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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
Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Green Glass Inkwell Bottle
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Empire style parallelogram shaped emerald green glass heavy inkwell. It’s guilt bronze mounted with a scene of sphinxes statues, bell shaped vases, and maidens moving and ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Czech Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French 19th Century Empire Portico Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This elegant period Empire ormolu-mounted white marble portico clock, circa 1830, is from France. The floral-and-foliate ormolu-mounted frieze sits above four Doric columns with gilt...
Category

1830s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Bizantine French 19th century Empire Napoleon III gilded bronze inkwell. This handcrafted antique desk accessory bears the makers mar...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century, French Empire Ground Crystal and Gilt Bronze Vase Centrepiece
Located in IT
19th century, French Empire ground crystal and gilt bronze vase centrepiece This Empire centerpiece, made in France at the beginning of...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French Empire Pendulum In Gilt Bronze Early 1800s With Putti and Bookcase
Located in Milano, MI
French Empire gilt bronze pendulum dating from the early 1800s, charming table clock with allegory of the Arts, arched case, flanked by two putti, one seated with a book and the oth...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Leroy à Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
A magnificent 19th-century Empire-style mantel clock, signed by the esteemed clockmaker Leroy à Paris. This timepiece exudes classical elegance, featuring a finely detailed gilt bron...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Limoges Porcelain Gilded Baluster Vase
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...
Category

20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

A Pair French 1st Empire Period Ormolu & Verde Antico Marble Figural Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Fine and Unusual Pair of French 1st Empire Period Doré Bronze and Verde Antico Marble Figural Neoclassical Five-Arm Candelabra. Each candelabrum features a tall central shaft issui...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of French Rectangular Silver Leaf Gilt Wood Art Frames
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Europe, a pair of impressive rectangular antique wooden frames in silver gilt leaf with great patina. This set would be suitable for most style artwork including prints, ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Leaf

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...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Large Malachite and Ormolu Mounted Empire Style Vases
Located in London, GB
These splendid malachite and ormolu mounted vases are executed in the French Empire style, and are emblazoned with gilt decoration that has an unmistakable air of confidence, pride, ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Vintage Italian Rectangular Wood Gilt Gold Ornate Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Italian 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 fa...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Empire Clock, "Cupid & Psyche"
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb gilt and patinated bronze Empire clock. Rouge griotte marble. Signed bled a Paris. Silk thread suspension. France, circa 1804 Dimensions: Height 32" x width 21" x depth 11...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

A small well cast late 19 Century Bronzed Metal Statue of Napoleon on horseback
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A well cast patinated bronzed metal statue of Napoleon Bonaparte in full military garb on his horse Marengo. The statue is ona faux speckled green marble metal base. The statue...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

French Empire Bronze Mantle Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Of majestic scale with the ormolu gilding in very good condition in working order.
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Antique Bronze Statue Of Napoleon Bonaparte
Located in Bilzen, BE
Old bronze statue from the beginning of the 19th century of Napoleon Bonaparte of fine quality. Original aged patina Total height 22 cm, base 8.8 x 8.8 cm, heigth figure 9 cm
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Figural Clock By Jouquet a paris
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite antique French Empire neoclassical gilt bronze figural clock signed by Jouquet a Paris.. This unusual clock is surmounted by a s...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu, Enamel

Fine 19th Century Marquetry-Inlaid Satinwood and Gilt-Bronze Portico Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French 19th century marquetry-inlaid satinwood and gilt-bronze portico clock, circa 1840s, features a floral-and-foliate-inlaid frieze over f...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Satinwood

French 19th Century Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu Empire Style Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite and finely crafted Large 19th century Baccarat crystal and ormolu French Empire style Neoclassical mantel clock. This elegant timepiece features a striking architectural...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Egg Navy Blue enamel with tripod Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg Navy Blue enamel is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Egg Navy Blue enamel has fired enamels on guilloché has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand. Egg Navy Blue en...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Empire Period Ormolu Mounted Malachite Allegorical Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mounted malachite allegorical mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 50m, width 21cm, depth 14cm This fine mantel clock is an excellent ex...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

Pair of French Empire Style Malachite, Lapis Lazuli and Ormolu Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of French Empire style malachite, lapis lazuli and ormolu vases French, 20th Century Height 78cm, width 47cm, depth 30cm Skilfully crafted by French craftsmen, the unusual mixt...
Category

20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Ormolu

19th Century French Empire Style Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century French Empire style gilt bronze mantle clock. The foliate and fruit engraved gilt-brass dial with enamel painted roman numerals. Inside with eight day movement w...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel

French Empire Troubadour Mantel Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This resplendent French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock features an extraordinarily detailed scene of a singing troubadour with his lyre along a rocky river bank. Accompanied by a wi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Antique French Empire Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
These fine and large French candelabra date from the Empire period of the 19th century and beautifully contrast the different finishes of gilt ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze NIKE Figural Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This stately patinated and fire gilt bronze candelabrum is of the finest quality, and retains its original finish. The figure of Nike (Winged Victory) standing on a gilt globe holds...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Very Fine Pair of Empire Parcel Gilt Bronze Three Light Candelabra, Circa 1830
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very fine pair of early 19th century Empire Period patinated & parcel gilt bronze three branch candelabra. Both showing a trio of finely cast scrolled & foliate shaped branches fit...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Michel-François Piolaine
By Michel-François Piolaine
Located in London, GB
This large and impressive gilt bronze mantel clock is by the French Michel-François Piolaine. The clock body is raised by an architecturally formed, plinth-shaped base, set to the fr...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French White and Gold Pierced Porcelain Compote Basket Tazza
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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Empire Gilt Chinoiserie Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Empire gilt chinoiserie vases. Pair hand-painted and gilt French vases of the Empire period with mask handles and gilt surrounds centering on ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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-chiselled details. The backplate of this sconce features a lacquered round ...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabra with Putti Empire Period 19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
From a luxury villa at Como Lake a stunning pair of early 19th century Empire four-light gilt bronze figural candelabras, of French origin, dating back to circa 1810, measure: 31.50 ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Period Four Light Bronze Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
This Hommage a Egypte pair were made at the time of Napoleon's unsuccessful foray into Egypt. The shaped bases, winged feet and triangular columns are surely inspired by the campaig...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Large and Very Fine French Empire Period Ormolu and Malachite Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large and very Fine French Empire period ormolu and malachite mantel clock French, circa 1825 Height 89cm, width 57cm, depth 23cm This very Fine, sculpturally decorated mantel clock dates to the first French Empire period, and combines excellent antique clockmaking with Fine Classically-inspired sculpture to make a beautiful decorative piece. Both the backplate and the silvered brass dial, painted with Roman numerals, are stamped 'JACQUIER, A PARIS.' It bears the serial number 146 to upper left hand margin, and features steel moon hands set within a generous gilt laurel wreath cast bezel; it is cased in malachite (a later veneer), and richly adorned with gilt-bronze. The case is surmounted with a gilt-bronze sculpture of the Roman leader Caesar who wears a toga and a laurel crown...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Large Plaster Bust of Napoleon
Located in New York, NY
Large plaster bust of napoleon. Stained.
Category

20th Century European Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Egg Purple Red enamel with tripod Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg Purple Red enamel is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Egg Purple Red enamel has fired enamels on guilloché has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand. Egg Purple Red...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

French Empire Bronze Doré and Patinated Clock Depicting Atlas-Early 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Period French Empire Bronze Doré and Patinated Clock Depicting Atlas with original gilt edged and velvet lined case. Atlas son of Titan, from Greek mythology is holding the clock on ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Steel

1900s Empire Style Crystal Urn Vase
Located in Skien, NO
Empire Style Crystal Vase from 1900s This striking Classic Empire-style vase from ca. the middle of the 20th century showcases exceptional craftsmanship in high-quality crystal. The...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Pair of French Empire Style Porcelain Urns
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

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...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Antique Early 19th Century Empire Gold Brown Gilt Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique Early 19th Century Empire Gold Brown Gilt Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock French, Early 19th Century Height 54cm, width 52cm, depth 20cm Dating to the early 1800s and desi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

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.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Italian Black & Gold Tole Cachepot Jardiniere Lion Head Planters, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Italian black and gold metal tole cachepot jardiniere planters in the Empire style, circa late-20th century, Italy. Pair are oval in shape with gold trimmed scalloped edge, black ground and gold star design, finish with gold lion head and loop detail on sides. Marked "Made in Italy" on bottom as shown. Dimensions: 4" D x 5.63" W x 4.25" Height. Larger Italian cachepot...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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 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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Grand French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock in the Empire Style
Located in London, GB
Constructed in bronze, patinated and gilt; the rectangular form case supported on engraved oblate spherical feet, the frieze dressed with a row of female masks capping pillars, linke...
Category

19th Century English Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Style Crystal Box with Classical Gilt Ormulo Mounts
Located in London, GB
A French late 19th century Empire style crystal box with classical gilt bronze mounts.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

Egg style Faberge folding photo holder Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on engraved tripod with octagonal folding photo holder for 6 photos inside, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated, with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and pure gold “pa...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold

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

A French Empire Style Cut-Glass and Bronze d’Oré Urn, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Empire Style Cut-Glass and Bronze d’Oré Urn, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: The cut glass urn flaring to an everted ormolu lip with ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair Of Antique Empire Silver Candle Holders, by Josef Stelzer, Vienna, 1802
Located in Vienna, AT
Two elegant, plain silver candle holders on a round stand, foot laterally profiled, centred raised smooth shaft, in the lower third constriction by profiled bead ring, shaft widening...
Category

Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

French Museum Ormolu Mantle Clock, Pendule 'Au Char', Thomire, Paris, Ca 1820
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite mantel clock made of fire-gilded and patinated bronze from the early 19th century: Structure in the form of a rectangular gilded base on four conical feet with chiselling, ...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Antique Empire Barrel Box in Hardwood
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century Antique Empire Barrel Box in Hardwood. Charming piece as a decorative piece on a desk or library shelf and additionally could be used to hold jewelry on a dresser or nig...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

French Early 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Claude Galle
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Claude Galle, (1759–1815, master in 1786) is one of the most renowned bronziers active during the Napoleonic period, such as Pierre-Philippe Thomire, André-Antoine Ravrio and Louis-S...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

A.Carrier French bronze 19th Neapolitan musician playing a tambourine.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible A.CARRIER bronze 19th Neapolitan musician playing a tambourine.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antique Flame Mahogany Empire Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe. High quality work of applied arts in Neoclassical (Biedermeier) style. The fork of...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet Chest Tabernacle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
European 19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet featuring a mirror glass locking door. This versatile piece could be used to store jewelry or collectables. We also see th...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Mirror, Wood

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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