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
Empire Mantel Clock by H.Robert-Horloger De La Reine, Paris, circa 1820
Located in Madrid, ES
An Empire Mantel Clock by H.Robert-Horloger De La Reine, Paris, date circa 1820-1830
A superb Empire gilt and patinated bronze mantel clock of eight day duration signed on the white enamel dial H.Robert-Horloger a la Reine . The dial with Roman numerals and gilded steel Breguet style hands for the hours and minutes. The movement with anchor escapement, silk thread suspension, striking on a single bell, with outside count wheel. The extremely fine case featuring the standing figure of Urania, Muse of Astronomy holding a pen in her left hand which points to a star-studded globe adorned with the signs of the zodiac around its circumference, the globe set on the back of four putti upon a plinth, containing the dial with a serpent-wrapped
Paris, date circa 1820-30
Height 73 cm, width 50cm, depth 22 cm.
In addition to the above prestigious locations, clocks of this model can be found at Warsaw Castle and in the Bayerischen Nationalmuseum, Munich. The Parisian clockmaker Bailly (d. after 1818) was one of the finest of his day and as such earned the title of Horloger de LL. MM. II. Et RR (Clockmaker to Their Imperial and Royal Majesties). Working from rue de Richelieu he was with Lepaute one of the main suppliers to the Garde-Meuble. Bailly, who retired in 1818 had the responsibility of maintaining the clocks at Compiègne and the Trianons and is known to have used cases by the leading Parisian bronziers including Pierre-Philippe Thomire and Claude Galle as well as Ferdinand Schwerdfeger who supplied him with a case for a regulator surmounted by a star-studded and zodiac banded globe...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Style Bronze and Iridescent Glazed Cassolettes, circa 1875
Located in New York, NY
The tops turn over to be candlesticks.
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
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
Austrian Clock Holder, Granite and Steel with Picture St Stephans Dome
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful and exclusive clock stand made of steel and granite. Holding a picture of the Stephans-dome. The most famous church in Wienna, Austria.
High quality craftsmanship on all...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Granite, Steel
Empire Bowl w Winged Lady's and Dolphins Base Gold Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare find of this centerpiece bowl in a golden Dore' finish. With two winged nude Angles for handles. All supported by four Dolphins in a bronze patina finish. Still has the Origin...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Pair of Ormolu Candlesticks with Original Handcut Threads
Located in London, GB
Fine antique French Empire pair of ormolu candlesticks with original handcut threads. A very elegant pair of candlesticks with original orm...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
French Empire Figurative Gilt Bronze Clock of a Roman Youth Holding a Scroll
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French Empire figurative clock of a Roman youth holding a scroll in gilded bronze showing a seated classically draped youth sitting atop the clock case holding a lyre in one hand a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Magnificent Pair of Gilt-Bronze Figural Empire Period Candelabra, circa 1815
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A magnificent and highly important pair of gilt bronze figural empire period candelabra.
French, circa 1815.
A Magnificent and Highly Important Pair of gilt bronze Figural Empi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Candlesticks in Silvered Bronze, Empire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of candlesticks in silvered bronze. Fluted shaft. Base adorned with a frieze of palmettes. Circular molded feet.
English work realized under the French Empire (1804-1815).
!Th...
Category
Early 1800s European Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century Pair of candelabras made in Berlin
Located in SE
Candelabras with place for three candles, made in Berlin about 1810. Gilded and patinated bronze. Decorated with a standing griffin with a women's face, gilded decorations and lion f...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Pair of French Champleve Enamel Bronze Engraved Glass Trumpet Form Vases
Located in Lisbon, PT
A pair of French Champleve enamel gilt bronze mounted engraved glass form vases.
Clear trumpet form glass vase, gilt bronze with lion feet at the base.
Late 19th century.
Champlevé...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Metal
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
Candelabras, Antique Pair w/Dore' Gold Finish, 5 Arms
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great looking pair of 5 arm Candelabras. In two colors and Marble bases. In very good condition from an Antique collector in New Orleans. They have been well kept. These will require...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Pair of Danish Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Danish Empire painted and bone candlesticks, circa 1810, of baluster form carved bone bandings and a circular base.
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Bronze Dore, Rectangle Photo Frame, French
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Bronze Dore, Rectangle Photo Frame, French
19th Century, 7 x 10
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Candelabras Male and Female 18-Karat Doré Bronze after Clodion the pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine pair of Cherub candelabras cast in Lost Wax bronze with fine Hi-Quality details and black patina and 18-karat Doré gold-plated made from the originals of Clodion. Wired and r...
