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.
2 Antique French Sarregumines Majolica Snake Serpent Mantel Vase Urn 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of very large and impressive late 19th century Sarregumines majolica pottery vases - classical urn shape with coiled double headed snake / serpent handles, brown and white multi...
Majolica
French Antique Stately Bronze Napoleon on Prancing Horse Sculpture, Marble Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted. Practical size sculpture of imperator Napoleon Bonaparte. If you are a collector of good quality antiques having to do with (French) historical figures then this rare a...
Marble, Bronze
Pair 20th Century Empire Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form 7-Light Candelabra
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 20th Century Empire Style Patinated and Green Marble Urn Form Seven-Light Candelabra. Each candelabrum has seven candle holders.They are made of patinated bronze and green...
Marble, Bronze
Early 19th Century Mantel Clock - "Pendule au Noir", Faizan à Paris circa 1810
By Faizan A Paris
Located in Greven, DE
The barrel roller - so-called "Pendule au Noir" Paris fire-gilt bronze early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 34 x 27 x 11 cm Description: Fire-gilt bronze clock from the early...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
1876 The Family of Serbs Russian Imperial Porcelain Manufacture August Spiess
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful, extremely rare and valuable unglazed Bisque Porcelain group depicting a family of Serbs. An armed man is saying goodbye to his wife and little son before leaving for war against Turks. Manufacture : Russian Imperial Porcelain...
Porcelain
Table Clock with Glass Dome, 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
Shaped case in gilded bronze topped with a musician putto and a tiger, white enamel dial with Roman numerals and black hour markers, long pendulum extending from the top and key-woun...
Bronze, Enamel
French Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock - Allegory of Astronomy
Located in New York, NY
French Empire period early 19th century ormolu bronze mantel clock depicting Urania, muse of astronomy, in an allegory of astronomy, beside a variety of scientific instruments. 16 b...
Bronze
Table Cigar Box two-tone stripes enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
This superb Table Cigar Box two-tone stripes enamel is in 925/1000 sterling silver. it has a rectangular shape with rounded sides Table Cigar Box has hand engraving, with orange and ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
French Empire Old Paris Porcelain Winged Nymph Basket, circa 1820
By Darte Frères
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire Old Paris Porcelain Winged Nymph Basket, circa 1820 French Empire Old Paris porcelain centerpiece basket, or corbeille, dating to approximately 1820. This exceptionall...
Brass
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Oval Picture Frame, Late 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Oval Picture Frame, Late 19th Century An exceptionally elegant oval picture frame in finely cast gilt bronze, crafted in France in the late 19th cent...
Bronze
$112,000Sale Price / set|20% 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
Pair 19th Century Italian Gilt Bronze Four-Light Candelabra Engraved Details
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An elegant pair of antique late 19th century Italian gilt bronze four-light candelabra, beautifully crafted in the Continental style. Each candelabrum features a refined geometric co...
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Pair of Antique Gilded Bronze Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of dark patinated candle sticks made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candle holders are particularized with flowers decoration, resting on a tripod foot. The Parisian décor...
Metal, Bronze
$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
$6,123 / set
Pair of Empire Style Porcelain Vases Swan Decor
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of porcelain vases adopts a classical architecture directly inherited from Antiquity. Each vase rests on a square plinth base supporting a pedestal. The ovoid body flares u...
Porcelain
Sterling Silver Box Striped Fire Enameled Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Sterling silver Jewel box with Rectangular rounded corners gold plated with translucent fire enamel stripes on guilloche and hand engraved with late Russian Empire style ornament app...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
c. 1824 Antique French Fashion Plate Print in Carved Gilt Wood Frame
Located in Honolulu, HI
An authentic 19th-century framed antique featuring an original hand-colored French fashion plate titled "Costumes Parisiens" (Plate 25, dated 1824 in print). The print is housed in ...
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
Late 19th Century Empire-Style Longcase Clock
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Impressive mahogany longcase clock with gilt and sculpted decorative bronze elements such as fantastic animals, diamond-shaped patterns, scrollwork, and foliage. This floor clock is ...
Ormolu, Bronze
EARLY 19th CENTURY GOLDEN WALL CLOCK WITH MUSIC BOX
Located in Firenze, FI
Splendid wall clock set in an elegant opening wooden case, with carved frame and golden tablet. The internal finishes of the clock are also in golden tablet and brass. The decoration...
