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.
A pair (2) of figural Empire candelabra candles. Paris, 19th century.
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair (2) of figural Empire candelabra candles. Paris, 1815s Gilt bronze. Recessed pedestal base with palmette and floral decoration on a square plinth. The pair, dressed in antiqu...
Bronze
19th Century Candlesticks - Empire Style - Gilded and Patinated Bronze - France
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant pair of French candlesticks in Empire style, circa 1880–1890. Made of finely cast and engraved bronze with a beautiful contrast between the gilded and dark patinated sections...
Bronze
Early 19th Century Empire Clock, Miniature Matelot "Au Bon Sauvage", circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Miniature Empire Bronze Clock - Matelot Paris fire-gilded and patinated bronze early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 18 x 14 x 9 cm Description: Very rare miniature of the famous Pendule Matelot "Au Bon Sauvage". The depiction deals with an important topic of the time, trade with the colonies. The rectangular base stands on pressed ball feet. Attached to the front, we see two cornucopias filled with exotic fruits and held by a bow. A young sailor, dressed in a raffia skirt and feather jewellery...
Bronze
$2,100Sale Price|40% Off
A Homer bust ormolu empire clock in the manner of Thomire
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
AN EMPIRE ORMOLU BUST OF HOMER After the Antique The bearded bust of Homer on a rectangular clock decorate with lyres and gryphon heads on the side
Bronze, Ormolu
Pocket Cigarette Case Vessel Miniature Hand-Painted Sterling Silver Enamel Salim
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
6238-7239- Pocket cigarette case with spring button in 925/1000 fire-enamelled sterling silver with beautiful vessel miniature hand-painted by th...
Crystal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$550Sale Price / set|75% Off
Pair of Antique Vieux Paris Urns, Gilt Porcelain, Rustic Scenes, 1820
By Old Paris
Located in Savannah, GA
Hard paste porcelain with polychrome and gold leaf - iron bolt. Impasto decoration. Lovely colors. These classical form urns are clearly a pair, but not an identical pair. Each has a...
Porcelain
Egg style Faberge Savoia blue Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small egg in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé, late 19th century, early 20th...
Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver
Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris, Bronze & Ormolu, 1815
Located in Montreal, QC
This mantle clock is by a well-respected Paris maker in a fashionable style. The oval base supports a vase shaped clock case in turn supported by winged dolphin heads and flanked by ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$1,600 / set
A Set Of Gilt Iron Lion Heads Door Knockers
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Set of Gilt Iron Door Knockers. It depicts a pair of large and heavy lion heads with a ring in their mouths. The rings are decorated with some acanthus leaves in the bottom...
Iron
French Empire Cast Iron Sphinx Paperweight, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Empire Cast Iron Sphinx Paperweight, Early 19th Century A charming cast iron paperweight in the shape of a reclining sphinx, dating fr...
Iron
$427Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Empire Style Table Decoration after J.B. Claude Odiot
Located in Berlin, DE
Bronze, engraved and silvered. Three columns shafts with full-plastic, finely engraved swans. Funnel-shaped insert.
Bronze
$105,000Sale Price / set|25% Off
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles , Exceptional fine pair of Large French Retour D'egypt period terra...
Terracotta
$6,572Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock by Claude Galle, French Empire, Circa 1805
By Claude Galle
Located in Lisbon, PT
This rare early 19th-century French Empire style gilt bronze mantle clock was created by the renowned Claude Gallé for the 1807 Exhibition. Gallé is considered one of the finest bro...
Marble, Metal, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Candlesticks with Caryatids in Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze – Empire, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Candlesticks with Caryatids in Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze – Empire, 1820s A magnificent pair of French candlesticks in gilt and dark-patinated bronze, made during the he...
Bronze
Large Estate Baccarat Empire Harcourt Bronze and Crystal Vase
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Impressive signed Baccarat Empire style bronze and crystal vase. Beautifully complements the Classic 1841 Harcourt and Empire patterns, similar to the ...
Crystal, Bronze
$950Sale Price|34% Off
Empire Style Gilt Metal Ebonized Mantle Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Style Gilt Metal Ebonized Wood Mantle Clock, 19th century, with porcelain clock face framed by floral motif with flag and hat, flanked by a man and woman waving on ebon...
Metal
Music Box handpainted miniature with Swiss Mechanism by Maison Reuge Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Exquisite Reuge S.A. Musical Table Box Description:Discover a stunning large rectangular table box featuring elegantly concave corners, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of th...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate
French Pair of Empire Patina Dore Bronze Winged Lady Victory Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful pair French Napoleon III Empire style gilt doré and patinated bronze neoclassic three-arm candelabra with finely cast detail, each featuring a classical winged lady victory...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Patinated Bronze Three-Light Candelabra ca. 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF EMPIRE GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE THREE-LIGHT CANDELABRA Paris, France ca. 1815-35 raised on antico verde marble plinths 25 1/2" H x 9" W x 4 1/2" D A very finely chiseled ...
