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.
14
914
14
1
to
91
462
376
929
916
927
23,583
14,494
8,117
5,120
3,796
2,961
2,096
1,579
1,257
1,251
1,147
1,068
929
903
803
618
616
588
20
762
132
15
38
40
23
8
1
4
1
6
15
6
6
5
Height
to
Width
to
767
561
229
137
130
859
671
74
28
25
15
12
11
7
4
Style: Empire
19th Century French Empire Miniature Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine early 19th century French Empire miniature sample commode with four dovetailed drawers. Made of burl of walnut veneer with oak and pine as secondary woods. Working locks with ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Allegorical Gilt Bronze Clock Depiction Clio, the Muse of History and Music
By Louis-Charles Boileau
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An Allegorical gilt bronze French Empire clock Depiction Clio, the the Greek Muse of History and Music. Clio is shown here sitting on the clock plinth playing her harp. To the left of the clock dial are placed wreaths, and a plaque with the names of Roman Poets “Pline”, “Homere”, “Tasse”, and “Virgile”. The lower section of the clock is decorated with a large mount and a relief of Apollo.
The finely chased and gilt bronze clock has its original movement. The white enamel dial signed Boileau a Paris, with its silk string suspension system ringing the hours and halfs on a bell. An identical clock sitting on a white and gilt console...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Period Pair of Bronze Candleholders, Neoclassical
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Emprie Period pair of bronze candleholders, neoclassical
A rare collector quality pair of French First Empire candleholders. A classical bi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
French Empire Centerpiece Perfume Burner in Gilt Bronze and Marble
Located in Paris, FR
Ormolu perfume burner or potpourri holder that serves as a striking table centerpiece. The openwork lid is adorned with palmettes, foliage, small flower...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Clock Depicting Apollo God of Music and the Arts
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A gilt bronze and griotte marble French Empire clock depicting Apollo Greek God of Music Art Literature and Sciences. The clock shows a a gilt bronze winged figure of Apollo leaning against a griotte marble altar pedestal decorated with gilt bronze garlands. At the center of the pedestal is the clock’s dial and movement. Sitting on top of the pedestal is a standing harp, a mallet and a scroll. The whole is supported by a griotte marble base with a gilt bronze frieze showing a number of frolicking and dancing cupids playing music, drinking wine waving laurel wreaths, carrying a standard and even crowning a bust of Athena. The base sits on two owl feet...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Griotte Marble, Bronze
French Design, Empire, Candelabras, Patinated Bronze, France, 19th C.
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Empire 19th century bronze candelabras depicting insects. These are quite possibly the finest cast bronze pieces on the market. Each having a center column formed rod with wi...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Fine Pair of French Empire Dore Bronze & Cut Crystal Ormolu-Mounted Candlesticks
Located in Roslyn, NY
An elegant French Empire or neoclassical pair of doré bronze and cut crystal ormolu-mounted candlesticks.
Measures: 4.75W x 11 H.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock, Fidelity
Located in Paris, FR
Early 19th century Empire clock crafted of gilt bronze, or ormolu, featuring an allegorical scene with a woman sitting at her work table play...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
A French Empire Clock of the Roman Goddess Aurora Announcing a New Day
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A period French Empire allegorical mantel clock with a case of finely chased and gilt bronze. Aurora stands to the left of the circular clock plinth draping a starry cloak over the g...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Monumental Candelabra in Empire Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Bronze, finely engraved and silvered. Chanelled columns with
black patination, as holder for four sweeping candelabra arms.
Measures:
Diameter 33cm,
height 62cm.
Category
20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pair of Empire Porcelain Vases
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Empire porcelain vases of egg-shaped form modelled with soft-paste porcelain handles representing 'Pheme', the personification of fame and renown. Decorated with a dark blue ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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
Early 19th Century Empire Candelabra with Caryatids
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of Empire bronze and marble candelabra with three branches each. The lights are supported by bronze caryatids with dark brown patina, who are dressed in long tunics à l’antique ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Russian Cloisonné Card Case in Silver Gilt
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Early 20th century Russian silver gilt cloisonné case
This beautiful piece is lavishly decorated, but with a different design on each side.
One side...
