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.
Pair of Empire Style Vases in Blue and Gold Porcelain
Located in Prato, IT
Germany, mid-20th century Empire style Blue and gold painted porcelain and white background band with floral decoration Dimensions cm W28 x D20...
Porcelain
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
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
A Pair of 19th C. Paris Porcelain Gilt and Portrait Painted Vases
By Old Paris
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th C. Paris Porcelain Gilt and Portrait Painted Vases. Each vase features a neoclassical amphora form, richly decorated with gilt accents and hand-painted portrait panel...
Porcelain
High-Quality Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
High-Quality Pair of Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s An exquisite pair of Empire candlesticks in finely chiseled gilt bronze, likely crafted in Paris during the 1820s...
Bronze
Antique French Playing Card Box, Rosewood & Brass Inlays, Circa 1860
Located in Münster, DE
Large casket, rosewood solid and veneered, France circa 1860/70, brass handle embedded in the lid, brass inlays, nice division inside (originally for tokens and cards), restored cond...
Brass
French Empire skeleton clock, fire-gilded, engraved bronze
Located in Berlin, DE
SKELETON-PENDULUM Directory The Pendulum 1795-1810 Golden Bronze Height 50 cm Width 32 cm Depth 15 cm fire gold-plated bronze Extremely fine quality Directoire/Empire gilt bronze mo...
Gold Plate
Vintage Marble Lidded Box with Brass Accents and Dolphin Handle
Located in Hamburg, DE
This cylindrical marble box with a lid is a sophisticated decorative piece that blends vintage charm with historical design influences. Crafted in the 1970s, it features a lightly pa...
Marble
Empire Giltwood Carved Frame
Located in New Orleans, LA
Period Empire giltwood frame.
Giltwood
$11,195Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figural Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Early 19th century French Empire period gilt bronze figural clock. Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
Pair of Early 19th Century Prussian Cast Iron Vases Urns Fer De Berlin
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A beautiful pair of cast iron vases (urns) on pedestal, attributed to the Royal Prussian Iron Foundries in Gleiwitz. This pair is modeled most likely aft...
Berlin Iron, Iron
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
Pair of First-Empire Period 2-Handled Porcelain Vases with Westall Venus Scenes
By Porcelaine de Paris, Richard Westall
Located in New York, NY
An incredible and rare pair of French Paris Porcelain First-Empire Period Winged Sphynx-form double- handled porcelain vases with mythological scenes of Venus and Cupids after Richar...
Porcelain
French Giltwood Eagle Sculpture
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Rare French, 19th century, Empire. Large size carved wood and gesso gilt eagle, with its full body, swept back wings, pronounced talons, perched on a ball. Important size. Conditi...
Gesso, Wood
Neoclassical Pair of Patinated and Dore Bronze Empire Covered Urns
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous and rare neoclassical pair of patinated and doré bronze Empire period covered urns with doré bronze cupid masks and foliage scroll doré bronze handles. Each is beautifully...
Bronze
$16,875Sale Price|25% Off
French Empire Allegorical Clock Depicting "Venus Guided by Love" by Lesieur
By Pierre Lesieur
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An important and rare French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock depicting "Venus Guided by Love" featuring a case by the noted bronzier Lesieur. The figures and clock plinth sit on a rectangular green marble base topped with a gilt bronze plinth, raised upon four flattened toupie feet. The round enamel dial, signed “Lesieur à Paris”, indicates the Roman numeral hours and minute graduations. It is housed in a finely chased bronze altar whose pediment is decorated with egg and dart friezes, and be-ribboned torches on either side the façade is adorned with applied stylized butterfly and lyre motifs. The sides feature be-ribboned flower wreaths, and the plinth a leaf frieze. Two fine gilt bronze figures depict a winged and semi-nude cupid who is pointing to the time, while addressing Venus who is clothed in antique robes...
Bronze
$495Sale Price|37% Off
Bronze French Empire Style Candelabrum
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Bronze French Empire style candelabrum.
Bronze
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
Cast Iron Gilded Antique Urn or Jardiniere
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A striking antique cast iron urn, planter or jardiniere dating from the late 19th century. Originating from France, this 150-year-old, gilded urn is a showstopping piece with its bold black paint and gold colour contrasts. The design brings a sense of grandeur to any setting, detailed with masks among foliage and scrolls to both the front and the back and a pair of handles with stylised winged lion heads. This French urn makes an impressive display piece, the vibrant colours certain to draw any eye. Additional Information Base 8.66 x 8.66 inch (22 x 22 cm) Blue plinth...
