Empire Decorative Objects

Pair of French 19th century Empire porcelain two handles baluster-shaped vases. The body of each vase is in two-toned gold exceptionally tooled with matte and glazed gold. The vases ...

Rare and beautiful gilt bronze ink stand with candlestick. French empire, probably made in Paris around 1810. The gilt bronze with some patina. Wear...

This pair of French trumpet-form vases dates from the late 19th century and blends two luxurious materials: engraved clear glass and richly decorated gilt bronze mounts with champlev...

A very fine French empire style patinated and gilt bronze mantel clock with neoclassical scene. Stock number: CC59.

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...

An attractive and very smart pair of French Empire style bronze candlesticks. Their compact size would have made them ideal for travelling. Circular bases, with concentric ring decor...

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...

French Empire mahogany jardinière with fine bronzes, c. 1820–1825. Mahogany veneer on softwood with an original metal liner and bronze mounts. Original casters. This is a particularly elegant French Empire jardinière...

Wonderful Empire doré bronze rock crystal neoclassical figure candlestick lamp Stamped made in France on base Completely rewired.

Decorate a desk, library, or study with this elegant antique bronze and marble inkwell set. Crafted in France circa 1880, the writing accessory is mounted on a richly veined green ma...

Pair of Empire candlesticks with patinated figures, France 19th century.

A vase-shaped, semi-circular flower basket from the 19th century. The wall is adorned with intricate leaf motifs and rosettes, defined by vertical struts. A narrow beaded brass band ...

A large Paris porcelain vase of good quality, almost two feet in height. The body with painted figural and landscape vignettes on opposing sides, contained by acid-etched gilt border...

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...

French Empire Pendule, Empire Mantel Clock, Ormolu, Mantel Clock, French, Gilt, Bronze Clock, Restauration Clock Antique, Table Clock Gilt Bronze, Ormolu, Fire-Gilded Bronze, Ormolu Bronze, Chased Bronze, White Enamel Dial Classical Figures, Allegorical Figures, Rooster, Gallic Rooster, Standing Maiden Figures, Drape Detail, Early 19th Century, Circa 1810, Empire Period, Regency Era, Antique French Clocks Antique French Mantel Clock, Empire Pendule, Ormolu Bronze Clock, Gilt Bronze Pendule, Restauration Period, French Clockwork, Allegorical Figures, Rooster Motif, Gallic Rooster, Skeleton Dial, Enamel Ring Dial, Antique Table Clock, 19th Century French Bronze, Gilded Bronze, Classical Figural Clock SKELETON-PENDULUM Directory Height 50 cm Width 32 cm Depth 15 cm Claude Galle (Villepreux 1759 - Paris 1815), attr. The object shown is a French mantel clock (*pendule*) from the Empire Typology and Classification Material: Fire-gilt bronze (*bronze doré* / ormolu). Style & Iconography: Neoclassicism / Empire. The case is flanked by two female figures in classical drapery. The clock is surmounted by a rooster (a symbol of vigilance or the Gallic rooster) standing on a scroll or books. Dial: White enamel dial with Roman numerals and an exposed (skeletonized) center, revealing the movement's gear train. Case/Base: Rectangular bronze case with rosette appliqués on the sides, supported by a rectangular base featuring a continuous frieze and ball feet. Claude Galle (1759–1815) ranks among the most significant French bronze casters (*fondeur-ciseler*) and chasers of the Late Neoclassical, Directoire, and—in particular—First Empire periods. Life and Work Training & Master Status: He learned his craft under Pierre Foy in Paris, took over the workshop following Foy's death in 1788, and attained the title of master craftsman in 1786. Purveyor to the Court: During the Napoleonic era, Galle rose...

A very decorative pair of Rython, also called Cornucopia vases from the first half of the 19th century, probably Russian. Red/pinkish cut glass vases with the ends mounted with gilt...

A Pair (2) Fire-Gilded Bronze Girandoles/Candlesticks in the Empire Style, Paris, circa 1815 Bronze, gilded. Square base beneath a columned pedestal with diamond and palmette decora...

An impressive and most stunning Austrian 19th century Empire st. Ormolu, Bronze and Rouge Griotte marble clock, stamped for Franz Sedlak, Vienna. This exceptional clock is raised on ...

Antique Empire Gold Gilt Patinated Bronze Ormolu Mantel Clock French, c. 1810 Height 48cm, width 31cm, depth 20cm A superb example of early 19th-century French decorative arts, thi...

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...

Empire mantle clock, mantel clock, pendulum clock, Restauration era, Neoclassical, antique clock, Ormolu, gilt bronze, French gilt bronze, bronze dorée, gold plated , Apollo, lyre, ...

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...

Very fine, beautifully detailed French doré bronze and crystal three-arm chandelier with flame top urn centre in the neoclassical style.

A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical cut crystal and bronze ormolu mounted urn with lady figure handles centerpiece.   

This cylindrical marble box with a lid is a sophisticated decorative piece that blends vintage charm with historical design influences. Crafted in the 1970s, it features a lightly pa...

