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.
Fine Pair of 19th c. French Empire Bronze and Crystal Centerpieces
Located in Dallas, TX
This product is a stunning pair of 19th c. French Empire bronze and crystal centerpieces, perfect for adding an elegant touch to any home or special occasion. The intricate design a...
Crystal, Bronze
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
Classic Neo Bronze Samovar, Empire Style, 19th Century, Italy, 36cm
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Classic Neo Bronze Samovar, Italy, 19th Century
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Ormolu Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Ormolu Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A superb pair of French Empire candlesticks, finely cast and richly adorned in mercury-gilt bronze, dating to the 1820s. Thes...
Bronze
Elegant Large Empire Candlesticks in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Large Empire Candlesticks in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, France, 1820s An elegant and imposing pair of Empire candlesticks, France, circa 1820, crafted in gilt and dark pati...
Bronze
Elegant Pair of Empire Fire-Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Pair of Empire Fire-Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s A magnificent pair of Empire candlesticks in finely chiseled and fire-gilded bronze, France, circa 1820. These e...
Bronze
1800 Empire Nast Porcelain Griffins Masks Roses Flowers Garlands France Vase
Located in Munich, DE
This very high quality French vase in caramel hue with guilding is most probably made by the Nast Porcelain Manufacture ( 1754 - 1817 ). It's handles ar...
Porcelain
High-Quality Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
High-Quality Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s An exquisite pair of Empire candlesticks in finely chiseled gilt bronze, likely crafted in Paris during the 1820s...
Bronze
Antique French Gilded Bronze Candle Holders, Empire Style, Circa 1790
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French pair of candle holders made of hand crafted matted and polished burnt gilded bronze, in good condition. Each of the detailed sticks is composed with a face mascarons, a crowned man and woman, carrying a mug with flowers, loose cuffs supported by a round plinth, standing on square base. The Parisian décor...
Metal, Bronze
Pair 19th Century French Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Ewers
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (19th century) French bronze ewers in the Empire period manner of Andre Antoine Ravio (1759-1814), with urn forms with green patinas, decorated with gilt lotus flower...
Bronze
$156Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Antique Empire Barrel Box in Hardwood
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century Antique Empire Barrel Box in Hardwood. Charming piece as a decorative piece on a desk or library shelf and additionally could be used to hold jewelry on a dresser or nig...
Wood
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....
Bronze
A large pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
Elegant Pair of Empire Candlesticks in Gilt Bronze, France c. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Pair of Empire Candlesticks in Gilt Bronze, France c. 1820s A refined pair of French candlesticks from the 1820s, crafted in gilt bronze and richly decorated in the classic ...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Figural Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Pair of rare early 19th century French Empire figural bronze candlesticks featuring patinated putti figures dressed in stylized costume, each supporting a foliate ormolu candle branc...
Marble, Bronze
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Small Danish Empire Veneered and Brass Trinket Box, Circa 1825
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Rectangular Period Empire Trinket Box in Veneered Mahogany and Brass Panels on the Edges, Denmark Circa 1825.
Brass
French Empire Pendulum In Gilt Bronze Early 1800s With Putti and Bookcase
Located in Milano, MI
French Empire gilt bronze pendulum dating from the early 1800s, charming table clock with allegory of the Arts, arched case, flanked by two putti, one seated with a book and the oth...
Bronze
Mid Century Cut Crystal & Metal Delphin Dolphin Centerpiece Compote Bowls 10"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of rare mid 20th century French Empire / Neoclassical compote bowls featuring cast metal pedestal bases in the shape of delphins / dolphins / fish, painted in off white, balanci...
Crystal, Metal
Pair 20th Century Empire Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form 7-Light Candelabra
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 20th Century Empire Style Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form Seven-Light Candelabra. Each candelabrum has seven candle holders.They are made of patinated bronze and green...
Marble, 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
Early 19th Century French Musical Automaton Clock Depicting Napoleon I
Located in London, GB
A Musical Automaton Clock Depicting Napoleon at Fontainebleau Based on the original work of Horace Vernet "Goodbyes at Fontainebleau," the pai...
Brass
$1,950Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair Antique French 'Sevres' Red Porcelain Gilt Bronze Pot Pourri Urns 1804-1809
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Portland, OR
Pair of Antique French 'Sevres' porcelain lidded pot pourri and gilded bronze lidded urns, 1804-1809. The urns having a rich red ground with gilded panels, the domed lids with gilded bronze eagle...
