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.
Atelier Musee Du Louvre after Pilon Germain, King Henri II Bust, 1850s, France
By Atelier de moulage du Louvre, Germain Pilon
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A French Grand Tour 19th century plaster, bust of French King Henri II made by Atelier de moulage du Louvre between 1854-1865 after Pilon Germain...
Plaster
French Empire Bronze Napoleon Bust
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style small bronze bust of Napoleon on bronze square shaped pedestal base (signed DUBRAND) (19th Cent.)
Bronze
19th Century Meissen Group of Calvary General Mikhail Kutuzov with Aide de Camp
Located in New York, NY
A Very Large 19th century Meissen porcelain Group of Russian Calvary General, believed to be Mikhail Kutuzov, the hero of Borodino, with aide de camp, marked with the Meissen underglaze blue crossed swords, and incised and impressed with numbers. While Russia endured great hardships during Napoleon's invasion, it was the skill of her general's and a terrible Russian winter...
Porcelain
Large Plaster Bust of Napoleon
Located in New York, NY
Large plaster bust of napoleon. Stained.
Plaster
Vintage Patinated Bronze Bust of Napoleon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This pensive bronze-finished bust of Napoleon Bonaparte is a quintessential example of Neoclassical revival style, reflecting the enduring legacy of the French Empire. Depicting the ...
Marble
$4,081
Caesar Bust
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A finely carved wood bust of Julius Caesar taken from an original marble bust, carved in aged pine and gesso decorated. Please note we are currently working to a 30-36 week lead tim...
Pine
French Bronze Military Officer Bust
Located in Queens, NY
French bronze life size bust of a military officer in uniform raised on a square plinth (19th Cent.)
Bronze
A fine 19th century Carrera marble bust of Napoleon by Antonio Piazza
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century Italian Carrera marble hand carved marble bust of Napoleon . Signed Antonio Piazza
Carrara Marble
Pair of Wax Reliefs Attrib. to Pierre-Phillips Thomire of Napoleon and Josephine
Located in valatie, NY
Pair of Wax Reliefs attributed to Pierre-Phillips Thomire, (French 1751-1843). "Napoleon and Josephine," 1807, inscribed "Josephine/Thomire 1807." With pain...
Other
Life-Size Parian Bust of Napoleon by Houdon, French Empire, 1805
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (late 19th Century) life size Parian bust of Napoleon on blue porcelain socle and square ormolu base (signed HOUDON, 1805)
Ormolu
Small French Empire Style Bust of Napoleon I
Located in Queens, NY
Small turn of the century French Empire style bronze bust representing Napoleon's uniformed likeness propped upon a white marble pedestal base adorned with a bronze letter "N."
Marble, Bronze
19th c. French Empire Style Napoleon Bust by F.B. Launay
By Chaudet, F.B. Launay
Located in Queens, NY
Nineteenth century French Empire patinated bronze bust depicting Napoleon. The work is labeled "Napoleon" and signed by F.B. Launay after the 1804 model by Antoine-Denise Chaudet.
Bronze
French Terracotta Bust of an Officer
Located in Essex, MA
In the Napoleonic style with much later faux marbre plinth.
Terracotta
French 1st Empire Period Dore Bronze Grouping of Lovers, Att. Thomire A Paris
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptional Antique French 1st Empire Period Dore Bronze Grouping of Lovers, Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire a Paris. Exceptionally cast, hand-chiseled and further burnished and matted with two-tone gold, this dore bronze grouping of two neoclassical lovers is of the upmost quality and craftsmanship. As Pierre-Philippe Thomire is regarded as one of the greatest bronzier's of the late 18th century and early 19th century, this dore bronze piece could only be made by someone with his artistic talents. The lovers are seen with the man seated on a cushioned bench with tasseled...
Bronze
$2,560
H 11.25 in W 9.5 in D 5 in
French Antique Stately Bronze Napoleon on Prancing Horse Sculpture, Marble Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted. Practical size sculpture of imperator Napoleon Bonaparte. If you are a collector of good quality antiques having to do with (French) historical figures then this rare a...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Meissen Birdcage Grouping
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Meissen Birdcage Grouping Germany Circa 1880 This enchanting 19th-century Meissen birdcage grouping, made in Germany circa 1880, is a re...
Porcelain
Louis XVI Gilt and Patinated Bronze Bust of Ajax
Located in Kittery Point, ME
After the antique, his helmet decorated with centaurs and panthers. In Homer’s Illiad, he is described as a hero of colossal frame who was trained by the...
Bronze
$2,400
H 13.75 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
Mid-Century French Gilt Bronze Bust of Napoleon on Marble Base Signed Ajaccio
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a man's office or study with this elegant antique bust. Created in France circa 1950, and built of bronze, the bust stands on a black granite base and depicts French emperor...
Marble, Bronze
Spanish, 1850s Fair Carousel Wooden Dog
Located in Marbella, ES
Spanish, vintage hand painted wooden dog with stuck out tongue, from an old fair ground Carousel.
Wood
$475
H 7.5 in W 3.5 in D 3 in
Vintage Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Emperor Caesar Augustus on Sienna Marble
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Emperor Caesar Augustus on Sienna Marble, circa early 1900s. A piece of imperial history with this classic Grand Tour bronze bust of Augustus Caesar...
