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.
Two Gilt Bronze Empire Candlesticks circa 1830 French Cassolette
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of 1800s Gilt Bronze Empire Candlesticks, set of two French Empire-style ormolu chests or burners, dating from the first half of the 19th century. These ancient French vessels ...
Bronze
A Pair of Elegant Empire Candlesticks, Gilded and Patinated Brass, 1820s France
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of exquisite Empire candlesticks which combine gilt and patinated brass. Made in 1820s France. Various intricate rose, floral and leaf patterns adorn the bases in gilt brass. ...
Brass
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, ...
Malachite, Ormolu
Pair of Fine Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze and Patina Bronze Urns
Located in New York, NY
The superb pair of urns is formed in the classical Empire style, dating to the Empire period, and constructed in gilt bronze and patinated bronze. Each featuring a shallow, rounded b...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
$4,704Sale Price|25% Off
Empire period gilt bronze obelisk inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
Chased and gilded bronze inkwell on a canted base with a frieze of interlacings centered on rosettes. Leobelisk model, topped by a seeded fruit. It features two covered cups decorate...
Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Inkwell with Borzoi Finial, 19th Century
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is an elegant French Empire-style gilt bronze writing stand, richly cast and ornamented with neoclassical and animalier motifs. The removable domed cover is surmounted by a fine...
Brass
Large 5-Flame Historicism Silver Candle Holder, Hermann Südfeld, Vienna, Ca 1890
Located in Vienna, AT
Tall, festive silver candelabrum on a stepped, funnel-shaped base; baluster shaft featuring an inlaid, stylised amphora-shaped vase section with a decorative band of volute relief an...
Silver
Antique French Empire Style Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock with Goddess 'Ceres'
Located in Madrid, ES
Following a model by early 19th century Paris sculptor and bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire, and showcasing many of the neoclassical design elements common to the Empire Style popula...
Bronze
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
Beautiful French Ormolu Mounted Tiffany Blue Opaline Crystal Casket/Jewelry box
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful French Ormolu Mounted Tiffany Blue color Opaline Crystal Casket/Jewelry box This French Blue Opaline Ormolu-Mounted Casket features a solid rectangular form crafted from...
Bronze
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
Empire Period Bronze Candelabra Pair, Gilt Finish, Lion's Feet, France
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Empire period four-light candelabra, on tripod lion's feet over stepped incurved plinth, supporting a palmette form base with reeded column and central gilt candle stem, the ...
Bronze
$5,325Sale Price|25% Off
Empire Pendulum Clock the Spinner, Signed Rossel in Rouen
Located in Paris, FR
French Empire pendulum clock finely crafted of gilt bronze, featuring a young spinner wearing a classical dress, seating on the dial near a lyre ...
Bronze
Pair of Empire-Style Marble and Ormolu Vases by Raingo
Located in London, GB
Pair of Empire-style marble and ormolu vases by Raingo French, Late 19th Century Height 37cm, width 22cm, depth 18cm This superb pair of vases combines stunning veined grey marble...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Wood and Bronze Planters, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and bronze planters. France, late 19th century.
Bronze
$6,250
Empire Mantel Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Exquisite Period Empire Clock, featuring Cupid (in patinated bronze) with his bow & arrow, next to him a quiver & torch. The body of the clock with bas relier decoration and anthe...
Bronze
Rectangular tiger's eye stone in a 925 silver hinged case by Salimbeni
By Renato Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table box made of semi-precious tiger's eye stone, with a hinged frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver. Dimensions: 10.5 x 14.5 x 4 cm. Silver weight: 140 g. Desi...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
French Empire Style Gilt and Burnished Bronze Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt and burnished bronze victory wall Sconce is an elegant example of figural wall light that shows a winged Victory, mounted ...
Bronze
19th Century Empire Mantel Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Excellent condition with finely chased dore bronze mounts. Has key and pendulum.
Bronze
Empire Period Ormolu Mantel Clock by Le Roy et fils
By Le Roy
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu mantel clock by Le Roy et fils French, c. 1810 Height 36cm, width 37cm, depth 14cm This refined mantel clock was created during the Empire period by the esteem...
Ormolu, Enamel
Pierre-Philippe Thomire Empire Marble Mantle Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843) Empire marble mantel (fireplace) clock. 1st quarter 19th century; Rouge Griotte marble and bronze doré...
