Empire Figurative Sculptures
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.
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Style: Empire
A Bronze Figure of Napoleon, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Bronze Figure of Napoleon, 19th Century
Provenance:
Private Melbourne Collection.
Description:
In full military dress, his sword sheathed and arms folded over his chest, his ri...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix Bronze Sculpture After Antonio Canova
Located in New York, NY
Finely modeled and cast antique (19th century) patinated bronze sculpture depicting Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix after the original model by the Italian master, Antonio Canova....
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
C1810 Pair of Italian Empire Marble Relief Sculptures of Adrian & Augustus
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
C1810 Pair of Italian Empire Marble Relief Sculptures of Adrian & Augustus. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in nut-wood
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in walnut on a colorful marble base.
You often see sculptures of Napoleon Bonaparte in bronze, rarely in wood.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble
J A Houdon 1790 "Diane" bronze by Barbedienne founder.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible J A Houdon model bronze 1790 representing "Diane" with bow and arrow by Barbedienne founder.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Gilt & Patinated Bronze Sphinxes on Porphyry & Bron
Located in Hudson, NY
Made in France circa 1840s this finely cast pair of sphinxes are represented in the recumbent position most associated with the form. Showing on both figures are two hieroglyphic car...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porphyry, Bronze
Pair French Early 19th Century Hand Carved Giltwood Empire Style bird Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair of handcarved giltwood bird fragments.
France circa 1805-1820 . Weathered and small losses
Measurements individual and include the wooden base.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Giltwood
Fine Napoleonic Antique French Empire Cabinet Bronze Officer Twisting Mustache
Located in New York, NY
A debonair French Napoleonic era patinated bronze high ranking officer in full regalia leans against a gnarled tree trunk while twisting his handsome mustache in this delightful and ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Pair of French Patinated Bronze Sculptures Candelabra Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of heavy patinated bronze sculpture candelabra, France mid-19th century. Two female sculptures holding a candleholder raised on a br...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
French Bronze of Napoleon Marching in Waterloo After Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine and Large French Early 20th Century Bronze of Napoleon Marching in Waterloo Cast after a model by Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié (French, 1845-1916). The impressive bronze sculptu...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Scuplture "Venus Bather" by H.S. München
By H.S. Munchen
Located in Firenze, FI
Lost wax cast Italian bronze sculpture, the subject reproduces 'Venus bather'. The base is made of Bardiglio red marble. Italian manufacture, early 19th century. Made by H.S. München...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Bronze Figure of Napoleon
Located in London, GB
An early 19th Century well-cast bronze statue of Napoleon in full uniform, standing on square socle with applied ormolu laurel leaf wreath, ending o...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century, French Empire Gilt Bronze Centrepiece
Located in IT
19th Century, French Empire Gilt Bronze Centrepiece
This refined centerpiece stand was crafted in France in the early 19th century, during the Empire period, from finely chiselled an...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This truly stunning French mantel clock was crafted during the Empire period, and reflects the Neoclassical interests of the Emperor Napoleon I, whose influence over the decorative arts contributed toward a profound revival of beauties of the ancient empires.
The mantel clock is crafted entirely in gilt bronze, and features a stepped base on four block feet. The base depicts a Classical relief panel to the front, showing female dancing figures and putti, as well as musical instruments. Surmounting the base is an arch featuring a central mask fountain and basin...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Empire Head of Hermes Carved Wood Messenger of Zeus God of Merchants
Located in Munich, DE
This beautiful head of Hermes wearing his winged helmet is carved out of boxwood and has preserved the original gilding. The head is mounted on a blacke...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Boxwood, Oak
19th Century Pair of French Patinated Bronze Sculptures Candelabra Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of heavy patinated bronze sculpture candelabra, France, mid-19th century. Two female sculptures holding a candleholder raised on a b...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Grand French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock in the Empire Style
Located in London, GB
Constructed in bronze, patinated and gilt; the rectangular form case supported on engraved oblate spherical feet, the frieze dressed with a row of female masks capping pillars, linke...
Category
19th Century English Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
C1810 Pair of Italian Empire Marble Relief Sculptures of Adrian & Augustus
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
C1810 Pair of Italian Empire Marble Relief Sculptures of Adrian & Augustus. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Early 19th Century Empire Venus Sculpture
Located in Ljungby, SE
A decorative sculpture depicting Venus emerging from the bath. The sculpture was made of plaster during the Empire period, likely in Sweden. The color is the original, restored finish.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
Eutrope Bouret Signed Antique French Bronze Sculpture of Boys Riding a Tortoise
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This whimsical antique bronze sculpture was done by Eutrope Bouret of France in approximately 1890 in the period Empire style. This very well executed bronze sculpture depicts two yo...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Original Empire Sculpture, Wood, Polychrome, Gold, Austria, 1800s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
In pristine original condition, the item has been professionally cleaned, and its polish has been revived by our refurbishing team in Czechia.
Polychrome and gilded wood carving
T...
Category
Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Gold
A.Carrier French bronze 19th Neapolitan musician playing a tambourine.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible A.CARRIER bronze 19th Neapolitan musician playing a tambourine.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Aigle de la Garde Imperiale
Located in Paris, FR
Jean-Auguste Barre
1811-1896, French
Aigle de la Garde Impérial,
Second Empire, circa 1870.
Bronze - Casted by MARRION.
Jean-Auguste Barre: born the September, 25th, 1811, ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix Bronze Sculpture After Antonio Canova
Located in New York, NY
Finely modeled and cast antique (19th century) patinated bronze sculpture depicting Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix after the original model by the Italian master, Antonio Canova....