An important pair of Empire style bronze ewers, late 19th or early 20th century. A pair of Empire style patinated bronze ewers with marble base, late 19th or early 20th century. Di...

Antique bronze candelabra with antique crystal, with 3 candleholders. Marble beige base 4" x 6".

Empire style 800 silver inkstand The base of the inkstand, completely handmade, is shaped like a "cathedral". The classic "palmettes" of the Empire style have been chiseled around i...

Antique early 19th century French Empire white & gold porcelain flower pot cachepot vase and stand, circa 1820. The vase with flared rim and drainage hole at the base; fits into a co...

This regal pair of bronze and slate candelabras originated in 19th-century France and are beautifully detailed with molded and gilt embellishments. Crafted in the style of Empire furniture, each candlestick rests on a tiered, triform bronze base of gilt foliate scrollwork surrounding a central baluster post. From each base, a sleek stone stem of polished black slate rises to support the cast bronze top of three curved arms and four candle dishes, embellished with further gilt elements and bobèches, or drip pans. A gorgeous example of French opulence...

A fine pair of Empire period standard silver candlesticks from England circa 1820. Each stick has a squared tapered shaft decorated with still-leafed border as well as beaded bandi...

Fine black marble and ormolu mantel clock of borne (antique milestone) form. Superb proportions and Fine ormolu mounts, well finished with matte and burnished fire gilding. The primary mount represents d'Etude, below this a pair of Lions pawing an Anthemion. To each side a Fine mount of crossed winged torches of ever lasting love purporting to represent Anacreon inspired by Love. Fine white enamel dial and gilt bronze hands, signed Maniere a Paris for Charles-Guillaume working at the Rue Christine...

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 ...

This impressive pair of candelabra made in the era of Napoleon III in France circa 1870 are very powerful and impressive. Heavily cast with references to the classical past and profu...

A wonderful French Empire doré and patinated bronze Cherub Putti wreath clock, not currently in working order, back cover is missing as is bel...

Empire mantel clock / French mantel clock, Flute player / Shepherd, Panpipes / Syrinx, Shepherd's crook, Tree stump, Musical instruments / Trophy, Mythology / Pastoral / Arcadia, Fire-gilt bronze / Ormolu, Patinated bronze, Two-tone / Ormolu and patinated bronze, Empire / Restauration (c. 1805–1820), France / Paris / French antique This French mantel clock (*pendule*) from the Empire period (c. 1805–1815) is distinguished by a classic bucolic-mythological motif. Description & Stylistic Features Motif: Depiction of a shepherd or youth playing the flute (possibly representing Daphnis, Pan, or Marsyas). He sits upon a dark-patinated tree stump into which the clock face is set. Attributes: Beside the dial, a pan flute (syrinx) and a shepherd’s crook lean against a branch. Materials & Technique: A combination of fire-gilded bronze (ormolu)—featuring the original matte and burnished gilding—and dark-patinated bronze for the tree trunk and branch. Base: The rectangular gilded base features a fine appliqué depicting musical trophies, grapes, and cornucopiae. The base rests on sculptural feet shaped like goat hooves (faun legs). Dial & Movement: Gilded bronze dial with a guilloché center and Roman numerals. Two winding holes for the French pendulum movement, featuring silk-thread suspension and slide regulation. Classification & Condition Period: French Empire (reign of Napoleon I, c. 1805–1815). Condition: Very fine historical gilding with slight signs of age/patina on the surface of the base. The contrast between the fire-gilded figure and the dark patina of the tree is characteristic of high-quality Parisian bronze work from this era. This is an absolutely breathtaking piece! What you have before you is a classic French mantel clock from the Empire era (or the Restoration period), likely dating from the early to mid-19th century (approx. 1810–1830). These clocks are renowned for their first-class craftsmanship, combining precise timekeeping with exquisite, allegorical sculptures.The Figure: The gilded figure depicts a young man—presumably Apollo. The Scene: He sits upon a dark, patinated bronze base shaped like a tree stump or a rock formation, into which the clock’s dial is set. The Details: To his left (to our right), a pan flute (Syrinx) can be discerned leaning against the tree, accompanied by a shepherd’s staff or walking stick. The Frieze: The gilded relief on the rectangular base features a beautiful composition of an antique-style urn, horns, ribbons, and grapevines, further underscoring the Bacchic or pastoral theme. 1. Clockmaker & Provenance (Movement & Signature) Clockmaker: Havard Location: Rouen (Normandy, France) Classification: Havard was a clockmaker and goldsmith based in Rouen. During the Consulate and Empire periods (c. 1800–1815), renowned Parisian bronze foundries supplied fine cases to prominent clockmakers in the French provinces, who then completed the pieces with their own movements and signed dials. 2. Art Historical Classification (Style & Motif) Period: French Empire / Reign of Napoleon I (c. 1805–1815). Theme / Motif: Bucolic / pastoral-mythological depiction of a flute-playing shepherd (Daphnis or Attis/Pan theme). Material/Execution: Fire-gilded bronze (ormolu) combined with brown/black patinated bronze (tree stump, foliage). Base featuring musical trophy appliqués and goat-hoof feet. Standard literature and reference works for identifying French mantel clocks from this period: Standard Reference Works Elke Niehüser: *Die französische Bronzeuhr – Tabernakeluhr, Figuranduhr, Wanduhr, Cartel, Commode, Standuhr*. Callwey, Munich 1997. (The standard work on the typology and iconography of figurative Empire-style bronze clocks) Hans Ottomeyer / Peter Pröschel: *Vergoldete Bronzen – Die Bronzen des Spätbarock und Klassizismus*. 2 volumes, Klinkhardt & Biermann, Munich 1986. (Reference work on Parisian bronze makers, fire gilding, the art of chasing, and casting models) Jean-Dominique Augarde: *Les Ouvriers du Temps – La pendule française du Louis XIV à Napoléon Ier*. Antiquorum, Geneva 1996. (Comprehensive work on clockmakers, bronze casters, and manufacturing techniques) Pierre Kjellberg: *Encyclopédie de la Pendule Française du Moyen Age au XIXe Siècle*. Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris 1997. (Chronological overview with numerous comparative illustrations) Tardy (Henri-Léon Tardy): *Les Plus Belles Pendules Françaises*. Tardy, Paris. (Monumental standard work organized by period and motif) Specialized Literature & Directories Tardy: *Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français*. Tardy, Paris 1971–1972. (Reference work for identifying clockmaker signatures on dials or movements) Gérard L'Épaux: *Pendules Empire...