Marble, Bronze
French Porcelain Compote Basket
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French oval white and gold pierced Paris Porcelain compote basket tazza bowl in the Empire style, circa late 19th century, France...
Porcelain
Attractive Vintage Vase Kaiser, Pavillon, Germany Porcelain Large Vase
By Kaiser
Located in Bastogne, BE
Attractive vintage vase with handles by Kaiser, Pavillon, Germany. Baluster-shaped vase made of white high quality porcelain with gilding ...
Porcelain
$800Sale Price|50% Off
Empire-Style Crystal and Brass 'Bonbonnière', or Sweet Box
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A refined French Empire style gilt brass and cut crystal casket, dating from the 19th century. This elegant decorative box beautifully reflects the neoclassical vocabulary inspired b...
Crystal, Brass
Antique French Wrought Iron Candelabra with Seven Candle Holders, 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black antique, late 19th century French floor candle holder, candelabra hand crafted in very ornate fer forge work with wrought iron scrolls and seven candle holders, in good condi...
Metal, Wrought Iron
19th Century Pair of Paris Two Handled Vases in Gold and Cobalt Blue.
By Old Paris
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of Paris Two Handled Vases in Gold and Cobalt Blue. Pair of early 19th century Paris baluster shaped porcelain vases. Elaborately painted on each side with the most intricate p...
Porcelain
French Empire period Inkwell, identical to the one of Elisa Bonaparte
Located in Paris, FR
Empire period gilt bronze and bird's eye maple veneer inkwell. This model is an exact replica of the inkwell that belonged to Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino, sister...
Bronze
Giltwood Carved Eagle on Verde Antico Fluted Marble Column
Located in London, by appointment only
A superb and richly carved giltwood eagle perched on rocks with open wings, the eagle's head looking to its left and fitted with a separate giltwood wreath...
Marble
Snuffbox Sterling Silver floral miniature hand-painted by M.Grumetti Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round snuffbox in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with fired enamel on the enamelled edge with vertical stripes and a fine floral miniature hand-painted by the painter M. Grumet...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Fire-gilded French Empire bronze clock, ca. 1800, “Chariot of Aurora”; Deniere
Located in Münster, DE
Fire-gilded bronze clock depicting Aurora’s chariot, dial signed Deniere á Paris, Maison Deniere The signature “Denière” or “Denière Fabt de Bronzes à Paris” belongs to Jean-Franço...
Bronze, Enamel
Odysseus and Theseus French Empire Mantle Clock by André Antoine Ravrio
Located in New Orleans, LA
Odysseus and Theseus French Empire Mantel Clock André Antoine Ravrio Circa 1800 This monumental Empire mantel clock by André Antoine Ravrio, whose case is crafted entirely of gilded...
Bronze
$9,000Sale Price|40% Off
An empire mantel clock "AU PORTEFAIX" after Jean andre reiche
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
MANTEL CLOCK "Au bon sauvage" or "PORTEFAIX", late Empire, after a design by J.A. REICHE (Jean-Andre Reiche, 1752-1817), Paris, 19th century. Gilt ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$1,800 / set
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Urns
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Empire style (19th Cent) gilt bronze urns with finial top and handles with claw feet on square base (matching clock: Inv. #032441) (PRICED AS PAIR)
Bronze
19th Century Antique Empire Style Cigar Box with Cedar Interior
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely empire style wooden box probably produced in Sweden. The box is 14 x 14 cm (5.6" x 5,6") in diameter and 23.5 cm (9.4") high. It is in excellent condition except from that t...
Glass, Wood
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Empire Style Ormolu & Cut Crystal Compote/ Tazza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Empire Style Ormolu and Cut Crystal Compote/Tazza Made in Austria, circa 1920s An elegant Empire Style Ormolu and Cut Crystal Compote/Tazza made in Austria during the 1920s, present...
Crystal, Ormolu
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce 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-chiseled details. The backplate of this sconce is a central round plate wit...
Bronze
Wonderful French Ormolu Mounted Glass Bronze Baccarat Jar Casket Jewelry Box
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire Ormolu Mounted Glass And Bronze Baccarat Style Lidded Jar / Casket / Jewelry Box, Glass Has Damage To One Corner
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage Danish Rectangular Wood Gilt Gold Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Danish gilt gold art frame found in a Paris market. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has wonderful patina throughout and would look fan...
Gold
Empire Style Beaded Crystal Basket Chandelier, Late 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A late 20th century Empire style beaded crystal basket chandelier with a classical circular brass structure and three E27 lights inside.Light bulbs can be replaced unscrewing the bro...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair French Empire Figural Bronze Candelabra Signed Chibout
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This finely detailed, and hand chased pair of bronze candelabra were made by Pierre Chibout. Active 1806-24, he worked with Claude Francois Rabiat who's workshop he took over in 181...
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Bronze Metal and Crystal Urn, Pair, attributed to Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Louisville, KY
The 19th Century French artisans knew how to design lasting classical beauty. This extraordinary pair of French urns is proof of the mastery put forth in design and construction. Fro...
