Empire Decorative 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
Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze NIKE Figural Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This stately patinated and fire gilt bronze candelabrum is of the finest quality, and retains its original finish.
The figure of Nike (Winged Victory) standing on a gilt globe holds...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Steel And Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire (19th Century) steel inkwell with gilt bronze trim with four original glass inserts and a side drawer.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Steel
French 19th Century Empire St. Three Piece Porcelain from Limoges, France
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome 19th century French Empire st. three piece Limoges porcelain set, from Limoges, France. The three pieces, one bowl and two vases, are hand painted with wonderful scen...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Empire Candlesticks, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
A pair of elegant Empire candlesticks crafted from partially fire-gilded bronze, dating to the early 19th century. Each candlestick stands on a round base, featuring a tapered, flute...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$7,038 / set
Antique early 19th century French red marble and ormolu clock garniture
Located in London, GB
An impressive early 19th Century French bronze & ormolu Clock Garniture comprising a pair of campana shaped Urns with satyr mask carrying handles supported on red marble plinths with...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century, French, Empire Bronze Dore Inkwell Signed
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th century) bronze dore rectangular inkwell on 4 clawed feet with relief (signed BARBEDIENNE).
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Polished Brass and Black-Enameled Cast Iron Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Each with removable nozzle in brass above an acanthus shoulders over a brass column with lotus-leaf capital terminating in an acanthus-form knob, supported on a tripartite base with ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron
Palace size 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 sta...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
20th Century French Empire Blue Urn Vase with Gold Decoration, Jaget & Pinon
Located in Sofia, BG
Amphora-shaped vase and in the Empire style, circa 1920, France made of earthenware with a marine-blue background with gold decorations in the spirit of Sèvres. Round neck surrounded...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Two pairs of candleholders in malm, which is a brass alloy with added copper. The cobber gives the brass a darker color.
The hei...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Empire Mahogany Grandfather Clock, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large Empire grandfather clock with a mahogany-veneered case in the shape of a lyre. The grandfather clock stands on a chest with three drawers and diamond-shaped fillings. Above it ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
French Empire Bronze Dore Eagle
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style bronze dore figure of perched eagle with spread wings (19/20th Cent.)
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Rare 19th Century Russian Ormolu, Hand-Diamond Cut Crystal and Jeweled Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
An Extremely Rare 19th Century Russian Empire Ormolu, Hand-Diamond Cut Crystal and Jeweled Inkwell. The inkwell features a circular base with a faceted crystal insert, framed by an ...
Category
1820s Russian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
Richard Klemm Dresden Miniature Porcelain Portrait Cabinet Vase of Antoinette
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an excellent high quality porcelain vase. It is depicting a portrait of Antoinette in the center framed with gilt wreath of olives leaves against ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
$360 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Bronze Inkwell with Roman Figure on Brown Marble Base
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your office desk with this large Empire style inkwell. Created in France circa 1870 and rectangular in shape, the inkwell features a bron...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, 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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Boxwood, Oak
Pair of gilt bronze Retour d'Egypte candlesticks, Empire period, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
The pair of candlesticks from the Empire period featuring caryatids are exquisite examples of neoclassical design, typical of the early 19th century, particularly during the reign of...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
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...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Empire Style Table Clock and Inkwell
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Empire style table clock and inkwell
Origin France Circa 1900
The watch has a Paris machine and it works
Golden bronze and Onix materials
Very good general condition
the marble ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
Circa 1820 Pair of French Empire Bronze Handled Urns
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Circa 1820 Pair of French Empire Bronze Handled Urns
Beautiful pair purchased in France, age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique bronze candelabra with antique crystal, with 3 candleholders. Marble beige base 4" x 6".
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
$1,520 Sale Price
20% Off
Clock Pendulum Empire France
Located in New York, NY
Table pendulum clock made in France during the empire period, 1790-1810. Made from gilt bronze. Depicting a man holding a cornucopia.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Empire Ormolu Striking Library Clock
Located in London, GB
A fascinating Antique French Empire Striking Ormolu mantel clock
A fascinating clock in the form of a library bookcase, with two children sitting at each side. Raised on a plinth ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel, Ormolu
Tripod Cachepot Brass Bowl
Located in Sheffield, MA
Charmingly elegant antique Empire style brass bowl centerpiece on tripod hoofed feet and decorative handles in an 'abstract' animal form. Lovely aged brass patina all-over, can easil...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$850 Sale Price
29% Off
Wonderful Pair French Patinated Dore Bronze Empire Neoclassical Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Patinated & Dore Bronze Empire / Neoclassical Candelabras
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock with small Satyrs, 1st Half 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Mantel clock on an oval marble base, adorned with fire-gilded bronze appliqués. The clock is supported by fully sculpted satyr figures carrying an overflowing gilded fruit basket. Em...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Gilt and Opaline Glass Urn
Located in Dallas, TX
An Empire style gilt and opaline glass urn.
