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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
Candlesticks Empire France
Candlesticks Empire France

Candlesticks Empire France

Located in New York, NY

A pair of candlesticks made in France during the late Empire period. Made from gilt- bronze. Standing on a round foot with a baluster shaped stem. Loose cuffs. Cannelated frame.

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Brass

Empire Mantel Clock
Empire Mantel Clock

Empire Mantel Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

An Exquisite Period Empire Clock, featuring Cupid (in patinated bronze) with his bow & arrow, next to him a quiver & torch. The body of the clock with bas relier decoration and anthe...

Category

Early 1800s European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Antique Black Marble and Ormolu Borne Clock by Maniere
French Empire Antique Black Marble and Ormolu Borne Clock by Maniere

French Empire Antique Black Marble and Ormolu Borne Clock by Maniere

By C. Maniere

Located in London, GB

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...

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock
The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock

The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

This magnificent French Empire ormolu mantel clock features the iconic Neoclassical genre scene often referred to as "The Astronomy Lesson." A popular motif during this period, Emper...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Enamel, Ormolu

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi

By Gherardo Degli Albizzi

Located in Florence, Tuscany

This French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details. The backplate of this sconce features a central round pla...

Category

2010s Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Allegorical French Empire clock Titled " Le Sacrifice d’Iphigénie "
Allegorical French Empire clock Titled " Le Sacrifice d’Iphigénie "

Allegorical French Empire clock Titled " Le Sacrifice d’Iphigénie "

By Claude Galle, Claude Galle

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A fine example of a period French Empire mantle clock which depicts the argument between Achilles and Agamemnon in Homer’s Iliad. The case is of matte and burnished gilded bronze, th...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Antique Clock, Ormolu, Patinated Bronze and Marble
French Empire Antique Clock, Ormolu, Patinated Bronze and Marble

French Empire Antique Clock, Ormolu, Patinated Bronze and Marble

By L. Ravrio 1

Located in London, GB

French Empire clock of stunning quality of borne shape constructed of rouge marble, original fire gilt ormolu and patinated bronze. The dial of the clock is signed "L Ravrio" below 1...

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Mahogany Grandfather Clock, early 19th Century
Empire Mahogany Grandfather Clock, early 19th Century

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

19th Century Mantel Empire clock bronze
19th Century Mantel Empire clock bronze

19th Century Mantel Empire clock bronze

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Magnificent empire clock in its original gilding , one of the most beautiful models executed at this time.The beauty of this woman standing ,the base decorated with children one of w...

Category

1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Wonderful Pair Dore Bronze Two-Arm Winged Putti Cherub Neoclassical Candelabras
Wonderful Pair Dore Bronze Two-Arm Winged Putti Cherub Neoclassical Candelabras

Wonderful Pair Dore Bronze Two-Arm Winged Putti Cherub Neoclassical Candelabras

Located in Roslyn, NY

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

Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique French Empire Style Porcelain Urns, Hand-Painted, 1860
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Porcelain Urns, Hand-Painted, 1860

Pair of Antique French Empire Style Porcelain Urns, Hand-Painted, 1860

Located in Montreal, QC

Now fitted as lamps, these two handled Paris urns are painted with floral bouquets on one side and a courtship scene on the other. The gilding is rubbed but the painting is well exec...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Empire Style Vases in Blue and Gold Porcelain
Pair of Empire Style Vases in Blue and Gold Porcelain

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

Early 19th century Ormolu Gilded Bronze Shuttle Empire Inkwell
Early 19th century Ormolu Gilded Bronze Shuttle Empire Inkwell

Early 19th century Ormolu Gilded Bronze Shuttle Empire Inkwell

Located in Pistoia, IT

Fine First Empire-era French inkwell in the shape of a ship, early 19th century. The inkwell depicts two dolphins with twisted tails holding a shell, inside which are concealed the ...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Breccia Marble, Bronze

Pair of Empire Style Bronze Ewers, Late 19th or Early 20th Century.
Pair of Empire Style Bronze Ewers, Late 19th or Early 20th Century.

Pair of Empire Style Bronze Ewers, Late 19th or Early 20th Century.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

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...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pressed Wood Snuff Box, 19th Century "Fete Flamande"
Pressed Wood Snuff Box, 19th Century "Fete Flamande"

Pressed Wood Snuff Box, 19th Century "Fete Flamande"

Located in Spencertown, NY

Dancing scene with violinist and dancing couple.

Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Empire Style Gilt Bronze Clock from the 19th Century.
Empire Style Gilt Bronze Clock from the 19th Century.

Empire Style Gilt Bronze Clock from the 19th Century.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Empire style gilt bronze clock from the 19th century. 19th century Empire style gilt bronze clock with porcelain dial, minor restoration to the porcelain to be expected, movement to...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Style Candelabras
Pair of French Empire Style Candelabras

Pair of French Empire Style Candelabras

Located in New York, NY

Stunning pair of bronze candelabras with a male figural base.

Category

19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Grand Pair of French, Second Empire Candelabra
Grand Pair of French, Second Empire Candelabra

Grand Pair of French, Second Empire Candelabra

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An elegant pair of 7 arm, cast metal and gilded bronze candelabra with flame finials, mounted on marble bases.

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Metal, Bronze

Empire Torchères, Vienna, circa 1800
Empire Torchères, Vienna, circa 1800

Empire Torchères, Vienna, circa 1800

Located in Greding, DE

Pair of large Empire torches or candelabra on a three-pass base tapering to the top and inlaid with brass inlays in the form of acanthus leaves and floral motifs. Rising above three ...

Category

Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock, Early 19th Century, Austria
Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock, Early 19th Century, Austria

Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock, Early 19th Century, Austria

Located in Kittery Point, ME

Modelled as a potted flower, the pot decorated with gilt bronze classical figures. With an 18th century English movement.

Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Empire Style Patinated and Gilded Bronze Candelabra
Pair of Empire Style Patinated and Gilded Bronze Candelabra

Pair of Empire Style Patinated and Gilded Bronze Candelabra

Located in Hudson, NY

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...

Category

1870s Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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

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

Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Metal Four-Light Candelabras
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Metal Four-Light Candelabras

Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Metal Four-Light Candelabras

Located in New York, NY

Pair of gilt-metal four-light candelabras, probably French, c. 1900, designed in the Empire style, the base with acanthus borders, the body having reeded, beaded, fluted decorations ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Important pair of 1st period French Empire Pat. & Dore bronze 3-light Candelabra
Important pair of 1st period French Empire Pat. & Dore bronze 3-light Candelabra

Important pair of 1st period French Empire Pat. & Dore bronze 3-light Candelabra

Located in Berlin, DE

This impressive pair of gilded and patinated bronze candelabra is a typical example of the French Empire period. Inspired by Greco-Roman influence, each candelabrum features a female...

Category

Early 1800s Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Bronze

Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Style Picture Frames
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Style Picture Frames

Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Style Picture Frames

Located in London, GB

Pair of late 19th century French Empire style picture frames French, Late 19th century Height 16cm, width 11.5cm, depth 2/ 7 cm Circular in shape and mounted in an easel style, this...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Pair 19thc French Empire Bronze Male Figural Candelabra
Pair 19thc French Empire Bronze Male Figural Candelabra

Pair 19thc French Empire Bronze Male Figural Candelabra

Located in Opa Locka, FL

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

Category

1890s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 50cm, width 36cm, depth 12cm This mantel clock, wrought from gilt bronze during the French Empire period, features a rectangular base, set above four bun feet, the front of the base adorned with a gilt bronze relief panel...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Pair of French Porcelain Pharmacy Pots
Pair of French Porcelain Pharmacy Pots

Pair of French Porcelain Pharmacy Pots

By Limoges Elite Porcelain 1

Located in London, GB

Pair of French porcelain pharmacy pots. Gorgeous early C20th Pharmacie Métadier jars by Goumot-Labesse of Limoges. In excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Height 28cm Diame...

Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Viennese Empire Desk Set, Granite & Polished Steel, Circa 1815
Antique Viennese Empire Desk Set, Granite & Polished Steel, Circa 1815

Antique Viennese Empire Desk Set, Granite & Polished Steel, Circa 1815

Located in Greding, DE

Seven-piece desk set from Vienna in granite with polished steel mounts.

Category

1810s Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Steel

Empire Painted and Lacquered Spyglass, Early 19th Century
Empire Painted and Lacquered Spyglass, Early 19th Century

Empire Painted and Lacquered Spyglass, Early 19th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

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

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Lacquer

French Terracotta Bust of an Officer
French Terracotta Bust of an Officer

French Terracotta Bust of an Officer

Located in Essex, MA

In the Napoleonic style with much later faux marbre plinth.