Iron
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Empire Style Table Clock and Inkwell
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Empire style table clock and inkwell Origin France Circa 1900 The watch has a Paris machine and it works Golden bronze and Onix materials Very good general condition the marble ...
Bronze
Meditation French Empire Mantel Clock by Claude Galle
By Claude Galle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Empire Mantel Clock Claude Galle Circa 1810 This Empire period mantel clock by Galle exemplifies the sophisticated allegorical artistry of early 19th-century French horology. Repres...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
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
Scandinavian Brass Push Up Chamber Candle Holder with Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic patina on this candleholder from the early 1800's. We see this chamber candlestick on a coffee table with antique books. Wonderful addition to any collection of these sough...
Brass
Pair of Empire Six-Light Candelabra Attributed to Escalier De Cristal circa 1819
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A remarkable and highly important pair of Empire gilt-bronze and cut-crystal six-light candelabra attributed to Escalier De Cristal De Paris. French, circa 1819. This exceptional pair of candelabra can almost certainly be attributed to the workshops of l'Escalier de Cristal de Paris. They relate in particular to a dressing table and chair, now in the collection of the Louvre, which formed part of a toilette suite that was exhibited by L'Escalier de Cristal at the 1819 Paris exhibition of the Produits de l'industrie. The present candelabra may very likely have been made as part of this suite. In 'Baccarat: La Legende du Cristal', it states: "A l'Exposition des produits de l'industrie française de 1819, Mme Désarnaud présente une toilette, une cheminée, deux grands candélabres, deux tables, une grande pendule et plusieurs vases, en cristal et bronze...
Crystal, Bronze
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.
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century Empire-Style Longcase Clock
Located in Paris, FR
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
Pair Russian Dog Head Dore Bronze Mounted, Rock Crystal, Marble 3 Arm Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Fantastic Pair of 18th-Century Russian Dore Bronze Mounted, Rock Crystal, and Marble Three-Arm Candelabra with Dog’s Heads. Each candelabrum is set on a circular white marble base ...
Rock Crystal, Marble, Ormolu
Empire Gilt Bronze Clock of Standing Classical Lady Unveiling an Urn of Plenty
By A. Ravrio
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late French Empire mantle clock in gilded bronze depicting a standing classical lady on the left side of the clock plinth with her left ar...
Bronze
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
A French Empire Clock of the Roman Goddess Aurora Announcing a New Day
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A period French Empire allegorical mantel clock with a case of finely chased and gilt bronze. Aurora stands to the left of the circular clock plinth draping a starry cloak over the g...
Bronze
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...
Marble, 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
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...
Crystal, Bronze
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of vases Barbediene foundry France Napoleon III
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pair of Barbadians of Napoleon III Pair of vases with enamel Barbediene French foundry Very good condition (some natural wear) Gilt bronze and enamel Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin...
Bronze, Enamel
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
$1,984Sale Price|20% Off
Empire Era Fire-Gilt Bronze Clock Representing a Figure in Neo-Egyptian Style
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French patinated and fire-gilt clock depicting a standing figure in the neo-Egyptian style, Empire Era, 1800-15. The silk-thread mechanism is in good working condition with key and...
Bronze
Tall Antique Danish Empire Floor Candelabra Gilded and Brown Metal 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique tall empire style 3-armed floor candelabra made of a combination of gilded and brown-patinated metal and bronze. Made in Denmark by skilled metalworkers circa 1880-1900 Very...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Green Marble Military Urns
Located in New York, NY
A significant pair of antique French Empire style gilt bronze and green marble military urns. Each urn in this magnificent and unique pair showcases a tall, baluster-shaped body craf...
Marble, Bronze
Carl Thieme, Dresden Floral Painted & Gilded Porcelain Urn, Germany, 20th C
By Carl Thieme
Located in Chatham, ON
CARL THIEME (Factory / Manufacturer) - Potschappel (Village / Location) - Empire style Dresden floral decorated and gilded porcelain urn with cover - ...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
$3,400
Sugar Box Russia
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous box made of blue glass beautifully decorated with white details. Frame of brass. original lock and key. Made during 19th Century Russian Empire period. Small lockable boxes...