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Opaline Glass
$4,720 Sale Price
20% Off
Gilded Empire Hoop Sconce for Candles with Winged Figure and Three Eagles, 1860s
Located in New York, NY
AIS3010
A single gilded and patinated bronze candle sconce composed of a winged cherub or angel figure holding a fine, spiral bead-wrapped, reeded hoop, mounted with three eagles ho...
Category
1860s Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks – Stunning
Located in Milano, IT
This elegant pair of early 19th-century French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks is in stunning condition, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship typical of the Empire period. The richly g...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Late Empire Period Clock of Chronos Carrying Away Time
Located in London, GB
A fine model of Chronos carrying off time. The superbly modelled and cast figure of Chronos with scythe in one hand and carrying the clock under his arm. Set on a fine marble base wi...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
French Pair of Brass Empire Style Candlesticks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th century brass candlesticks, Empire in taste, like miniature columns to add instant glamor to a mantel or table. Typical of the French Empire period, inspiration from anci...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$1,100 / set
Pair of 19th Century Empire Candlesticks
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of Empire candleholders in fire-gilded bronze. Manufactured in France around 1810/1820. The candleholders are decorated with beautiful acanthus leaves. A decorative meander ba...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$4,000 / set
A Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze and Verde Marble Tazzas, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Empire Bronze, Gilt Bronze, and Verde Marble Tazzas, 19th Century
Each tazza with a shallow bronze inner bowl with leaf-and-dart rim projecting from a lobed gilt br...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
1st Empire Period patinated Bronze and Ormolu candlesticks, circa 1805
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An attractive and high quality pair of French early 19th century 1st Empire Period patinated Bronze and Ormolu candlesticks, circa 1805. This wonderful pair of ewer designed candlest...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Lapis and Gilt Bronze Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of French neoclassical style lapis and gilt bronze vases
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 46cm, diameter 19cm
Each vase in this pair, crafted from gilt bronze mou...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze
$13,244 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of 19th c. French Empire Bronze Dore Nike Candelabra
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of nineteenth century French Empire style bronze dore three arm candelabra, each featuring a classical winged victory or Nike figure positioned atop a tiered, architectural pede...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Candlestick Lightshade Vienna by Balthasar Wigand Mother of Pearl
Located in Epfach, DE
Mother of pearl light shade or candlestick by Balthasar Wigand Vienna about 1810-1820 with very fine painting from the Galitzerberg in Vienna.
B...
Category
1810s Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Danish Late Empire Tobacco Box in Nobel Wood, Lid with Walrus Tooth
Located in Kastrup, DK
Late empire tobacco box in rosewood.
The top of the lid is adorned with a walrus tooth.
Denmark 1830-1840.