Marble, 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
French Empire Portico Clock, White Marble & Gilt Bronze, Circa 1830
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This elegant white marble portico clock with gilt bronze appliques dates to the French Empire period, circa 1830. The floral-and-foliate ormolu-mounted frieze sits above four Doric c...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, 1820s An elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks in finely chased and gilt bronze, dating from the 1820s. The tall and bal...
Bronze
Empire-style pendulum clock made of fire-gilded bronze
Located in Berlin, DE
Directoire 1780-1795 Architektur-Pendule mit vier Säulen Weißer Marmor mit feuervergoldeten Applikationen Signiert auf dem weißen Emailzifferblatt Jeanperin a Paris Höhe 35 cm ...
Bronze
French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and high quality French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock, signed Veibel a Lyon. This stunning clock is raised on Ormolu topie shaped feet supporting a rectangular marble base. The base is decorated with finely chased Ormolu plaques on three sides, in the manner of Clodion, and with delicate beaded frames. Standing on the base are four Ormolu Doric columns leading up to the Carrara marble entablature decorated with Ormolu pegasi and finely chased beaded trim bands. From the entablature hangs the enameled clock face and mechanism, adorned with a delicate Ormolu frame and richly chased hanging drapery featuring a foliate movements, mythical creatures, and a lovely female mask atop the wonderful sunburst pendulum. All original gilt throughout. Veibel a Lyon, also known as "Weibel", was an 18th century master clock maker based in Lyon, France. Established in 1783, Veibel began his career by crafting exceptional table clocks and pocket watches. Later he specializes in astronomical regulators...
Marble, Ormolu
Antique French Marble & Gilded Brass Candelabras circa 1820
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This exquisite pair of antique French candelabras are masterfully crafted from white marble and ornate gilded brass. Each candelabra features three gracefully arched arms adorned wit...
Marble, Brass
Empire Patinated Bronze Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful patinated bronze clock featuring Cupid and Psyche with a Sienna marble base
Marble, Bronze
French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Classical Figures
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze mantel clock with Classical figures French, 19th century Measures: Height 45cm, width 39cm, depth 17cm This mantel clock feat...
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, white Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock. This beautiful clock is supported on a circular white Carrara marble...
Marble, Ormolu
French Empire Bronze Bust of Napoleon by F.B. Launay, 19th Century
By F.B. Launay, Chaudet
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire patinated bronze herm base bust of Napoleon signed F.B.LAUNAY and after the model of 1804 by Antoine-Denise Chaudet (19th Century)
Bronze
19th Century Italian Giltwood Wall Appliqués, Hand-Carved Empire Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning pair of Italian 19th century giltwood wall appliqués–decorative elements to enhance the architectural program–likely obtained from a church or cathedral as they are flat a...
Gold
Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figurative Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Empire period gilt bronze figurative mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 33cm, width 31cm, depth 12cm This superb mantel clock is a wonderful example of the...
Ormolu, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A refined pair of Empire candlesticks crafted in silvered bronze, dating from France, circa 1820s. These elegant pieces d...
Silver Plate, Bronze
$24,839 / set
Pair of French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Wall Lights
Located in London, GB
Pair of French gilt and patinated bronze wall lights French, 20th Century Height 103cm, width 50cm, depth 44cm Drawing inspiration from the sophisticated Empire style, these wall li...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Russian Empire Malachite, French Bronze Centrepiece/Tazzas by Thomier
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent pair of Russian Empire Period malachite, French doré bronze and cut crystal Tazzas, signed THOMIRE A PARIS. The square malachite bowls are...
Crystal, Malachite, Bronze
Ivory Sculpture Depicting Saint Thomas Aquinas, 17th century
Located in Roma, IT
Ivory sculpture depicting Saint Thomas Aquinas sculpted in the round, the saint is depicted standing, wearing a Dominican habit and a metal halo attached to the back of his head. He...
Bronze, Enamel
Beautiful White Opaline Cenedese Style Glass Compote Pedestal Bowl, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This elegant Tuscan glass pedestal bowl is a beautiful example of mid-century Italian milk opaline craftsmanship, created circa 1950 or earlier in the style of Cenedese. The bowl fea...
Glass
Magnificent Pair of Gilt-Bronze Figural Empire Period Candelabra, circa 1815
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A magnificent and highly important pair of gilt bronze figural empire period candelabra. French, circa 1815. A Magnificent and Highly Important Pair of gilt bronze Figural Empi...
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...
Bronze
Empire Period Ormolu and Enamel Ceres Mantel Clock After Thomire
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu and enamel Ceres mantel clock after Thomire. French, c.1810 Measures: height 46cm, width 38cm, depth 13cm. This superb mantel clock was made in the First Fr...