Category
1990s American Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Empire Pendulum Clock the Spinner, Signed 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
Fine 19th century French ormolu mantel clock (pendule) by Leroy a Paris, c. 1825
By LeRoy
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A most beautiful French ornolu mantel clock by Leroy à Paris
A lovely French late Empire/early Charles X mantel clock with an ormolu case, c. 1825. The ormolu brass case depicts a celebration of Science and Learning. It is dominated by a rectangular superstructure containing the movement, flanked by an engine-turned column with a celestial globe on top on the left and an elegant lady reading a book on the right. The superstructure is surmounted by a bookcase and a bust of Socrates...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
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
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
French Early 19th Century Empire Period Mantel Clock Signed 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
Antique Empire Style Candelabra
Located in Atlanta, GA
Incredible pair of Empire style candelabra of gilt and patinated bronze. The backs are flat in order that they might be close to a wall.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Period Four-Arm Bronze Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Empire period four-light candelabra, on tripod lion's feet over stepped incurved plinth, supporting a palmette form base with reeded column and central gilt candle stem, the ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century finely chased and cast dore bronze mantle clock. Porcelain dial in excellent condition. Signed "Millet." Original pendulum. Don't have original key, but can have one made.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Early 19th C. Sicilian Glass Pharmacy Jar Set, 3 Pieces
Located in Ross, CA
Originally handblown in Sicily in the early 19th century, this impressive pharmacy pot incorporates two separate containers and a lid, and would have been...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Patinated and Fire-Gilt Clock in the Form of a Vase c. 1800
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French patinated and fire-gilt clock in the form of a vase, Empire Era, 1800-1815. The silk-thread mechanism is in good working condition with key and pendulum.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Influenced Clock Set, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive 19th century Empire influenced green marble clock set. Having the arched clock with a white enamel clock face, an eight day striking m...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
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
Pair Antique French Empire Patinated Bronze & Gold Bronze Candelabra, Circa 1860
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Empire patinated bronze & gold bronze candelabra, Circa 1860.
These handsome patinated candelabra would be a fine addition to any sideboard or large server...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Period Antique Parisian Porcelain Vases
Located in London, GB
This pair of antique porcelain vases, dating from the early 19th century in the period of Napoleonic rule known as the Empire period, ar...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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
French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, white Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock. This beautiful clock is supported on a circular white Carrara marble...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Pair Antique French Empire Gold Bronze Candelabra, circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Antique French Empire Gold Bronze Candelabra, Circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 'Old Paris' Porcelain Vases with Drapery Decoration
Located in New York, NY
French
Pair “Old Paris” Porcelain Vases with Drapery Decoration, about 1820
Porcelain, painted and gilded
13 1/16 in. high
CONDITI...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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
Empire Style Bronze & Marble Candelabra
Located in Southall, GB
A beautifully made pair of French candelabras in bronze and marble. Two neoclassical styled women are blowing trumpet horns which form candlesticks. There is intricate detailing to t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Important Pendulum in Gilded Bronze and Onyx, 19th Century
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Important pendulum in gilded bronze and onyx from the nineteenth century.
The enamel dial.
Made for the russian market.
Large: 60 x 55 x 18 cm..
With pendulum and key 6550 euros.
Category
19th Century French 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
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
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
Pair of Empire-Style Neoclassical Gilt and Patinated Bronze Stands
Located in London, GB
A pair of Empire-style Neoclassical gilt and patinated bronze stands
French, 20th Century
42cm high x 31cm wide x 31 cm depth
Made from patinated bronze and gilt bronze in the French Empire style, with Neoclassical influences, these excellent stands were made in France in the 20th century. Placed upon four small gilt feet...
Category
20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire St. Patinated Bronze Eagle Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French mid 19th century Empire st. patinated bronze eagle on a Vert de Patricia marble base. The richly detailed eagle is raised by a substantial and impressive square mottled Vert de Patricia base with cut corners. The fierce and richly chased open winged eagle stands...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Antique French Empire Marble and Bronze D'ore Candelabra
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of antique French empire marble and bronze D'ore candelabra.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
Amber Amphora in Bronze and Crystal by Modenese Gastone Luxury Interiors
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
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
Pair of Grainger Worcester Covered Urns
Located in Montreal, QC
This pair of simulated marble covered urns are amphora-shaped, raised on gilt hoof feet on a stepped trefoil base, each domed cover has a lobed fini...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Neoclassical Bronze Urns Wired as Lamps
Located in Long Island City, NY
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Neoclassical Bronze Urns, Wired as Lamps. Featuring ornate swag garlands and rams heads, with a frieze of dancing putti.
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire style candelabra
Located in Atlanta, GA
Magnificent pair of gilt bronze and marble Empire style candelabra
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Antique French Bronze D'ore Carrara Marble Candelabra
Located in New Orleans, LA
These beautiful candelabra have the grace and form sought after by our collectors.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
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
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
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 Restauration Period Ormolu Lyre Mantel Clock with Apollo Mask
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An unusual French Restauration period ormolu mantel clock. The elaborately pierced gilt bronze case in the form of a lyre, with an Apollo mask cresting, on a white marble stepped bas...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Continental Faux Painted Malachite Wooden Pyramids
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of continental faux painted malachite wooden pyramids.
Category
1920s European Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
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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