Marble, Bronze
Coral Stone Bust of Caesar, Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, US
This coral stone bust of Caesar introduces a refined, quietly dramatic focal point to any room. At 13.5 inches high, its compact scale makes it ideal for styling a console, bookshelf...
Stone
$4,537
H 11.03 in W 9.06 in D 6.7 in
Large Mythological Meissen Group 'The Catch Of The Triton', J.J. Kändler, c 1870
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen porcelain sculpture: Very elaborate and lovingly designed group of figures: two young women with artfully pinned-up hair and wrapped in cloths tied around their loi...
Porcelain
$2,094
H 8.08 in W 5.71 in D 4.93 in
Meissen Costume Group, Couple Dressed In Empire Style, by H. Goeschl, Ca 1940
By Heinrich Goeschl, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant couple costumed in Empire style: The lady in a dress that softly hugs the body with a high waist that sits just below the bust, a short cape covering the neckline and shoulde...
Porcelain
Antinous Plaster Bust
Located in Milan, IT
The elegant features of the young Antinous, a favorite of beloved Roman emperor Hadrian, are masterfully captured with exceptional richness in this plaster bust of the ancient Greek hero...
Plaster
A Plaster Bust After The Antique From The Louvre Museum
Located in London, GB
A plaster bust after the antique issued by the Musee Du Louvre in the early 20th century for academic instruction, supplying art schools and private studios for subjects essential to...
Plaster
$6,751
H 8.67 in Dm 6.7 in
Early Meissen Round Group of Gardener Children, by J.J. Kaendler, 1763-1774
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen porcelain group from the time of origin: Four children in festive, rural rococo clothing on a three-part rocaille base: on the central raised pedestal a girl with a basket o...
Porcelain
Sold
H 24.81 in W 9.06 in D 6.7 in
Antique Alabaster Sculpture, Woman with a Basket of Grapes, Italy, 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Antique alabaster sculpture, woman with a basket of grapes, Italy, 19th century An elegant antique sculpture carved in alabaster, depicting a young peasant woman carrying a basket o...
Alabaster
Sold
H 16.54 in W 10.63 in D 6.7 in
Carrara Marble Bust of " Diana the Huntress " late 19th/20th century, Italy
Located in Madrid, ES
Carrara marble bust of "Diana the Huntress," late 19th/20th century, Italy. Height x Width x Depth: 42 x 27 x 17 cm. Turned base and integrated square pedestal. Good condition.
Carrara Marble
19th Century Bronze Bust Sculpture of Napoleon After Colombo
Located in New York, NY
Fine 19th century patinated bronze bust sculpture of the French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, after the Italian artist, Renzo Colombo (1856-1885), measuring 21 1/2 by 14 by 10 inches,...
Bronze
Pair of Small French Empire Giltwood Busts, Circa 1815
Located in Dallas, TX
During the period of French history known as the Empire style, design reflected Napoleon’s belief that ancient civilizations (such as Greece, Rome, and Egypt) were the only societies...
Wood, Giltwood
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte
By Sitzendorf
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte by Sitzendorf, in porcelain, hand-painted. Detailed example of the Emperor, dressed with bicorn hat, green uniform with medals, draped with a coat. On the...
Porcelain
Sold
H 24.81 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
Large Carrara Marble Bust Of Madame Récamier After Chinard And Houdon
Located in BARSAC, FR
Superb large bust in white Carrara marble representing Madame Julliette Récamier (1777-1849), famous salonière of the high society of the Directory and the Consulate. This representa...
Carrara Marble
Sold
H 16.93 in W 10.24 in D 7.09 in
Terracotta Bust Of Alexandre Brongniart After Jean-antoine Houdon
Located in BARSAC, FR
Patinated terracotta bust representing Alexandre Brongniart (1770-1847) son of the architect Alexandre Théodore Brongniart (1739-1813), future mineralogist and director of the nation...
Terracotta
Sold
H 5.25 in W 1.75 in D 1.75 in
19th Century Gold-Silver French Set of Three Small Bronze Napoleon's Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-silver, antique French set of three Napoleon Bonaparte sculptures made of hand crafted metal and gilded bronze, in good condition. The particularized décor pieces represent th...
Metal, Bronze
Sold
H 7.75 in W 3.5 in D 4 in
19th Century French Antique Napoleon Bronze, Marble Bust, Parisian Décor Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th century, gold antique French bust of Napoleon Bonaparte made of hand crafted bronze and marble, in good condition. The detailed Parisian décor pi...
Marble, Metal, Bronze
Sold
H 31.5 in W 19 in D 11 in
Pair of French Empire Auguste Jean French Monumental Faience Female Busts
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French 2nd Empire (circa 1865) large faience busts in polychrome pottery depicting female figures adorned in laurels of wheat and grapes on separate round fluted pedestal bases (signed AUGUSTE...
Faience
Portrait Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte, by Sitzendorf
By Sitzendorf
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Portrait Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte, by Sitzendorf, A well executed, detailed example depicting the Emperor , dressed with bicorne hat, hunter green uniform with medals, draped with ...
Porcelain
Empire Sphinx Maskaron, Frankreich Anfang 19, Jahrhundert
Located in Greding, DE
Maskaron der Sphinx aus feuervergoldeter Bronze im quadratischen Rahmen auf Samt gerahmt.
Bronze