Brass
Pair of French Empire Brass Candlesticks, Etched Design, Circa 1800s
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
Pair French Empire Style Torch Form 3-Light Sconces / Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage French empire style torch-form 3-light sconces (wall lights) with candelabra size sockets, faux wax candle covers and on/off switch measuring 23 1/4 by 16 1/2 by 10 1...
Bronze
Antique Green Glass Inkwell with Ormolu Mounts, French Empire Style
Located in Nashville, TN
A quite stunning French green glass inkwell of substantial size, with extremely elegantly worked neoclassical mounts, intricate scrolling .The level of detail on this piece is quite...
Blown Glass
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Candlesticks with Lion Heads
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain candlesticks with lion heads. Dated 1969-1974. Model number 1/15. Measures: 23 x 8 cm. In excellent ...
Porcelain
Danish Rectangular Empire Wood Gilt Gold Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Danish gilt gold art frame found in a market in Denmark. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has wonderful patina throughout and would loo...
Gold
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4. Two pairs of candleholders in malm, which is a brass alloy with added copper. The cobber gives the brass a darker color. The hei...
Brass
Bracket Clock, Vienna, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Elegant Viennese bracket clock with an ebonized base and splayed legs supporting the clock case. The case is made of walnut and decorated with brass appliqués. The movement features...
Brass
Pocket cigarette case Empire style fired enamel sterling silver Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Handbag cigarette case with rectangular, olive-shaped pill holder, in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché, French Empire style. With "lost" (semi-in...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Square shaped Dore Bronze Mounted Cut Crystal Jewelry Box, by Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Square Shaped Dore Bronze Mounted Cut Crystal Jewelry Box, by Baccarat A cut crystal jewelry box formed with a square profile and stepped architectural outline. The body is construc...
Crystal, Bronze
Large Pair Of French Empire Ormolu Campagna Form Urns
Located in Essex, MA
Impressive size with their original oxidized patina that I have left uncleaned. Handles with rams heads. The plinth decorated with wreaths and musical lyre.
Bronze, Ormolu
Large Antique French Empire Style Bronze and Marble Figural Clock
Located in New York, NY
The large and elegant antique French Empire style bronze and marble figural clock features a rectangular stepped base of dark green marble, raised on four gilt bronze feet cast with ...
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Empire Bronze Wall Candle Sconces, Italy, Early 20th Century, Set of 2
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique pair of bronze wall candle sconces made in Italy early 20th century. They are made of bronze, heavy, with a beautiful patina. These wall sconces can be left in their origin...
Bronze
Elegant late 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Pen Holder
Located in Knivsta, SE
Late 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Pen Holder An elegant French pen holder in finely chased and gilt bronze, executed in the Empire taste during the second half of th...
Bronze
Isaac Pearson Reading PA Walnut Tall Clock with Rare Jacob Kunsman Case, C 1845
Located in Milford, NH
A splendid Empire walnut veneered tall clock with swan’s neck split pediment crest with bullseye rosettes and three wooden ball & spire finials surmounting an arched front glass ...
Metal
Wonderful Regency Empire Ormolu Bronze Crystal Porcelain Oval Jewelry Box Chest
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Regency Empire Ormolu Bronze Crystal / Glass With Unusual Porcelain Plaque Medallion Oval Jewelry Box Chest
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Photo Frame tripod Sterling Silver Enamel on guilloché Empire style Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Photo frame mounted on a tripod easel with ribbed tubes, in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché. Ornaments in Russian Empire style, late 1...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate
French Rouge Griotte Marble Paperweight, Late Empire Period, 1830–1840
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Rouge Griotte Marble Paperweight, Late Empire Period, 1830–1840 A beautifully proportioned French paperweight from the late Empire period, crafted in richly veined Rouge Grio...
Griotte Marble
Candelabras Pair 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
A pair of candelabras made of gilt bronze. Made in France In Late Empie Style during the 19th century. Top candle holder decorated with a loose torch.
Bronze
Pair of Large Danish Vaseline Opaline Wine Glass or Vases
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish pair of large white Vaseline opaline wine glasses or vases.
Blown Glass, Art Glass, Opaline Glass
Royal Copenhagen, pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks. 1962.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen, a pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks in porcelain. 1962. Model 1/15. Marked. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: Height 22.5 cm x 7.8 cm.
Porcelain
Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix Bronze Sculpture After Antonio Canova
Located in New York, NY
Finely modeled and cast antique (19th century) patinated bronze sculpture depicting Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix after the original model by the Italian master, Antonio Canova....
Bronze
Pair 18th Century French Louis XVI Bronze Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique French Louis XVI period ormolu bronze and marble candlesticks, circa 1790, with oil lamp-form bobeches with guilloche motif above patinated figures of Roman maidens, ...
Marble, Bronze
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
Early 19th Century French Mantel Clock - Allegory of Love, Paris circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Mantel Clock - Allegory of Love Paris Ormolu circa 1815 Dimensions: H x W x D: 45 x 35 x 13 cm Description: Antique French mantel clock as an allegory of love. Set...
Enamel, Ormolu
Empire Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Dimensions: Height 48cm, width 23.5cm, depth 11cm This mantel clock was finely crafted in the Empire period, wrought from ormolu and a later malachite veneer. The design of the clock is based on classical architecture. It features a malachite entablature—with an ormolu pierced mount to the front—which is supported on four ormolu bun feet. The malachite column shafts are smooth and each culminate in a capital, supporting the malachite top. Between the columns, there is a drum clock...
Malachite, Ormolu
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...
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 19th Century Vase Pendule, Pendulum-Clock, Tardy à Lyon, Empire circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Antique vase clock France Fire gilded bronze Empire around 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: 41 x 13 x 12 Description: Beautiful all gilt French mantel clock. The basic form is in the shape of an urn vase with lid...
Bronze, Enamel
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rare French Empire Clock in Gilt and Patinated Bronze Signed Lepaute
By Jean-André Lepaute 1
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An extremely rare and important French Empire mantle clock signed by the master clock making dynasty of Jean-Andre Lepaute and his brother Jean-Baptiste Lepaute. The case, in the form of an antique portal...
Bronze
Impt Pair of French Empire Ormolu Covered vases/Potpourris, Att. Thomier A Paris
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible and Rare Pair of 19th Century French Ormolu Covered Potpourris, Attributed to Thomier A Paris. This pair dates to 1810, which is the illustrious French Empire period. These remarkable urns serve as prime examples of the impeccable artistry and superior craftsmanship that characterized the first empire era. Notably, the urns feature figural cherub handles positioned atop rams' heads, engaging in musical endeavors, which adds an alluring touch of sophistication to their design. The captivating allure of these urns is further enhanced by their meticulously hand-chiseled gilded bronze composition, adorned with a splendid two-tone finish. Standing at an impressive height of 24 inches, these urns exemplify an unwavering dedication to detail. Each urn boasts a main body adorned with elegantly crafted relief dancers...
Ormolu
Pair Of 19th Century Doré Bronze Portrait Medallions Mounted on Carrara Marble
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of 19th Century round French Royalty Doré bronze portrait medallions mounted on Carrara marble. Portraits are gold in color and trim and framed in 1.5" dark wood frame. Round br...
Marble, Bronze
French Charles X Ormolu Mantel Clock with Horatius, circa 1820-1830
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and finely executed French Charles X mantel clock in ormolu. The clock is surmounted by a seated Roman general, possibly Horatius, dressed in classical armour and drapery...
Bronze
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
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
19th Century Bronze Mortar with Pestle Apothecary Set
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An antique bronze mortar with original pestle which has two side handles and incised detail. This set, found in Denmark, would be a great addition to an existing collection of these ...
Metal, Bronze
French Empire Bronze Dore Eagle Sculpture, Late 19th Century, France
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style bronze dore figure of perched eagle with spread wings (19/20th Cent.)
Bronze
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...
Marble, Enamel, Ormolu
$3,600
Empire Tole Water Heater
Located in New Orleans, LA
Painted and gilded tole water heater.
Tin
$3,024Sale Price|20% Off
19 Century Figurative French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock of Caesar on His Throne
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French Empire gilt bronze clock showing a Caesar (resembling Napoleon), seated on a classical throne. He is slightly leaning to one s...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Musical Automaton Clock Depicting Napoleon I
Located in London, GB
A Musical Automaton Clock Depicting Napoleon at Fontainebleau Based on the original work of Horace Vernet "Goodbyes at Fontainebleau," the pai...
Brass
Pair of French Empire Period Fire-Gilt Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An exceptional pair of French Empire period candlesticks executed in finely chased fire-gilt ormolu and contrasting dark patinated bronze, dating to the early 19th century. Each cand...
Bronze, Ormolu
French Pair of Petite 19th Century Empire Period Urns
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of French Empire period Old Paris Porcelain vases, circa 1810, with painted landscapes and figural scenes on each side. The Classical amphora profile features a gold-banded mo...
Gold