Brass
Large Antique Empire Period Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock by Deverberie
Located in London, GB
Antique Empire period gilt-bronze mantel clock by Deverberie French, c.1805 Measures: Height 67cm, width 54cm, depth 19cm This exceptional timepiece was made in Empire period Fr...
Ormolu
Pair of gilt bronze urns raised on a marble plinth with ormolu mounts.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of gilt bronze urns raised on a marble plinth with ormolu mounts (CW5595). The quality is superb, chasing is 10 on 10. France, circa 1870. Dimensions: Height 15 1/2", the base i...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Empire Style Bronze and Iridescent Glazed Cassolettes, circa 1875
Located in New York, NY
The tops turn over to be candlesticks.
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...
Bronze
French Empire Allegorical Clock Garniture of "Psyche Crowning Amor"
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A large scale French Empire figurative allegorical clock showing “Psyche Crowning Amor”. Psyche stands to the right of the domed clock plinth, holding her ...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Pair Old Paris (Vieux Paris) Porcelain Gilt Vases Empire Style French Circa 1840
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Old Paris porcelain mantel vases stands out immediately for its remarkable mirror-bright gilding, a luminous surface that captures and reflects light in the luxurious ma...
Porcelain
Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Empire Marble Rocker Blotter With Brass Handle
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Empire or Neoclassical marble rocker ink blotter with brass laurel wreath handle In the manner of Tiffany & Co. USA, Late 19th Century Measures: 5.13"W x 3"...
Marble, Brass
Rare 19th Century Russian Ormolu, Hand-Diamond Cut Crystal and Jeweled Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
An Extremely Rare 19th Century Russian Empire Ormolu, Hand-Diamond Cut Crystal and Jeweled Inkwell. The inkwell features a circular base with a faceted crystal insert, framed by an ...
Crystal, Ormolu
French Empire Mantel Clock in Ormolu, Patinated Bronze and Marble, Signed Picnot
By Picnot
Located in London, GB
French Empire clock of stunning quality constructed of rouge marble, original fire gilt ormolu and patinated bronze. Set upon four ormolu paw feet to the rouge marble base, rising to...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Monumental French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Malachite Clock
Located in Tarzana, CA
A very large and impressive 19th century Empire style gilt and patinated bronze malachite mantel clock depicting 'Psyche Crowning Cupid.' Psyche crown...
Malachite, Bronze
French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 50cm, width 36cm, depth 12cm This mantel clock, wrought from gilt bronze during the French Empire period, features a rectangular base, set above four bun feet, the front of the base adorned with a gilt bronze relief panel...
Ormolu, Bronze
Onyx Marble Gold Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful onyx and gold gilt bronze inkwell [ink well] box in the Empire style, circa 19th century, Europe. In addition to its intended use, piece makes a gorgeous standalone decor...
Onyx, Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce Set 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 central round pla...
Bronze
French Empire Style Table Picture Frame in Brass, Velvet and Glass
Located in Milan, IT
French Empire Style Table Picture Frame in Brass, Velvet and Glass
Brass
Early 19th Century Cup in Egyptian Porphyry and Bronze with Cupids
Located in Paris, FR
Imposing cup in red, Egyptian porphyry featuring three cupids on a circular base. The patinated bronze cupids serve as the supporting stem for the wide-rimmed cup. Two of the cupids ...
Porphyry, Bronze
Pair French Gilt Candelabras Female Maiden Figural Candles
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing an eye catching pair of gilt Empire candelabras Of figural form, the candelabras are held aloft by the toga clad female maidens A perfect left and right Stand on the ...
Bronze
19th c French Empire Carved & Gilt Wood Basketweave Demilune Jardiniere Cachepot
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique 19th century French Empire carved and gilt wood basketweave demilune jardiniere cachepot. Crescent shape with deep carved wood made to simulate a woven basket. Wonderful old ...
Giltwood
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
$4,400Sale Price / set|32% Off
Pair of 19 Century Russian Empire Figural Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of Russian Empire figural candelabra featuring a patinated bronze caryatid holding a gilt bronze urn mounted with a torch atop her head, with two ...
Bronze
Meissen Costume Group, Couple Dressed In Empire Style, by H. Goeschl, Ca 1940
By Meissen Porcelain, Heinrich Goeschl
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant couple costumed in Empire style: The lady in a dress that softly hugs the body with a high waist that sits just below the bust, a short cape covering the neckline and shoulde...
Porcelain
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 ...
Bronze