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Table Box blue and gold with handpainted miniature fire-enameled on guilloche Sa
Located in Firenze, FI
Octagonal table box in 800/1000 silver gold plated with translucent enamel on guilloché and beautiful enamel miniature hand painted by the painter Renato Dainelli in early 1900s Engl...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of Empire-Style Bronze and Siena Marble Candlesticks – Circa 1830
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite pair of Empire-style candlesticks from circa 1830 features intricate bronze detailing atop rich Siena marble bases. Resting on tripod bases with lion paw feet, these c...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Siena Marble, Bronze
Antique early 19th century French bronze and Sienna marble mantle clock
Located in London, GB
A large and impressive early 19th Century French bronze & Sienna marble Clock surmounted with well-cast bust of Jupiter. The Clock, having 8-day s...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Table Clock Empire France
Located in New York, NY
A table clock made in France during the Empire 1790-1820. Made from blackened wood and burnt-gilt bronze. Godronned urn-formation, lion mascarons, pine cone all Empire attributes
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Clock of the Astronomical Sciences
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A fine example of a period French Empire mantle clock in finely chased and gilded bronze made in France in the first quarter of the 19thC. One of the Greek muses with a star atop h...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th Century (Mid) Bronze Revolutionary Rooster Ornament
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Bronze Revolutionary Rooster Ornament
Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Bronze
French Ormolu Mantle Clock, Pendule 'L'Angelot Endormi', Reiche, Paris, Ca 1820
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent mantel clock made of fire-gilded and patinated bronze from the early 19th century:
Structure in the form of a tall oval, smooth, fluted stepped gilded base, recessed body m...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Museum Ormolu Mantle Clock, Pendule 'Au Char', Thomire, Paris, Ca 1820
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite mantel clock made of fire-gilded and patinated bronze from the early 19th century:
Structure in the form of a rectangular gilded base on four conical feet with chiselling, ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Wonderful French Empire Dore and Patinated Bronze Cherub Putti Wreath Clock
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire doré and patinated bronze Cherub Putti wreath clock, not currently in working order, back cover is missing as is bel...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Early 19 Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Candlesticks
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent pair of early 19 century French empire gilt bronze neoclassical candlesticks.
A tapering stem with rich and finely chased ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Style Silvered and Gilt Bronze Candelabra with Marble Bases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very large French 19th century French Empire style silvered and gilt bronze candelabra with marble bases.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Empire Centerpiece with Putto Decor, Bronze and Glass, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Empire centerpiece made of cut glass and fire-gilded bronze with griffin decor and small putto figure in the center.
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19 Century Italian Clock Landscape Painting
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Canvas
Antique French Marble & Gilded Brass Candelabras circa 1820
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This exquisite pair of antique French candelabras are masterfully crafted from white marble and ornate gilded brass. Each candelabra features three gracefully arched arms adorned wit...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Brass
Large B&G, Bing & Grondahl Vase in Pink with Handles in Gold, Early Stamp
Located in København, Copenhagen
Large B&G, Bing & Grondahl vase in pink with handles in gold.
Early stamp. Dated 1865.
1st. assortment. In perfect condition.
Measures 29.5 x 14.5 cm.
Category
1860s Danish Antique Empire Decorative Objects
$448 Sale Price
20% Off
Birth of the King of Rome, Bronze Clock, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Patinated bronze clock representing The Birth of the King of Rome or the allegory of the Birth of Love
Empress Marie-Louise is standing near a cradle filled with roses with a winged cupid in the middle; decor of an Athenian woman with rams' heads and a curtain draped...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Royal Copenhagen Figure H.C. Andersen
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen figure H.C. Andersen
Measures: 19 cm.
In perfect condition.
Designed by Hanne Warming.
2. Factory quality.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
$384 Sale Price
20% Off
Stunning Signed by Barye Strong Large Lion Bronze Statue
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
This intimidating lion takes a break and relaxes. He lies down and looks as if he puts his paw in paw and waits patiently for the next encounter. He is the gate keeper he stays alert at all times and watches for any unknown creatures to cross into his territory. The features on the lion are magnificent and are very life like. His undercoat is long and you can see the fur stringing off of his underside while he puts his legs to the side. His mane is grand and he has gigantic paws which will take anyone or thing out in one swift swipe. You can see the details beautifully. This lion has a brown patina and was casted using the “Lot Wax Method” it is mounted on a black marble base. This sculpture is signed by Barye...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Early 19th Century Pair of Empire Bronze Female Caryatids Candelabras
By Claude Galle
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of early 19th century French empire gilt and patinated bronze female caryatids candelabras à la Grècque.
A beautiful pair of Empire gilt and patinated bronze candelabras deco...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Italian empire style table stand in finely crafted brass and bronze early 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Table stand in finely crafted brass and bronze, early 1900s
Table stand with double display, in brass and bronze. The two brass rod displays are adjustable. The structure is...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Empire Style Vases in Blue and Gold Porcelain
Located in Prato, IT
Germany, mid-20th century
Empire style
Blue and gold painted porcelain and white background band with floral decoration
Dimensions cm W28 x D20...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Empire decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Gherardo Degli Albizzi, Franco Salimbeni, and Alexandre Vossion. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $170 and tops out at $148,649 while the average work can sell for $4,772.
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