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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
Important Empire Clock in Bronze with Two Patinas Alexander the Great 19th Cen
Located in Madrid, ES
Important Empire clock in bronze with two Patinas Alexander the Great 19th century Weight: 11.00 kg Sizes: H 51cm x L 39cm France very good condition.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Important Empire Clock in Bronze with Two Patinas Alexander the Great 19th Cen
Important Empire Clock in Bronze with Two Patinas Alexander the Great 19th Cen

Important Empire Clock in Bronze with Two Patinas Alexander the Great 19th Cen

$8,226
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi, with its marble base, resume the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble, Bronze

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi

$3,755 / item
Pair of French Ormolu Bronze Cassolettes or Censers/Candlesticks
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of early 19th century, French ormolu bronze cassolettes. The censers having pierced tops and Candlestick receivers on the revers.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Ormolu Bronze Cassolettes or Censers/Candlesticks
Pair of French Ormolu Bronze Cassolettes or Censers/Candlesticks

Pair of French Ormolu Bronze Cassolettes or Censers/Candlesticks

$4,900 / set
Early 19th Century Vase-Shaped Porcelain Clock
By Normant
Located in Paris, FR
Vase-shaped mantel clock in gilded porcelain. Breguet hands track the hours and minutes on white, enamel dial with hours marked in Roman numerals. The porcelain is interspaced with g...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Early 19th Century Vase-Shaped Porcelain Clock
Early 19th Century Vase-Shaped Porcelain Clock

Early 19th Century Vase-Shaped Porcelain Clock

$7,988
Pair of Porcelain Empire Style Vases Marked Paris
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique French porcelain vases, the front of the vases hand painted with battle scenes, while the reverse decorated with golden e...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Porcelain Empire Style Vases Marked Paris
Pair of Porcelain Empire Style Vases Marked Paris

Pair of Porcelain Empire Style Vases Marked Paris

$1,652 / set
French Empire Ormolu Inkwell
Located in London, GB
A fine French Empire ormolu desk standish. Set upon a circular base with top and bottom mouldings cast with leaf and dart decoration. The space be...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Ormolu Inkwell
French Empire Ormolu Inkwell

French Empire Ormolu Inkwell

$2,099
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt and Bronze Candelabra of the Empire Period
Located in London, GB
Constructed in two color gilt and patinated bronze; the feminine Grecian figures draped with diaphanous robes blowing bi-form trumpets of swept form, terminating in candleholders a...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of 19th Century French Gilt and Bronze Candelabra of the Empire Period
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt and Bronze Candelabra of the Empire Period

Pair of 19th Century French Gilt and Bronze Candelabra of the Empire Period

$30,977 / set
French Empire Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Vase Clock
Located in London, GB
French Empire patinated bronze and ormolu vase clock. Of unusual design set as it is on a spread ormolu base of eight sides, the front and back being long sides. The base sits upon f...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Vase Clock
French Empire Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Vase Clock

French Empire Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Vase Clock

$9,568
A Very Fine Gilt & Patinated Bronze Centerpiece in the Empire style.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Gilt & Patinated Bronze Centerpiece in the Empire style. France, circa 1890. Width 15 1/2" Height 18" Depth 5 1/2"
Category

1890s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

A Very Fine Gilt & Patinated Bronze Centerpiece in the Empire style.
A Very Fine Gilt & Patinated Bronze Centerpiece in the Empire style.

A Very Fine Gilt & Patinated Bronze Centerpiece in the Empire style.

$7,000
French Empire Bowl on Base in Bronze and Marble 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
French Empire Bowl on Base in Bronze and Marble 19th century Bowl on base in bronze and black marble 19th century height: 25 cm. and diameter: 24 cm. very good condition
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Bowl on Base in Bronze and Marble 19th century
French Empire Bowl on Base in Bronze and Marble 19th century

French Empire Bowl on Base in Bronze and Marble 19th century

$1,239 Sale Price
20% Off
Fine Early 19th Century Empire Russian Inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A fine Russian Empire gilt- and patinated bronze desk top inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810. Rectangular shaped base raised on four turned fee...
Category

Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Fine Early 19th Century Empire Russian Inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810
Fine Early 19th Century Empire Russian Inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810

Fine Early 19th Century Empire Russian Inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810

$12,518
Large Russian Empire Porcelain Gold-Ground and White Bisque Figural Centrepiece
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent and large Russian Empire porcelain gold ground and white bisque figural reticulated centrepiece. A large filigree basket supported by three a...
Category

1820s Russian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Large Russian Empire Porcelain Gold-Ground and White Bisque Figural Centrepiece
Large Russian Empire Porcelain Gold-Ground and White Bisque Figural Centrepiece