Crystal, Bronze
Empire Paris porcelain vases - early 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine antique pair of Paris porcelain vases, early 19th century high-end French production circa 1830 (Empire style, Restauration period). Fully decorated model : polychromatic hand...
Porcelain
Antique French Napoleonic Boulle Marquetry Longcase Clock c. 1800
Located in Westfield, MA
Embark on a journey through time with this striking Antique French Napoleonic Boulle Marquetry Longcase Clock, crafted around the year 1800. This magnificent timepiece is a testament...
Brass
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...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Crystal, Ormolu and Marble-Mounted Cornucopia Vases
Located in New York, NY
A striking and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire style cornucopia vases. Each vase features a gracefully fluted cut crystal horn rising from a finely chased ormolu moun...
Marble, Crystal, Ormolu
Limoges Elite Gilded Baluster Vase, Empire Style, France, Circa 1950
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A large pedestal baluster-shaped vase in hand-painted Limoges porcelain, and dating from the mid-20th century. Featuring an exquisite decoration of spring flowers in vibrant polychro...
Porcelain
Large 19th Century French Empire Period Floor Candelabrum
Located in Forney, TX
An extraordinary period Empire gilded gold dore bronze rolling floor candelabrum. Born in France, the stunning Neo-classical style architectural antique...
Bronze, Ormolu
Picture Frame Silver rectangular concave corners for oval photo Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular frame with concave corners for oval photo in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver, with translucent fired enamel on guilloché and engraving in the French Empire style Lou...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
French Empire Style Tessellated Stone Marble Pedestal Stand Planter with Lions
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire Style Tessellated Stone Marble Pedestal Stand Planter with Lions. Item feature bulbous open planter form, paw feet,...
Stone
Antique French Chandelier, Brass & Crystal, Empire Style, Circa 1860
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round, antique French chandelier, pendant made of hand crafted polished brass, in good condition. The hand blown cut crystal prisms are attached, halted to the ceiling lamp brass f...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Pendule Portefaix circa 1810 Paris
Located in Münster, DE
Paris, Empire, c. 1810, bronze body, fire-gilt and patinated, designed by Jean-André Reiche in 1808, 8-day movement, enamel dial with Roman numerals, figure of the wearer on an oval ...
Bronze, Enamel
Picture Frame Holder pocket Sterling Silver Enamel 3 Photographs
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Pocket photos holder in sterling silver 925/1000 gold plated with two-tone translucent fired enamels on guillochè, with hand-engraved edges. Empire style Napoleon III. Octagonal hing...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This truly stunning French mantel clock was crafted during the Empire period, and reflects the Neoclassical interests of the Emperor Napoleon I, whose influence over the decorative arts contributed toward a profound revival of beauties of the ancient empires. The mantel clock is crafted entirely in gilt bronze, and features a stepped base on four block feet. The base depicts a Classical relief panel to the front, showing female dancing figures and putti, as well as musical instruments. Surmounting the base is an arch featuring a central mask fountain and basin...
Ormolu, Bronze
French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze “Pendule-Veilleuse” Mantel Clock, 19thC
Located in New York, NY
A finely cast 19th-century French Empire-style mantel clock in patinated and gilt bronze, notable for its sculptural presence and refined neoclassical detailing. The circular dial fe...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Mantel Clock, signed Ferey au Havre, Ormolu
Located in Greven, DE
Small mantel clock with bas-relief France Bronze, enamel early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 33 x 19 x 9 cm Description: Antique, fire-gilt portal clock with figurative, Gre...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Mantel Clock with small Satyrs, 1st Half 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Mantel clock on an oval marble base, adorned with fire-gilded bronze appliqués. The clock is supported by fully sculpted satyr figures carrying an overflowing gilded fruit basket. Em...
Marble, Bronze
19th c. French Empire Style Napoleon Bust by F.B. Launay
By F.B. Launay, Chaudet
Located in Queens, 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.
Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Brass Candlesticks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of French Empire style brass candlesticks from the 1800’s with a beautiful silhouette and nice heft in the patinated metal to add intrigue to a mantel or dining table. Subtle,...
Brass
Antique French Copper Napoleon Bonaparte Commemorative Military Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Copper Napoleon Bonaparte Commemorative Military Letter Opener France Copper 19th Century Dimensions: Length 15.5cm This letter opener celebrates French milit...
Copper
A French Empire Gilt-tooled Morocco Leather Box
Located in Roma, IT
A French Empire Gilt-tooled Morocco Leather Box This wonderful rectangular box is decorated overall with sets of lace pattern friezes. In Morocc...
Leather, Wood
J A Houdon 1790 "Diane" bronze by Barbedienne founder.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible J A Houdon model bronze 1790 representing "Diane" with bow and arrow by Barbedienne founder.
Bronze
$1,424Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair, French Empire Gilt Bronze Crane Motif Candlesticks Circa 1815
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, circa 1815. This exquisite pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks, crafted circa 1815, embodies the opulence and grandeur of the Empire style. Each candlestick feat...
Bronze