Bronze
French 19th Century Empire Portico Clock
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
19th Century French Empire Candelabra Pair, Brass & Marble, Circa 1870
Located in Winter Park, FL
A pair of 19th century French Empire five-light cast brass candelabra, each with black marble base inlaid with Lapis Lazuli. Fine casting with urn shaped form, scrolled arms with flo...
Belgian Black Marble, Lapis Lazuli, Brass
Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Empire Marble Rocker Blotter With Brass Handle
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Empire or Neoclassical marble rocker ink blotter with brass laurel wreath handle In the manner of Tiffany & Co. USA, Late 19th Century Measures: 5.13"W x 3"...
Marble, Brass
19th Century Swedish Folkart Empire Chest / Box with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Folkart Empire Chest /box from Skelleftea Vasterbotten ,Northern Sweden. Decorative Wood imitaition painted small chest /box with...
Pine
Small Round Tray with Red Carrara Marble Top and Brass Edging
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small round barware tray with red carrara marble top and brass edging. This tray was most likely an old table top, that is now being used as a tray.
Carrara Marble, Brass
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...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Bracket Clock, Vienna, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Elegant Viennese bracket clock with an ebonized base and splayed legs supporting the clock case. The case is made of walnut and decorated with brass appliqués. The movement features...
Brass
French 19th Century Large Tole Candelabra
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This generously scaled five-arm candelabra has gained a wonderful patina since its creation during the 1890’s in France. A single arm is raised above the rest while four scrolling ar...
Tôle, Metal
French Empire Patinated Bronze Tripod Candelabras, Lion's Paw Feet, 19th c.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Empire bronze candelabras. These tall three light patinated bronze candelabras have a tripod base with very detailed lion's paws. The columns are fluted with palmettes...
Bronze
Set of 3 Hand-Crafted European Silver Leaf Wood Picture Frames, 1960s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
These impressive detailed frames with light touch of silver gilt would be suitable for most style artwork including prints, watercolors as well as oil on board paintings. It's not ea...
Silver Leaf
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Gilt Brass Candlesticks, ca. 1890
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of antique French Empire-style gilt brass candlesticks from ca. 1890. A beautiful and compact-sized pair of French Empire-style gilt brass candlesticks with removable bobeches (...
Brass
19th Century Pair Cobalt Blue Glass Gilt Salt Pepper Cellars
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Denmark, we see this pair of cobalt blue salt cellars atop a formal or informal table or kitchen counter. Unbeatable wear and patina to the bases. Each side as well as th...
Gold Leaf
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Empire Ormolu and Marble Winged Victory Candelabra
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Grand Gilt Bronze and Marble Empire Candelabra. Each with a Winged Victory Holding a four arm trumpeted candleholder. Period Early 19th Century and we believe these to be S...
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century Pair of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Figural Three-Light Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of gilt bronze three-light candelabra with kneeling putto holding the candleholders raised on richly elaborate base, France, late 19th century. Measures: Height 12.50 in / 3...
Bronze
Early 19th Century empire toleware decorative urn
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century empire toleware decorative urn circa 1830. Rare decorative urn that would have been used for incense or pot pourri. Original black paint with very strong grecian ...
Metal
19th Century French Three-arm Silver Plated Candelabra in Empire Style
Located in Sofia, BG
Antique three-arm candle holder, crafted in a silver plated metal with rich classical detailing. The central stem is adorned with a pinecone motif, symbolizing abundance and elegance...
Metal
Large Antique Pewter Cup Vase, Denmark circa 1810
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Europe, a charming charming round shaped cup. We see this elegant pewter vessel filled with writing utensils, art supplies or petite floral bouquets.
Pewter
French 19th Century Bronze & Marble Mantel Clock Set
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Stunning three-piece mantel clock set in Siena marble and bronze, French Empire period. The main piece at center features a cast bronze hound sitting uneasily upon the plinth. Roman ...
Marble, Bronze
A large pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
Onyx Marble Gold Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful onyx and gold gilt bronze inkwell [ink well] box in the Empire style, circa 19th century, Europe. In addition to its intended use, piece makes a gorgeous standalone decor...
Onyx, Bronze
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze from the 1820s.
Located in Knivsta, SE
A very Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Richly decorated in period design. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design with flowers and leaves. Cool and unusual composition bet...
Bronze
$680Sale Price|20% Off
A small well cast late 19 Century Bronzed Metal Statue of Napoleon on horseback
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A well cast patinated bronzed metal statue of Napoleon Bonaparte in full military garb on his horse Marengo. The statue is ona faux speckled green marble metal base. The statue...