Category
Early 1900s Russian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique German Drop-Shaped and Brass Decorated Iron, 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique German drop-shaped and brass decorated iron with wooden handle.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Gilt Chinoiserie Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Empire gilt chinoiserie vases. Pair hand-painted and gilt French vases of the Empire period with mask handles and gilt surrounds centering on ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique French Patinated and Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
These bronze candelabra were created in France in circa 1810, when Napoleon Bonaparte was Emperor. The candelabra combine neoclassical and ancient Egyptian motifs, in a manner charac...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Early 19th Century Viennese Empire Carved Wood Mantel Clock
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The octagonal shaped case surmounted by a classical vase on dolphin supports, white enamel dial, eight-day going clock movement striking the half- and full hours.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Gesso, Wood
20th Century Empire Style Handmade Sterling Silver Inkwell, Italy, 1991
Located in Cagliari, IT
Wonderful handcrafted sterling silver inkwell.
A refined piece of Empire style silverware perfect for an extremely elegant home or office.
Made for us by Argenteria Auge, one of th...
Category
1990s Italian Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Empire Clock The Spinner by Rossel in Rouen
Located in Paris, FR
French Empire pendulum clock finely crafted of gilt bronze, featuring a young spinner wearing a classical dress, seating on the dial near a lyre ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Two French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Sconces
Located in London, GB
These two sconces have been crafted in the Empire style, which was popularised by the French Emperor, Napoleon I. The Empire style is characterised by its grandeur and use of opulent...
Category
20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
French Empire Period Figural Thermometer
Located in London, GB
A very fine antique French Empire period figural thermometer of patinated bronze, ormolu and rouge marble. The rectangular red marble base with four ormolu winged paw feet. The figur...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
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
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...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
19th c. French Empire Style Napoleon Bust by F.B. Launay
By Chaudet, F.B. Launay
Located in New York, 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.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Style Salesman Sample
Located in Dallas, TX
Charming French late 19th century Empire style salesman sample. Makes a fine accessory.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Gilded and Sculpted Bronze Candlesticks, Empire Period
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of gilded and sculpted bronze candlesticks from the Empire period. The socket is very intricately sculpted with beading and foliage. Beneath the socket, three female busts face ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French Empire Ormolu mantel clock resting on four turned feet supporting an oval base with raised garland and zig-zag rope decoration...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
French Empire Bronze Doré and Patinated Clock Depicting Atlas-Early 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Period French Empire Bronze Doré and Patinated Clock Depicting Atlas with original gilt edged and velvet lined case. Atlas son of Titan, from Greek mythology is holding the clock on ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Pair of Napoleonic Period Porcelain Vases
Located in London, GB
The vases in this pair are heavily gilt, as is typical of Paris porcelain. The exception to the gilding on each vase, however, is the main portion of the body, which is ornamented wi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock Depicting the Lydian Queen Omphale
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early 19 century French Empire gilt bronze clock depicting the mythological Lydian Queen Omphale sitting astride on a draped drum th...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Wonderful Empire Dore Bronze Rock Crystal Neoclassical Figure Candlestick Lamp
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful Empire doré bronze rock crystal neoclassical figure candlestick lamp
Stamped made in France on base
Completely rewired.
Category
20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal, 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 Decorative Objects
Rare French Empire Clock in Gilt and Patinated Bronze Signed Lepaute
By Jean-André Lepaute 1
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An extremely rare and important French Empire mantle clock signed by the master clock making dynasty of Jean-Andre Lepaute and his brother Jean-Baptiste Lepaute.
The case, in the form of an antique portal...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Empire period gilt bronze clock with Cupid and Psyche by Le Roy et fils
Located in London, GB
This beautiful mantel clock was crafted in c.1810 by the famous Parisian clock-making firm, Le Roy et fils. The company was founded by Basile Charles Le...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, 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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Three Piece Jardinière Garniture of the Empire Period
By Jacques-Louis David
Located in London, GB
A Three Piece Jardinière Garniture of the Empire Period
Constructed in tole, being hand painted and decorated in the French Empire Neo-Classical manner of Jacques-Louis David; th...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Tin
Late 19th Century Octagonal Enamel Box
Located in London, GB
The enamel and mother-of-pearl inlaid gilded box centered with a depiction of a couple in a wooded landscape, the interior lined in red velvet.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
French Empire Mahogany and Cut Crystal Columned Portico Clock
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare example of a late French Empire portico clock combining the use of mahogany casing with gilt bronze mounts and cut crystal. The four pillars linking the top and bottom section...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Allegorical French Empire Clock Referred to as "The Library Clock"
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare model of a French Empire clock in gilded bronze called The Library, featuring a boy and a girl dressed in classical attire diligently studying in a library, both are sitting on a stool in front of a clock which is integrated into a column which also serves as a bookshelf. The oval clock...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Vases, firegilt Bronze, Marble Bases, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of Empire vases on red marble plinths with fire-gilt bronze fittings in the shape of small satyrs and putti. (Measurements plinth: 10 x 10 cm).