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
French Giltwood Eagle Sculpture
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Rare French, 19th century, Empire. Large size carved wood and gesso gilt eagle, with its full body, swept back wings, pronounced talons, perched on a ball. Important size.
Conditi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Gesso, Wood
19th Century Continental Gilt Bronze Sculpture of Soldier
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Continental Gilt Bronze Statue of Soldier. Continental gilt bronze figure of a Classical soldier, late 19th century, with sword extended, resting on a gilded octagonal m...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Royal Copenhagen Figure H.C. Andersen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Royal Copenhagen figure H.C. Andersen
Measures: 19 cm.
In perfect condition.
Designed by Hanne Warming.
2. Factory quality.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Empire Figurative Sculptures
Cast Bronze Figural Lion Sculpture Marble Top Pedestals After P.J Mene, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cast bronze figural lion sculpture marble top pedestals after P.J Mene - a Pair. Item features right and left forms, heavy cast bronze lion figures, round black marble tops, signed "...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Pair of French Early 19th C. Patinated and Dore Bronze Egyptian Revival Chenets
Located in New York, NY
This pair of French chenets from the Early 1800s is a stunning example of Egyptian Revival design. The chenets feature a stately dark patina bronze sphynx...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Armor and Venus Early 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Sculpture Gilt Bronze
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
This beautiful Empire bronze sculpture shows winged Amor carrying Venus, she is holding a wreath in her right hand, surrounded within a circula...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique French Empire Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
These fine and large French candelabra date from the Empire period of the 19th century and beautifully contrast the different finishes of gilt ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Superb 19th Century Golden Bronze Vase Made in Gild Bronze
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century golden bronze vase made in gild bronze and decorated celluloid with handles in the shape of grotesque face and animal head.
Measures: 30 x 26...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze D'Henry FUGERE "Bellica Virtus" époque 19 ème siècle
By Henri Fugère
Located in LYON, FR
Sublime bronze de l'artiste Henry FUGÈRE représentant un personnage armé d'une lance terrassant un lion.
Sur la terrasse l'inscription "Bellica Virtus".
Notre exemplaire est sign...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Pair of Bronze Girandoles Attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeld
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of girandoles made of hand crafted gilded bronze attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeldt, in good condition. Eac...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
A Bronze Figure of Napoleon, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Bronze Figure of Napoleon, 19th Century
Provenance:
Private Melbourne Collection.
Description:
In full military dress, his sword sheathed and arms folded over his chest, his ri...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
French Marble and Bronze Inkwell Signed Ferdinand Barbedienne, Paris, circa 1870
Located in Milan, IT
A Verona red marble remarkable inkwell, pure Empire style representing a gilded bronze of the bust of Antinous as Dioniso. Empire style, Generous size, excellent state of preservatio...
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Napoleon Bonaparte bronze desk inkwell, signed Pinedo with foundry mark. Mounted over a Green Alps marble.
Antique signed 19th large bronz...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux 1872 bronze "Le genie de la Danse" france.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible rare and large bronze for JEAN-Baptiste CARPEAUX 1872 representing "Le GENIE de la Danse".
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Antique Bronze Statue Of Napoleon Bonaparte
Located in Bilzen, BE
Old bronze statue from the beginning of the 19th century of Napoleon Bonaparte of fine quality.
Original aged patina
Total height 22 cm, base 8.8 x 8.8 cm, heigth figure 9 cm
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century Cup in Egyptian Porphyry and Bronze with Cupids
Located in Paris, FR
Imposing cup in red, Egyptian porphyry featuring three cupids on a circular base. The patinated bronze cupids serve as the supporting stem for the wide-rimmed cup. Two of the cupids ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porphyry, Bronze
French Empire Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Boys and Amphoras by Auguste Moreau
Located in North Miami, FL
French Empire patinated bronze sculpture of a group of boys and amphoras by Auguste Moreau
By: Auguste Moreau
Material: bronze, copper, metal
Technique: patinated, cast, carved, pol...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Metal, Copper
Palatial pair of "Chevaux de Marly" france bronzes circa 1850
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and large pair of "Chevaux de Marly" in bronze with spectacular work on the bases. Circa 1850 in perfect conditions.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Venus with the Turtle After Antoine Coysevox, Probably, France, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Representation of the sitting Venus with turtle after the original by Antoine Coysevox (1640-1720, Louvre 1686) on a round black truncated column with...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Bowl on Base in Bronze and Marble 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
French Empire Bowl on Base in Bronze and Marble 19th century
Bowl on base in bronze and black marble
19th century
height: 25 cm. and diameter: 24 cm.
very good condition
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Candelabras Male and Female 18-Karat Doré Bronze after Clodion the pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine pair of Cherub candelabras cast in Lost Wax bronze with fine Hi-Quality details and black patina and 18-karat Doré gold-plated made from the originals of Clodion. Wired and r...
Category
1990s American Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Life-size Gliedermann, Denmark, Circa 1860, Featured Ralph Lauren Madison Avenue
Located in New York, NY
19th century, life-size Gliedermann, origin: Denmark, circa 1860, original color
Featured in Ralph Lauren Madison Avenue Spring Fashion Windows, pho...
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Empire figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage figurative sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original figurative sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Ferdinand Barbedienne, Coduri of Lyon, France, and Eutrope Bouret. 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 figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $200 and tops out at $110,955 while the average work can sell for $3,654.