Metal
$9,500 / set
Black and Gold Carved Vase Statues - Set of 2
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand carved painted black and gold vase statues, the vase and base can be separated. Sits very tall at 7 feet but is very lightweight being made from wood. Likely originated in Franc...
Wood
Pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze with dark patinated Lion paws. 1810s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze with dark patinated Lion paws. Made in France during the 1810s. Very period design. Wear consistent with age and use
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 Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabra with Putti Empire Period 19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
From a luxury villa at Como Lake a stunning pair of early 19th century Empire four-light gilt bronze figural candelabras, of French origin, dating back to circa 1810, measure: 31.50 ...
Bronze
Rare flashlight for a candle in brass from a Swedish Baron. Empire period
Located in Knivsta, SE
Extremely rare flashlight for a candle in brass from a Swedish Baron. Empire period around 1830. Provenance Baron Ehrenkrona, Hulterstad Manor, Mjölby, Sweden. The flashlight in bra...
Brass
$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Empire Style Egyptian Caryatid Two-Light Ormolu & Patinated Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Empire-Style Egyptian Caryatid Two-Light Ormolu and Patinated Candelabra, France, 20th Century A pair of exquisite Empire-style Egyptian Caryatid Two-Light Ormolu and Patin...
Bronze, Ormolu
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A small and beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
Box handpainted miniature on guilloche and musical movement by Reuge S.A. inside
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Octagonal box in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated with translucent fired enamels and featuring a handpainted monochrome miniature on guilloche of a sailing ship on the lid, depi...
Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Empire Sewing Box in the Form of a Nightstand, circa 1800.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An exceptional and rare Vienna Empire period Sewing box, ingeniously designed in the form of a miniature architectural nightstand and dating to the beginning of the 19th century. Crafted from solid mahogany and raised on a contrasting ebonized square plinth base, the cylindrical body is accented with finely chased ormolu vertical mounts featuring delicate neoclassical ornament. A diamond-shaped escutcheon reinforces the illusion of a functional cabinet, landing architectural character to the design. The piece is crowned with a white marble top set within a turned collar. The top unscrews by an integrated wooden threads to reveal a fitted interior with its original sewing implements executed in bone, ivory and glass with ormolu trim. The precision of the fittings and the clever mechanical construction reflect the refined craftsmanship of Period Viennese workshops. This example beautifully embodies the Viennese interpretation of Empire design with its architectural elegance, merging sculptural presence with function. A rare and sophisticated early 19th century Viennese sewing necessaire...
Marble, Ormolu
A Pair of Elegant Empire Candlesticks, Gilded and Patinated Brass, 1820s France
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of exquisite Empire candlesticks which combine gilt and patinated brass. Made in 1820s France. Various intricate rose, floral and leaf patterns adorn the bases in gilt brass. ...
Brass
X-Small Egg style Faberge Enamel hand painted wreaths Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
X-Small egg in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché and hand-painted miniature of garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl F...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair Antique French Paris Porcelain Hand-painted Dog Vases by Darte Frères 1810
By Darte Frères
Located in Portland, OR
A large & wonderful pair of antique French Porcelain de Paris Darte Frères hand-painted & gilded portrait vases, with scenes of dogs, and painted in the manner of Fragonard, circa 18...
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Swedish Empire Candlesticks Made by Hand in Solid Birch
Located in Kramfors, SE
Pair of Swedish empire candlesticks from around 1840 to 1850. The candlesticks are made by hand with a frame in solid birch with elements of birch root in the candleholders and foot....
Birch
$484Sale Price|20% Off
Preparatory Drawings Empire Antique Inspirations 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very nice sketches of characters. Representing different emotions, clothes and personalities. We have a portrait of a strong woman with arrows. Below this woman, there is a representation of oriental characters, also called barbarians during Antiquity. Finally, on the left, another woman is represented with her head in her hands and sitting on a Klismos chair. This chair is typical of the ancient period. It is written at the bottom right "March 15", surely the date of creation of this sketch. The Empire style and period are inspired by Greco-Roman art, it is called the neoclassical. The woman on this drawing wears an empire style dress...
Paper
Pair of French Empire Brass Candle Sconces, Swan Design, Antique, 1820
Located in Austin, TX
Candle holder sconces from France from the Empire period. This finely cast pair of sconces features a solid brass structure with a swan holding two chained candle...
Bronze