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Empire Pendulum from "French National Furniture" Called "The study"
Located in Marseille, FR
Pendulum of national furniture called "The study" of Empire period double patina and gilded bronze with scientific attributes of astronomy, on the base we find cupid, Minerev and his...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Style Portico Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century French Empire style portico clock.
This e Empire style clock features Carrara marble, bevelled glass, bronze accents and a crystal r...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Pair of French Empire Period Doré Bronze Figural Candelabras, Circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent pair of French Empire period doré bronze figural candelabra. Each of these beautiful five armed candelabras are meticulously cast and hand-chased with the finest detail...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Michel-François Piolaine
Located in London, GB
This large and impressive gilt bronze mantel clock is by the French Michel-François Piolaine. The clock body is raised by an architecturally formed, plinth-shaped base, set to the fr...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Two Empire Period Gilt Porcelain Vases by Dihl Et Guérhard
Located in London, GB
These beautiful painted and gilt vases were crafted in circa 1810 by the important Parisian porcelain factory, Dihl et Guérhard (French, 1781-circa 18...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of 19 Century Russian Empire Figural Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of Russian Empire figural candelabra featuring a patinated bronze caryatid holding a gilt bronze urn mounted with a torch atop her head, with two ...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Fine Quality Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A highly decorative pair of 19th century French Empire gilt bronze and patinated bronze lamps on square base. Each of the four sides of the base having a reef design. The rest of the...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Skeleton Clock with Vestal Virgins
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Classic two dimensional French Empire skeleton clock, the finely chased and mercury gilded case depicts Amour holding a flaming torch and a banner, symbol of war, seated on a quiver full of arrows and set on top of the dial and movement. The dial is framed by two vestal virgins...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Unusual Pair of Empire Two Branch Candelabra in Gout d'Egypt or Egyptian Style
Located in London, GB
A fine and unusual pair of French Empire or possibly Russian two branch candelabra in the gout d'Egypt or Egyptian style which was extremely popular, circa turn of the 18th century. Set on square patinated bronze bases each female figure stands upon a finely cast ormolu...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Winged cupid with flowing robe, clock resting between wings and fabric, raised on bronze ormolu-mounted verde antico plinth.
France, first half of the 19th century.
Measures: H ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Pair of Empire Brûle-Parfum Urns, France, circa 1805
By Claude Galle
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of partly gilt Brûle-Parfum urns, attributed to Claude Gallé, standing on grey marble bases with Hermes mascarons. The urns are decorated with a gilt relief wall depicting danci...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, 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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Large Pair of French Empire Period Candelabra, Attributed to Claude Galle
By Claude Galle
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent large pair of five-light doré bronze and patinated bronze Empire period candelabra, attributed to Claude Galle made in the early 1800s. This pair of candelabra are set ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Allegorical Clock Garniture of "Psyche Crowning Amor"
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A large scale French Empire figurative allegorical clock showing “Psyche Crowning Amor”. Psyche stands to the right of the domed clock plinth, holding her ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Siena Marble, Bronze
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
19th Century Tall Clock
Clocks With Birds
Antique Childrens Plates
Pair Mounted Pedestal
Sea Accessories
Turquoise 1940
Mexican Spanish Colonial Furniture
Antique Writing Desk Box
Green Mantel
Gilt Red Marble
Stamped Desk French
Japanese Ceramics Master
Antique Batteries
Antique Battery
Large Antique Saw
Victorian Gentleman
Spanish Colonial Mexican
Longcase Pendulum Antique Clocks