Large Russian Empire Porcelain Gold-Ground and White Bisque Figural Centrepiece

$33,650
Empire Style Gilt and Burnished Bronze Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This Empire style gilt and burnished bronze figural candelabra by Gherardo Degli Albizzi resumes the great taste of Napoleon period decoration. Base is characterized by gilt satin br...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Empire Style Gilt and Burnished Bronze Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Empire Style Gilt and Burnished Bronze Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi

Empire Style Gilt and Burnished Bronze Candelabra By Gherardo Degli Albizzi

$5,961 / item
Empire Patinated Bronze Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful patinated bronze clock featuring Cupid and Psyche with a Sienna marble base
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Empire Patinated Bronze Clock
Empire Patinated Bronze Clock

Empire Patinated Bronze Clock

$28,600
Pair of Superb Antique Italian Neoclassical Empire Bronze Figural Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
A pair of superb antique Italian empire neoclassical gilt bronze and patinated bronze figural candelabra lamps with royal markings, 19th century. Measure: Overall height 38.50”.
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Superb Antique Italian Neoclassical Empire Bronze Figural Candelabras
Pair of Superb Antique Italian Neoclassical Empire Bronze Figural Candelabras

Pair of Superb Antique Italian Neoclassical Empire Bronze Figural Candelabras

$29,500 / set
Rare Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Bronze Vases, French or German
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A rare and decorative pair of early 19th century Empire gilt and patinated bronze vases of campana form on a stepped square marble base. The everted egg-and-dart rim above a finely chased frieze depicting putti playing music. This or a similar pair of vases belonged to the collection of the Queen Louise of Prussia...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Rare Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Bronze Vases, French or German
Rare Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Bronze Vases, French or German

Rare Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Bronze Vases, French or German

$16,572 / set
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

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

$3,099 / item
19th Century French Rooster Clock
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century French gilt bronze rooster clock with brass eight-day spring driven movement. Newly cleaned and operational.
Category

1860s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Rooster Clock
19th Century French Rooster Clock

19th Century French Rooster Clock

$5,500
Empire Rare Beverage Dispensers with Monochrome Decoration
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of beverage dispensers in caramel-colored lacquered tin. They are decorated with monochrome village scenes and landscapes dotted with ruins. Th...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Tin

Empire Rare Beverage Dispensers with Monochrome Decoration
Empire Rare Beverage Dispensers with Monochrome Decoration

Empire Rare Beverage Dispensers with Monochrome Decoration

$3,457 / set
French Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Michelez
Located in London, GB
French Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Michelez French, circa 1815 Measures: Height 47cm, width 20cm, depth 15cm This beautifully formed and crafted mantel clock, dating to...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Michelez
French Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Michelez

French Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Michelez

$10,325
Pair of Italian Empire Silver Candlesticks, Milan, circa 1810
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of elegant Empire candleholders on an unfilled base, conical structure, offset olive-shaped grommets with a flat, plate-shaped drip edge, smoo...
Category

1810s Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Pair of Italian Empire Silver Candlesticks, Milan, circa 1810
Pair of Italian Empire Silver Candlesticks, Milan, circa 1810

Pair of Italian Empire Silver Candlesticks, Milan, circa 1810

$4,053 / set
pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces. Each two arm sconce is centered by a beautiful foliate bottom finial where the...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces
pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces

pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces

$8,600 / set
French 19th Century Empire Style Ormolu and Vert Patricia Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble clock, signed Armingault à Paris. The clock is raised by an impressive rectang...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Empire Style Ormolu and Vert Patricia Marble Clock
French 19th Century Empire Style Ormolu and Vert Patricia Marble Clock

French 19th Century Empire Style Ormolu and Vert Patricia Marble Clock

$34,500
French Early 19th Century Empire Period Mantel Clock Signed Ledure
By Pierre-Victor Ledure
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Very fine early 19th century Empire period mantel clock of patinated bronze. It is signed by one of the best Parisian bronzers Pierre Victor Ledure and h...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Early 19th Century Empire Period Mantel Clock Signed Ledure
French Early 19th Century Empire Period Mantel Clock Signed Ledure

French Early 19th Century Empire Period Mantel Clock Signed Ledure

$5,722
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

Late 19th Century Octagonal Enamel Box
Late 19th Century Octagonal Enamel Box

Late 19th Century Octagonal Enamel Box

$2,340
1870 French Empire Style Bronze Dore Candleholders, a Pair
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of French Empire style bronze dore candelabra with tapering malachite stems resting on three lion paw feet on triform malachite bases. Circa 1870.
Category

1870s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

1870 French Empire Style Bronze Dore Candleholders, a Pair
1870 French Empire Style Bronze Dore Candleholders, a Pair

1870 French Empire Style Bronze Dore Candleholders, a Pair

$11,750 / set
19th Century Pair of Empire Cups Mounted on a Marble Base
Located in NICE, FR
We are delighted to present you with this pair of Empire cassolettes originating from the 19th century. They are crafted from bronze and mounted o...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Pair of Empire Cups Mounted on a Marble Base
19th Century Pair of Empire Cups Mounted on a Marble Base