The base is composed of variegated green marble with a pen tray, ormolu trim and patarae motif. The ormolu well with lid is beautifully decorated with laurel wreath garland surround...

The rectangular base mounted with a round lidded ink pot with a porcelain container and a sand pot, each raised on winged lion feet, centered by a ...

The circular lidded box depicting a woman reclining on a Recamier playing the harp. The underside with a star surrounded by banding with stippling decoration.

Russian silver niello tobacco box with finely etched pastoral scenes and interior gold wash. The box is marked on inside with "84" for Russian si...

French Empire parcel gilt bronze model tomb of Emperor Napoleon I French Empire (19th Century) bronze inkwell in the form of Napoleon's casket covered by a drape cover with a crown finial...

Napoleon Bonaparte bronze desk inkwell, signed Pinedo with foundry mark. Mounted over a Green Alps marble. Antique signed 19th large bronze ...

Pair of excellent early 19th century French empire gilt bronze candlesticks in the style of Claude Galle (1758-1815): A tapering stem with rich trelliswork relief divided into thr...

This a Sevres style porcelain ormolu bronze mounted mantel clock. The frontal cobalt blue porcelain panel is hand painted with a winged cherub holding a basket of flowers. Below him,...

Pair of french empire style late 19 century crystal cut ormolu bronze original gilting You have eagle that embeds the base at the 4 corner, on the side of the vase you have magnifi...

A pair of gilt bronze and patinated candelabra with winged victories, Empire period, 19th century. Pair of Empire period candelabra from the 19th century, Napoleon 1st, gilt and pat...

French Empire (19th Century) steel inkwell with gilt bronze trim with four original glass inserts and a side drawer.

A classical French Empire Paris porcelain twin handled vase featuring a signed cameo of Caracalla on the front and gilded military attributes on the back. The very well painted profi...

French Mantel Clock, Neoclassical Clock, Louis XVI Clock, Marble and Ormolu Clock, Wedgwood Cameo Clock, Neoclassicism, Louis XVI (Louis Seize style), antique, vintage, French / Fran...

French Empire style (19th Cent) white and gilt trimmed urn with scene of boats by coast and 2 handles with lion heads.

Period Empire giltwood frame.

A very finely cast gilt bronze clock depicting Psyche at her toilet. The reflective mirror of polished bronze and that each element is cast separately then screwed on is an excellent...

Pair of dolomite tazzas, Shelyabinsk region (Urals), fire-gilt bronze. Russia, Ekaterinburg, 19th century. Provenance: Ex collection Dolf Selbach (1929-2010).

French (19th Cent Napoleonic Era) folk art carved oak life size figure of an eagle with out stretched wings perched on a round globe with a marble base.     

A fine pair of French Empire patinated bronze and ormolu figural two branch candelabra. Set on square ormolu socle with cylinder ormolu stem wit...

An Empire style gilt and opaline glass urn.

Pair 19thc French Gold Bronze Male Mask Figural Candelabra. Very nice detail and stately candelabra.

The adjustable spyglass with gilt brass trim and original leather case.

Pair of fine 19th century Swedish Empire gilt and patinated bronze candelabra, circa 1830, Stockholm, Sweden.

A wonderful pair of doré bronze two-arm winged putti cherub neoclassical candelabras Measures: 18" H x 6.5" W x 4" D.