazing clock depicting the tale of Amor and Psyche which Is about the god of love in Greek mythology. Large bronze Dore figures adorn the pediment standing on a rectangular Marble b...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Mantel Clock, signed Ferey au Havre, Ormolu
Located in Greven, DE
Small mantel clock with bas-relief France Bronze, enamel early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 33 x 19 x 9 cm Description: Antique, fire-gilt portal clock with figurative, Gre...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
French Empire Fire-Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Shepherdess, circa 1820
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
A beautiful French Empire mantel clock in fire-gilt bronze, made around 1820. Crowned by a charming figure of a young shepherdess with a wreath and ribbon, and decorated with pastora...
Bronze
19th c. Large French Empire Bronze Gilded Ormolu Figural Clock
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This magnificent French gilt metal figural mantel clock is a striking example of the refined artistry and technical excellence that defined French decorative arts during the nineteen...
Metal
19th Century French Empire Bronze Dore Mantel Clock with Sphinx
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze dore mantel clock with claw feet and a sphinx on top. (Related item: 032442) (Not working)
Bronze
$4,351Sale Price|20% Off
Raingo Frères Louis XVI Style Table Clock in Alabaster & Gilded Bronze, 1800
Located in Milano, MI
French Louis XVI style table clock in alabaster and gilded bronze, made by Raingo Frères Paris in 1800 Measures: Ø cm 24 Ø cm 14 h cm 46.
Alabaster, Bronze
Early Empire Mantel Clock ""Gaston Jolly"" Paris Directoire um 1795 Bronze
By Gaston Jolly
Located in Berlin, DE
Urn-shaped mantel clock, Shelf clock, Directoire (c. 1795–1799), Louis XVI–Directoire transition, Neoclassical / French Neoclassicism, Gaston Jolly à Paris / François-Gasto...
Bronze
Braunschweig Castle watchmaker Antoine Nicolas Delolme, 1752-1836 Table clock
Located in Berlin, DE
Pendulum clock, table clock, mantel clock, bracket clock, Empire, Directoire, Biedermeier, Neoclassicism, 18th century, 19th century, early 19th century, wood, burl wood, yew / yew...
Bentwood
Early 19th Century Ormolu Mounted Cut Glass Lyre Form Mantle Clock
Located in New York, NY
19th century French Empire or Restauration period mantel lyre form clock crafted from cut glass with ormolu bronze mounts including sunburst mask within wreath flanked by swans, repe...
Bronze
Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock, Early 19th Century, Austria
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Modelled as a potted flower, the pot decorated with gilt bronze classical figures. With an 18th century English movement.
Bronze
Rare Empire Clock Cabinet Sideboard, Antique Northern Swedish Country Gustavian
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare antique clock cabinet from Sweden made during the transitional time between the gustavian and empire period. The cabinet is from Northern Sw...
Pine
Large mantel clock of Socrate drinking hemlock
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Important gilt and patinated bronze clock featuring an architectural composition, flanked by two figures dressed in antique style, representing on one side Socrates holding the cup c...
Bronze
SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY EMPIRE-STYLE OFFICER'S CLOCK
Located in Firenze, FI
An elegant gilt-bronze officer's clock with a handle. The clock features clean lines, embellished with floral decorations and figures of fantastical animals on the front, evoking the...
Bronze
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-19th Century Italian Clock Painting, Oil on Canvas, Empire Style
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early/mid-19th century Italian clock painting indistinctly signed on the lower right corner. The oil painting is set in a period Empire gilt frame and d...
Canvas
French Empire Mantle Clock in Gilt Bronze, Apollo Belvedere Bust, 1820
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A period French Empire Apollo Belvedere mantle clock in gilt bronze, the rectangular plinth on a stepped base richly decorated with acanthus. The plinth itself houses the large white...
Bronze