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Empire Mounted Objects

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
Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary
Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary

Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary

$3,350

Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary

Located in Forney, TX

A scarce fine quality neoclassical Empire style vasiform gilt bronze ormolu church religious relic altar monstrance reliquary. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Continental Europe in the second half of the 19th century, most likely French Napoleon III Period (1852-1870), having a fanned cross crest, above winged angel mask, central oval display...

Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Italian Pair of 19th Century Giltwood Appliqués
Italian Pair of 19th Century Giltwood Appliqués

Italian Pair of 19th Century Giltwood Appliqués

$8,400 / set

Italian Pair of 19th Century Giltwood Appliqués

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A stunning pair of Italian 19th century giltwood wall appliqués–decorative elements to enhance the architectural program–likely obtained from a church or cathedral as they are flat a...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Gold

Napoleon III Crystal Vase, Empire, France 19th Century with Video
Napoleon III Crystal Vase, Empire, France 19th Century with Video

Napoleon III Crystal Vase, Empire, France 19th Century with Video

$3,545

Napoleon III Crystal Vase, Empire, France 19th Century with Video

By Empire Furniture

Located in Madrid, ES

Napoleon III Crystal Vase - Empire - France 19th century with gilt bronze and diamond padding on the bases. Classic proportions and design. H-35cm. Width: 20cm, Height: 35cm, Depth: ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio
Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio

Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio

$285

Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio

Located in Allentown, PA

This is a mid 20th century Italian framed bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold detail...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA
Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA

Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA

$4,130Sale Price|30% Off

Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA. A Beautiful Empire style malachite orb on a bronze Doré stand retour d'Egypte of 3 figures of standing...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Malachite, Multi-gemstone, Bronze

Large Fruit Vase Napoleon III, Empire 19th Century
Large Fruit Vase Napoleon III, Empire 19th Century

Large Fruit Vase Napoleon III, Empire 19th Century

$2,954

Large Fruit Vase Napoleon III, Empire 19th Century

By Empire Furniture

Located in Madrid, ES

Large fruit vase Napoleon III - Empire 19th Century made of crystal and bronze. A bright crystal flowerpot is mounted on a spiral rod formed by two swimming fish. French tan. Width:...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra
Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra

Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra

$6,700

Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra

Located in Dallas, TX

Pair of French Empire bronze candelabra having female attendants in flowing gowns holding gilded torchieres, standing on parcel gilt plinths, 19th century, now mounted as lamps

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

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19th Century Bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte
19th Century Bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte

19th Century Bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte

$2,176

H 11.42 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in

19th Century Bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte

Located in London, GB

French nineteenth century bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte, the bust mounted on socle and pedestal base.

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19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

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Bronze

19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head
19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head

19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head

$3,938

H 22 in W 9 in D 14 in

19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head

Located in London, GB

19th century carved wooden deer’s head We are proud to offer a delightful example of a 19th century hand carved German deer’s head. This ite...

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1880s German Antique Empire Mounted Objects

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Pine, Paint

19th Century Painted Metal Horse Head
19th Century Painted Metal Horse Head

19th Century Painted Metal Horse Head

$900

H 5.3 in W 3.5 in D 7.5 in

19th Century Painted Metal Horse Head

Located in Austin, TX

Fine metal painted head horse on horseshoe, circa 1890.  

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1890s French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Metal

Head of David, Mid-20th Century
Head of David, Mid-20th Century

Head of David, Mid-20th Century

$1,713

H 26.38 in W 19.69 in D 16.54 in

Head of David, Mid-20th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

20th Century resin decorative David head. Carved marble finish. Size: 67x50x42 cm.

Category

1960s Vintage Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Resin

Pair of 19th Century Busts
Pair of 19th Century Busts

Pair of 19th Century Busts

$1,004 / set

H 27.17 in W 24.41 in D 11.03 in

Pair of 19th Century Busts

Located in Madrid, ES

Pair of 19th century busts. These are 2 19th century Gesso painted busts of 2 archaeologists of the period. Measurements: 69 x 62 x 28 Y 65 x 60 x 30 Good condition.