Enamel, Ormolu
French Empire Gilt & Marble Candlestick Holders Set of 2
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A refined pair of French Empire–style candlestick holders, combining gilt metal with a solid marble base. Designed with classical symmetry, the fluted column rises from a circular ma...
Marble, Gold, Brass
Circa 1800 Pair of French Gilt Bronze Griffin Candle Holders
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Circa 1800 Pair of French Gilt Bronze Griffin Candle Holders. Unique pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or mess...
Marble, Bronze
Large Pair of French Empire Period Candelabra, Attributed to Claude Galle
By Claude Galle
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent large pair of five-light doré bronze and patinated bronze Empire period candelabra, attributed to Claude Galle made in the early 1800s. This pair of candelabra are set ...
Marble, Bronze
Fire-gilded French Empire-style writing set Bronze ca. 1850 Goddess Psyche
Located in Münster, DE
Writing Set France, circa 1850 Bronze with black patina and partial gilding, depicting the goddess Psyche; height 33 cm, width 30 cm, depth 15.5 cm On a austere, rectangular, dark...
Bronze
Handcrafted Amber Crystal Vases by Unique Luxury Designs, Italy, 24 inches high
Located in New York, NY
Two superb Amber crystal vases, hand-crafted to order in Treviso, Italy, by Unique Luxury Designs, renowned manufacturer of bespoke crystal chandeliers, home accessories and crystal ...
Crystal
Pair Empire Period North European Ormolu, Cut-Glass, & Tôle-Peinte Cachepots
Located in New York, NY
An extremely rare and unusual Pair Of North European Ormolu, Cut-Glass, and Tôle-Peinte Potted Hyacinths/Cachepots, Possibly Baltic, Circa 1815-1825. Each Modeled As A Tôle-Peinte Sp...
Crystal, Ormolu, Tin
$8,700Sale Price / set|40% Off
Grand Pair of French, Second Empire Candelabra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant pair of 7 arm, cast metal and gilded bronze candelabra with flame finials, mounted on marble bases.
Marble, Metal, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks Ciselé 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Silvered Bronze Candlesticks Ciselé 1820s An exceptionally elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks, dating from the 1820s–1830s, executed in finely silvered...
Silver Plate, Bronze
19th Century (Mid) Bronze Revolutionary Rooster Ornament
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century Bronze Revolutionary Rooster Ornament Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Metal, Bronze
Pair of French Empire Polished Brass and Black-Enameled Cast Iron Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Each with removable nozzle in brass above an acanthus shoulders over a brass column with lotus-leaf capital terminating in an acanthus-form knob, supported on a tripartite base with ...
Brass, Iron
$14,400Sale Price / set|48% Off
Pair of crystal and bronze vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of french empire style late 19 century crystal cut ormolu bronze original gilting You have eagle that embeds the base at the 4 corner, on the side of the vase you have magnifi...
Crystal, Bronze
Empire Style Ormolu and Malachite Mantel Clock by Denière
Located in London, GB
An Empire style ormolu and malachite mantel clock by Denière French, c.1820 Measures: Height 50cm, width 33cm, depth 14cm Made in the early nineteenth ...
Malachite, Ormolu
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Neoclassical Bronze Urns Wired as Lamps
Located in Long Island City, NY
Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Neoclassical Bronze Urns, Wired as Lamps. Featuring ornate swag garlands and rams heads, with a frieze of dancing putti.
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
Pair of Antique French Empire Style Figural Patinated and Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A pair of spectacular and prominent antique French Empire-style figural patinated and gilt bronze candelabra. Each candelabrum takes the form of a fully modeled winged female figure,...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Flame Mahogany Napoleon Empire Period Mantel Clock
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A superb 19th century French Flame Mahogany Napoleon Empire Period Egyptian style Mantel Clock This clock was produced in the Fr...
Brass
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
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-19th Century Italian Clock Painting, Oil on Canvas, Empire Style
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early/mid-19th century Italian clock painting indistinctly signed on the lower right corner. The oil painting is set in a period Empire gilt frame and d...
Canvas
$9,230Sale Price|28% Off
Early 19th Century Empire Russian Malachite and Ormolu Paperweight Spaniel Dog
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A very fine Russian giltbronze mounted malachite veneered paperweight dating from the early to mid-19th century. The plinth of rectangular form surmounted by a fully sculpted giltbro...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze