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.
$7,984Sale Price|25% Off
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
Large European Low Cut Crystal Glass Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Most likely an English bowl with floral decorations and unbeatable wear. Very versatile piece that is both form and function, standing alone on a coffee table or used as fruit bowl o...
Crystal
A Massive Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Malachite Urns, C.1950
Located in Tarzana, CA
A Massive Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Malachite Urns, C.1950. Each with Berainesque gilt bronze tracery cast everted rim above a ves...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
French Early 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Claude Galle
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...
Marble, Bronze
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...
Marble, Bronze
Ormolu Mantel Clock, Belgium, circa 1810-1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Empire ormolu mantel clock, Belgium, circa 1810, Signed "J.B. Romaet a Gand". Decorated with a shepherd scene. Strikes the hour and half hour on a bell. With enamel clock face and si...
Ormolu
$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
Rare Gilt-bronze French Empire Charles X Sunflower Mantel Clock
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Gilt and patinated bronze. The original movement has been cleaned and revised and is in perfect working condition (runs for around one week). Overall authentic condition with its ori...
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 Empire Period Giltwood Candlesticks or Prickets
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of giltwood French Empire period prickets or candlesticks was originally used on the altar of a church. They were hand-carved and exquisitely gilded on only one side as a m...
Giltwood
Empire Mantel Clock with Putto in Chariot, signed Thiery à Paris, Early 19th C.
Located in Greding, DE
Empire mantel clock made of fire-gilded bronze. The scene shows a putto in a richly decorated chariot pulled by a jumping poodle. The clockwork is elegantly integrated into the wheel...
Bronze
Magnificent Pair of Russian Imperial Ruby Glass Vases w/ Gilded Bronze Mounts
Located in New York, NY
While Napoleon's armies never conquered Russian, French taste did, and in a big way. This pair made at the Imperial Glass Workshop, under the Sponsorship of the Imperial Family would have been at home in a Paris drawing room as easily as in St. Petersburg. The Intense Ruby Red color of the Crystal is created by adding large quantities of gold to the molten glass before the object is created. The resulting color is dense yet full of light just like its namesake the precious jewel. The Dore bronze mounts use motifs taken from antiquity. Likewise, the shape of the handles is inspired by Greco-Roman amphora...
Bronze
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
19th Century Bronze Napoleon Figure, Empire Style Cast Sculpture
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Bronze Figure of Napoleon, 19th Century Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection. Description: In full military dress, his sword sheathed and arms folded over his chest, his ri...
Bronze
Egg Plum enamel with tripod Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg Plum enamel is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Egg Plum enamel has fired enamels on guilloché has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand. Egg Plum enamel is Russian...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Table Box Enamel Miniature Moscow Kremlin and Red Square Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine hand-engravings fire enameled hand-painted like lapis lazuli stone and beautiful hand-painted enameled ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, 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...
Bronze
Early 19th Century Empire Mantel Clock by Ledure with Apollo or Eros
By Pierre-Victor Ledure, Claude Hemon
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The clock is signed on the enamel dial by the famous Parisian bronzier ”Ledure Bronzier à Paris” and the clockmaker ”Hedon Hr" (horloger). Patinated and fully sculpted bronze figure ...
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
18th Century Brass Mounted and Lacquered “Marriage” Dowry Box.
Located in Middleburg, VA
18th Century Brass Mounted and Lacquered “Marriage” Dowry Box. Exquisite Indian craftsmanship made of teak with decorative brass on a patinated red lacquered surface with intricate ...
Brass
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
19th Century Italian Giltwood Empire Mirror-Frame
Located in Roma, IT
19th Century Italian Giltwood Empire Mirror-Frame A beautiful and significant Italian mirror frame in the ‘guantiera’ style, crafted from gilded wood and dating from the early decad...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique French Glass & Marble Cornucopia Vase
Located in London, GB
A fantastic and rare antique French Empire Style glass cornucopia vase mounted on a marble and gilt bronze base. This was made in France, we believe it...
Marble, Bronze
$276Sale Price|20% Off
Early English 19th Century Pewter Plate
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small round pewter plate with London and makers mark on the rear side.
Pewter
Rare Empire French Fire Gilded Center Piece Tazza Warrior Horses Harp
By Thomire & Cie., Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
More than 200 years old showpiece for on the table. Made from glass, fire-gilt bronze and green veined marble. Beautiful horses with a warrior and mythological figures with harp and ...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Swedish Folkart Empire Chest / Box with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Folkart Empire Chest /box from Skelleftea Vasterbotten ,Northern Sweden. Decorative Wood imitaition painted small chest /box with...
Pine
19th century victorian burr walnut desk top writing slope
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century victorian burr walnut desk top writing slope circa 1870. Fine quality english made victorian writing slope. Exterior of rich burr walnut with tunbridge ware inlay deco...
Walnut
Guardians of the Flame: Pair of Early 19th C Gilt Bronze French Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of French Empire-style candlesticks executed in finely chased gilt and patinated bronze. Each features a tapering fluted shaft rising from a richly ornamented standard d...
Bronze
19th century Swedish gilt and eglomise ornate wall clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish gilt and églomisé ornate wall clock circa 1840. Fine quality Swedish wall clock of the empire period circa 1840. Beautifully carved, surmounted with doves. 2 si...
Brass
Pair of Empire ormolu candlesticks - Sweden, early 19th century circa 1810
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine pair of tall ormolu candlesticks, beautiful mercury gilt (mat and shiny finish), finely chiseled bronze palm patterns. Sweden, early 19th century circa 1810 (Empire period). O...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Gilded French Empire Candlesticks with charming decor from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of Gilded French Empire Candlesticks with charming decor from the 1820s. Beautiful decorated with flowers and other period empire decorations. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Clock Depicting Psyche Playing with a Butterfly After Canova
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French Empire Clock depicting Psyche playing with a butterfly after a marble statue by Canova displayed in the Louvre. A patinated bronze Psych...
Bronze
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...
Bronze, Ormolu
$52,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pr. French Empire Dore Bronze 6-Light Candelabra w Swans, signed Thomire a Paris
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptional and Quite Rare Pair of French Empire Period Dore Bronze Six-Light Candelabra with Swans, Signed Thomire a Paris. The candelabra are cast in dore bronze and formed wit...
Ormolu
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French Empire Ormolu mantel clock resting on four turned feet supporting an oval base with raised garland and zig-zag rope decoration...
Ormolu
$6,328 / 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
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Small Danish Empire Veneered and Brass Trinket Box, Circa 1825
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Rectangular Period Empire Trinket Box in Veneered Mahogany and Brass Panels on the Edges, Denmark Circa 1825.
Brass
Signed Bronze Pierre-Philippe Thomire of Paris Clock Putti Cherub Clock Set
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Presenting a spectacular early 19th-century French three-piece bronze doré clock set signed by Thomire of Paris, a breathtaking ensemble that epitomizes the luxury, craftsmanship, an...
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 ...
Bronze, Ormolu
Box handpainted miniature on guilloche and musical movement by Reuge S.A. inside
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Octagonal box in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated with translucent fired enamels and featuring a handpainted monochrome miniature on guilloche of a sailing ship on the lid, depi...
Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of French 19th Century Gilt & Patinated Bronze Sphinxes on Porphyry & Bron
Located in Hudson, NY
Made in France circa 1840s this finely cast pair of sphinxes are represented in the recumbent position most associated with the form. Showing on both figures are two hieroglyphic car...
Porphyry, Bronze
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Allegorical Clock Depicting Roman Triumph and Power
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A figural gilt bronze French Empire clock, ‘Allegory to Triumph and Power’. A Roman emperor stands to the right of the central rectangular plinth housing the movement; atop the plint...