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19th Century English Antique Empire Mounted Objects

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Gesso

19th Century Pair of Large (2) Bronze Sculptures Empire
19th Century Pair of Large (2) Bronze Sculptures Empire

19th Century Pair of Large (2) Bronze Sculptures Empire

$13,769

H 27.56 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in

19th Century Pair of Large (2) Bronze Sculptures Empire

Located in Berlin, DE

Pair of (2) monumental Empire bronze sculptures, Paris. Gilded bronze sculptures standing on multi-tiered rectangular bases. Very elegant and decorative, it is a guaranteed eye-ca...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Napoléon III Gilt Bronze Sculpture with Putti and Champlevé Bowl
19th Century Napoléon III Gilt Bronze Sculpture with Putti and Champlevé Bowl

19th Century Napoléon III Gilt Bronze Sculpture with Putti and Champlevé Bowl

$1,800

H 5.5 in W 6.25 in D 4.25 in

19th Century Napoléon III Gilt Bronze Sculpture with Putti and Champlevé Bowl

Located in North Miami, FL

Late 19th century Napoléon III gilt bronze sculpture of Putti and champlevé bowl with marble base, France By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal, paint, enamel, stone, mar...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Enamel, Tin

Pair 18th Century Italian Urn Appliques
Pair 18th Century Italian Urn Appliques

Pair 18th Century Italian Urn Appliques

$3,850 / set

H 17.5 in W 15.25 in D 5.5 in

Pair 18th Century Italian Urn Appliques

Located in Houston, TX

Pair of 18th-Century Italian urn appliques featuring a flute body, and intricately carved acanthus leaves, bead trim, and ribbon adorned handles.

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18th Century Italian Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century Wooden Rocking Horse
19th Century Wooden Rocking Horse

19th Century Wooden Rocking Horse

$3,920Sale Price|30% Off

H 24 in W 40 in D 8 in

19th Century Wooden Rocking Horse

Located in Sheffield, MA

The 19th century charming and rustic rocking horse now mounted on two straight boards is made of handcrafted wood pieces cleverly assembled, and has a leather saddle, reins and stirrups. A great addition for those who collect Early American country antiques...

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Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Second Empire French Doré Gilt Bronze Vases or Urns
Antique Second Empire French Doré Gilt Bronze Vases or Urns

Antique Second Empire French Doré Gilt Bronze Vases or Urns

$1,850 / set

H 10.38 in Dm 2.88 in

Antique Second Empire French Doré Gilt Bronze Vases or Urns

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine pair of antique French gilt bronze vases. Decorated with an assembly of musical instruments, a gourd, and even a hat. Extremely solid and finely cast, these urns or vas...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

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Bronze

18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel
18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel

18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel

$1,200

H 32.5 in W 16 in D 14 in

18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel

Located in San Francisco, CA

A lovely angel, his right hand extended as if to touch something or hold something. He appears very calm and peaceful, clothed in a partial shroud which is draped over his shoulder...

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Late 18th Century Italian Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Antique Bronze Statue Of Napoleon Bonaparte
19th Century Antique Bronze Statue Of Napoleon Bonaparte

19th Century Antique Bronze Statue Of Napoleon Bonaparte

$660

H 8.67 in W 3.47 in D 3.47 in

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

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Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

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Bronze

Previously Available Items
Pair 19th Century French Bronze Sphinx on Verde Antico Marble Bases
Pair 19th Century French Bronze Sphinx on Verde Antico Marble Bases

Pair 19th Century French Bronze Sphinx on Verde Antico Marble Bases

Sold

H 5.5 in W 5.75 in D 3 in

Pair 19th Century French Bronze Sphinx on Verde Antico Marble Bases

Located in Stamford, CT

A pair of French Empire bronze models of recumbent Sphinxes on Verdi Antico marble bases. The bronze with the warm golden patina of age. The custom ma...

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Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

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Marble, Bronze

Steinway Retour d'Egypte Art Case Piano, 1925
Steinway Retour d'Egypte Art Case Piano, 1925

Steinway Retour d'Egypte Art Case Piano, 1925

Sold

H 37 in W 56.5 in D 6 in

Steinway Retour d'Egypte Art Case Piano, 1925

Located in Astoria, NY

Steinway & Sons "Empire" or "Retour d'Egypte" style Rosewood Art Case piano,Model L/O baby grand, serial number 233699, 1925, with warrant decal to sou...

Category

20th Century Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Rosewood

Rare Antique Napoleon Bonaparte in Russia Bronze Marble Sculpture 10"
Rare Antique Napoleon Bonaparte in Russia Bronze Marble Sculpture 10"

Rare Antique Napoleon Bonaparte in Russia Bronze Marble Sculpture 10"

Sold

H 9.625 in W 6.375 in D 4.625 in

Rare Antique Napoleon Bonaparte in Russia Bronze Marble Sculpture 10"

Located in Dayton, OH

Rare antique turn of the century bronze sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte dressed for his campaign against Russia in the winter of 1812 after the siege of Moscow. The figure is bronze ...

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Early 1900s Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Watch Stand
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Watch Stand

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Watch Stand

Sold

H 11 in Dm 4.5 in

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Watch Stand

Located in London, GB

A fine quality early 19th century French bronze and ormolu lyre shaped watch stand surmounted by wreath supported by swans flanking central panel depicting rabbit, all raised on engi...