19th Century Pair of Empire Cups Mounted on a Marble Base

$2,599 / set
French Louis XVI Style biscuit and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, 19t Century
Located in NICE, FR
19th Century French Biscuit and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock – “Pendule en Biscuit aux Cygnes et aux Masques d’Hercule” A 19th-century French mantel clock, crafted in the form of a clas...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Louis XVI Style biscuit and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, 19t Century
French Louis XVI Style biscuit and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, 19t Century

French Louis XVI Style biscuit and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock, 19t Century

$3,612
Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Cut-Glass Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
Cut-glass centerpiece with gilt bronze mounts. Hair line crack in bowl.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Cut-Glass Centerpiece
Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Cut-Glass Centerpiece

Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Cut-Glass Centerpiece

$8,000
French 19th Century Empire St. Oval Ormolu Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite French 19th century Empire st. oval ormolu inkwell. The inkwell is raised by pawed feet below a lattice design with rosettes in the center. Above are two ink dispensers ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Empire St. Oval Ormolu Inkwell
French 19th Century Empire St. Oval Ormolu Inkwell

French 19th Century Empire St. Oval Ormolu Inkwell

$4,300
Pair of French Mid-19th Century Empire Style Ormolu Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and large scale pair of French mid 19th century Empire st. ormolu and marble candelabras. Each candelabra is raised on a marble base with concave sides below the ormolu...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of French Mid-19th Century Empire Style Ormolu Candelabras
Pair of French Mid-19th Century Empire Style Ormolu Candelabras

Pair of French Mid-19th Century Empire Style Ormolu Candelabras

$22,800 / set
Lidded Service Terrine in Empire Style after J.B. Claude Odiot
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver engraved and silvered. Four columns with full moulded and finely engraved swans. Diameter:26cm, height: 28 cm.
Category

20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Lidded Service Terrine in Empire Style after J.B. Claude Odiot
Lidded Service Terrine in Empire Style after J.B. Claude Odiot

Lidded Service Terrine in Empire Style after J.B. Claude Odiot

$1,071
Candelabra in Empire Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Bronze, finely engraved. Column-shaft as holder for four Sweeping candelabra arms. Diameter:30cm height:52 cm.
Category

20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Candelabra in Empire Style
Candelabra in Empire Style

Candelabra in Empire Style

$1,071
Amber Amphora in Bronze and Crystal by Modenese Gastone Luxury Interiors
By Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Splendid amber amphora by Modenese Luxury Interiors. Let your house shine with the bright glares coming from this precious item, which is delicately hand blown by skillful artisans c...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Gold Leaf

Amber Amphora in Bronze and Crystal by Modenese Gastone Luxury Interiors

Amber Amphora in Bronze and Crystal by Modenese Gastone Luxury Interiors

$8,162 / item
19th Century Swedish Candelabra
Located in Allerum, SE
Pair of fine 19th century Swedish Empire gilt and patinated bronze candelabra, circa 1830, Stockholm, Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Swedish Candelabra
19th Century Swedish Candelabra

19th Century Swedish Candelabra

$7,700 / set
Circa 1800 Pair of French Gilt Bronze Griffin Candle Holders
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Circa 1800 Pair of French Gilt Bronze Griffin Candle Holders. Unique pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or mess...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Circa 1800 Pair of French Gilt Bronze Griffin Candle Holders
Circa 1800 Pair of French Gilt Bronze Griffin Candle Holders

Circa 1800 Pair of French Gilt Bronze Griffin Candle Holders

$2,100
Important Empire Period Paris Porcelain & Ormolu-Mounted Casket/Box/Jewelry Box
By Jean-Pierre Feuillet
Located in New York, NY
An Important and very rare Empire period Paris porcelain ormolu-mounted Empire rectangular shaped two-handled casket decorated and assembled by ...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Important Empire Period Paris Porcelain & Ormolu-Mounted Casket/Box/Jewelry Box
Important Empire Period Paris Porcelain & Ormolu-Mounted Casket/Box/Jewelry Box

Important Empire Period Paris Porcelain & Ormolu-Mounted Casket/Box/Jewelry Box

Price Upon Request
Life-size Gliedermann, Denmark, Circa 1860, Featured Ralph Lauren Madison Avenue
Located in New York, NY
19th century, life-size Gliedermann, origin: Denmark, circa 1860, original color Featured in Ralph Lauren Madison Avenue Spring Fashion Windows, pho...
Category

19th Century Danish Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Life-size Gliedermann, Denmark, Circa 1860, Featured Ralph Lauren Madison Avenue
Life-size Gliedermann, Denmark, Circa 1860, Featured Ralph Lauren Madison Avenue

Life-size Gliedermann, Denmark, Circa 1860, Featured Ralph Lauren Madison Avenue

Price Upon Request

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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