Bronze
Photograph Frame Large Imperial Style White Enamel on Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver shaped photograph frame with translucent fired enamel on guillochè and rich friezes in Louis XVI French Empire style. External measurements...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
A Late 19 Century Malachite clock Topped by a Gilt Bronze Bust of Napoleon
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A simple yet elegant relatively rare malachite cased clock topped by a gilt bronze bust of a young Napoleon in uniform after the marble original work by Jean Antoine Houdon.
Malachite, Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Inkwell
Located in London, GB
A highly rare and remarkably sophisticated French Charles X period luxury desk accessory, measuring 33 cm in height. Designed as an exceptional suspension inkwell (encrier), this pie...
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Candlestick
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French candlestick is a stunning example of French craftsmanship, made of brass with intricate detailing. The candlestick features a textured body resembling scales...
Brass
$4,577Sale Price|23% Off
Photo Frame inserted into a harp-shaped object Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval photo frame inserted into a harp-shaped object, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché inspired by a model created by Peter Carl Fab...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
Louis Marie Moris French bronze Napoleon on horseback . (1818-1883)
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and large French bronze of Napoleon on horseback . Crossing the Alps on Marengo. Fine detail on a marble base . Large and impressive scale
Bronze
Empire Mantel Clock - La Bibliotheque, Ormolu, France, Paris, circa 1820
By Le Roi
Located in Greven, DE
Mantel Clock - La Bibliotheque - In the study room Paris fire-gilt bronze, enamel Empire around 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: 38 x 28 x 19 cm Description: Scenery mounted on an oval...
Bronze
$33,034Sale Price / set|20% Off
Large 19th Century French Empire Style Clock Set
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and fine quality 19th century French Empire influenced clock set. Having a pair of winged female figures supporting five branch candelabra with scrolling foliate decoration, raised on gilded globes and green marble plinths with ormolu mask mounts. The clock having winged lovers standing over the green marble clock...
Marble, 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...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Antique French Gilded Bronze Candle Holders, Fluted Design, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French pair of candle holders with loose candle cuffs, made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candlesticks have downwardly tapering, fluted shafts, supported by a round footplate. The base is particularized with palmettes and leaves. The Parisian décor pieces represent the First French Empire time...
Metal, Bronze
French Empire Style Mantel Clock, circa 1820
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and stylish early 19th Century gilded ormolu and green marble mantle clock, having two classical maidens either side feeding Rams, an Eagle above the circular white...
Marble, Ormolu
Elegant brass "Regal Gold" Cachepot with feet, 1970s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Refined gold-plated brass cachepot with a classic and elegant design, embellished with a decorative worked band and shaped feet that give it a distinctive touch. The warm and bright ...
Brass
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Bronze Clock Depicting Urania Greek Muse of Astronomy
By Lesieur
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A magnificent large gilded and patinated bronze period French Empire mantle clock depicting Urania the Greek Muse of Astronomy standing on a stepped rectangular gilded bronze base her left elbow resting on a large gilded globe of the heavens with a central band showing the signs of the zodiac...
Bronze
Large 19th Century Continental Neoclassical Between Dresser Vanity Box
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An extensively filled 19th century ormolu-mounted ebonized wood dresser vanity box fitted with silver gold washed lidded glass gars and sewing tools. The ...
Ormolu
$2,500 / set
Pair of Empire Silvered Four-Light Candelabra
By Claude Galle
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Pair of silver-plated four-light candelabra, likely French or Russian Empire style from the 19th Century, exhibiting characteristics associated with the Neoclassical period. The top ...
Silver Plate
19th Century Bronze Mounted Cut Crystal Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cut crystal. Bronze mounted. Swan motif. Finely chased. Measure: Base is 3.5" by 3.5".
Crystal, Bronze
Große Empire Pendule Amor und Psyche Frankreich um 1810
Located in Berlin, DE
This magnificent fireplace clock (pendule) is a classic and very high-quality example of the French art of classicism or the Empire / restoration (early 19. century, approx. 1810–183...
Siena Marble