Category

1850s European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Empire Clock, "The Astronomy Lesson", early 19th century
Empire Clock, "The Astronomy Lesson", early 19th century

Empire Clock, "The Astronomy Lesson", early 19th century

Located in Paris, FR

A mercury gilt bronze clock depicting two young women dressed in antique style sitting in Etruscan-style shepherdesses on either side of a draped table with claw feet, studying a map...

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of decorative small shelves made of bronze and Green Alps marble - 19th cent.
Pair of decorative small shelves made of bronze and Green Alps marble - 19th cent.

Pair of decorative small shelves made of bronze and Green Alps marble - 19th cent.

Located in Parma, Emilia-Romagna

Pair of decorative small shelves made of bronze and Green Alps marble from the first half of the 19th century. The corbels feature the face of a female figure, probably a goddess or ...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Figural Clock
Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Figural Clock

Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Figural Clock

Located in Kittery Point, ME

In the form of a putto with a wheel barrow carrying a keg mounted with a clock face topped by a crane, on a rectangular chased plinth ending in bun feet.

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Figural Bisque Porcelain w Gilt Bronze Clock Napoleonic Officer 19th century
Figural Bisque Porcelain w Gilt Bronze Clock Napoleonic Officer 19th century

Figural Bisque Porcelain w Gilt Bronze Clock Napoleonic Officer 19th century

Located in Sweden, SE

Made of bisque porcelain in the middle of 19th century, presumably by Royal French Porcelain Manufacture de Sevres, the clock in the form of a scene where an elegant officer was depi...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze

Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock 'Pendule au char'
Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock 'Pendule au char'

Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock 'Pendule au char'

Located in Kittery Point, ME

The rectangular base decorated with a wheat and foliate frieze and raised on four ball feet, the goddess of agriculture Ceres standing while leaning against a Roman chariot with harv...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Glass & Marble Cornucopia Vase
Antique French Glass & Marble Cornucopia Vase

Antique French Glass & Marble Cornucopia Vase

Located in London, GB

A fantastic and rare antique French Empire Style glass cornucopia vase mounted on a marble and gilt bronze base. This was made in France, we believe it...

Category

1860s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Table Clock Empire France
Table Clock Empire France

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

19th Century French Empire Style Salesman Sample
19th Century French Empire Style Salesman Sample

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

Pair of French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Candlesticks with Guilloché Decoration
Pair of French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Candlesticks with Guilloché Decoration

Pair of French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Candlesticks with Guilloché Decoration

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Empire Period Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, early 19th century (circa 1805–1815). Each candlestick is formed with a tapering cylindrical shaft rising from a broad circula...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Photo Frame inserted into a harp-shaped object Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Photo Frame inserted into a harp-shaped object Sterling Silver Salimbeni

Photo Frame inserted into a harp-shaped object Sterling Silver Salimbeni

By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Oval photo frame inserted into a harp-shaped object, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché inspired by a model created by Peter Carl Fab...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

French Empire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Clock of the Astronomical Sciences
French Empire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Clock of the Astronomical Sciences

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

Early 19th Century Empire Mantel Clock with Cupid in a Chariot
Early 19th Century Empire Mantel Clock with Cupid in a Chariot

Early 19th Century Empire Mantel Clock with Cupid in a Chariot

By Marie Prevost

Located in Paris, FR

Exceptional gilt bronze mantel clock with its key depicting a winged Cupid in a chariot. The chariot is pulled by two doves that are resting on a platform adorned with water-leaf. Th...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antique Marble Paperweight with Figural Bronze Bird of Prey 19th century
Antique Marble Paperweight with Figural Bronze Bird of Prey 19th century

Antique Marble Paperweight with Figural Bronze Bird of Prey 19th century

Located in Sweden, SE

Late 19th century nice quality bronze and dark green marble work. The finely detailed plumage of the bird with its fierce gaze demonstrates the handiwork of the craftsman. In a world...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of French Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Pair of French Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Candelabra

Pair of French Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Candelabra

Located in New York, NY

A pair of French gilt bronze and patinated bronze four-light candelabra. France, early 19th century. Measures: H 22 in.

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Mantle Clock in Bronze and Marble, Circa 1820
French Empire Mantle Clock in Bronze and Marble, Circa 1820

French Empire Mantle Clock in Bronze and Marble, Circa 1820

By Claude Galle

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

The clock features a winged cupid standing on his chariot drawn by two doves and supported on clouds; cupid holds the reins to two doves which appear to be guiding the chariot. The open 'wheel' of the chariot contains the outer enamel clock dial...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

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.