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Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair French 19th Century Bronze Empire Style Head Ornaments
Pair French 19th Century Bronze Empire Style Head Ornaments

Pair French 19th Century Bronze Empire Style Head Ornaments

Sold

H 5.71 in W 2.96 in D 2.17 in

Pair French 19th Century Bronze Empire Style Head Ornaments

Located in Buisson, FR

Beautiful pair of bronze Empire style head ornaments. Most likely once adorned a stunning armoire or table France circa 1800-1850. Measurements individual and include the wooden base.

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19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Late 18th Century French Giltwood Lion Head Ornaments
Pair of Late 18th Century French Giltwood Lion Head Ornaments

Pair of Late 18th Century French Giltwood Lion Head Ornaments

Sold

H 10.24 in W 4.34 in D 2.37 in

Pair of Late 18th Century French Giltwood Lion Head Ornaments

Located in Buisson, FR

Great couple of carved wooden gilded Empire lion heads France, circa 1800 Weathered Measures: H 24-26cm (9.5-10.25in), W 11cm (4.5in), D 6cm (2.5in) Measurement is with the woode...

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century, Italian Bronze and Marble Tazzas
Pair of 19th Century, Italian Bronze and Marble Tazzas

Pair of 19th Century, Italian Bronze and Marble Tazzas

Sold

H 13 in W 9 in D 6.5 in

Pair of 19th Century, Italian Bronze and Marble Tazzas

Located in San Marino, CA

A pair of Italian Tazzas. Featuring Gallo Antigo marble bases and bronze urns, circa 1830.

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Hand-Carved Alabaster & Marble Napoleon Bust Statue by Emile Pinedo
19th Century Hand-Carved Alabaster & Marble Napoleon Bust Statue by Emile Pinedo

19th Century Hand-Carved Alabaster & Marble Napoleon Bust Statue by Emile Pinedo

Sold

H 12.5 in W 7.1 in D 5 in

19th Century Hand-Carved Alabaster & Marble Napoleon Bust Statue by Emile Pinedo

By Émile Pinedo

Located in Lisse, NL

Good quality, handcrafted bust of Napoleon Bonaparte. If you are a collector of good quality antiques having to do with (French) historical figures then this rare and wonderful alabaster bust of Napoleon Bonaparte could be perfect for your collection. This handcrafted sculpture by the prolific artist Emile Pinedo...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Marble, Bronze

Hand-Painted Italian Wood Obelisk, circa 1900
Hand-Painted Italian Wood Obelisk, circa 1900

Hand-Painted Italian Wood Obelisk, circa 1900

Sold

H 25.99 in W 8.27 in D 7.49 in

Hand-Painted Italian Wood Obelisk, circa 1900

Located in Aci Castello, IT

Amazing wood obelisk made in the North of Italy, later repainted in blue and yellow.

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Large Early 19th Century French Empire Heads / Furniture Fragments
Pair of Large Early 19th Century French Empire Heads / Furniture Fragments

Pair of Large Early 19th Century French Empire Heads / Furniture Fragments

Sold

H 8.25 in W 4.25 in D 3.25 in

Pair of Large Early 19th Century French Empire Heads / Furniture Fragments

Located in Buisson, FR

Large hand-carved original period pieces. Great fragments that once adorned a piece of furniture. Beautiful patina, France circa 1810. Weathered. Measurement here below is inclusive...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

Stunning Pair of Large Empire White Marble Obelisks
Stunning Pair of Large Empire White Marble Obelisks

Stunning Pair of Large Empire White Marble Obelisks

Sold

H 40.95 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in

Stunning Pair of Large Empire White Marble Obelisks

Located in London, GB

A stunning pair of large obelisks in the Empire style dating from the last quarter of the 20th century. They are made of a white 'bianco antico' marble and feature exquisite ormol...

Category

Late 20th Century Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble

Pair of Late 19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Obelisks Signed P.E. Guerin
Pair of Late 19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Obelisks Signed P.E. Guerin

Pair of Late 19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Obelisks Signed P.E. Guerin

Sold

H 27 in W 7 in D 7 in

Pair of Late 19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Obelisks Signed P.E. Guerin

Located in Dallas, TX

A fine pair of French Empire gilt bronze and malachite obelisks. Signed behind the bronzes P.E. Guerin. Excellent condition large size.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Malachite, Gilt Metal

Empire mounted objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire mounted objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage mounted objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire mounted objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original mounted objects, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. 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 mounted objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $640 and tops out at $6,838 while the average work can sell for $3,350.

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