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 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
19th Century French Bronze Dore Double Inkwell with Sphinx Design
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze dore filigree double inkwell with sphinx sides and backrail.
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
$1,568Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Bronze Bookends Sculptures with Horn and Ram 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of decorated bronze bookend sculptures in the shape of a horn and ram, made in the 20th century Ø cm 20.5 Ø cm 11 h cm 20.5 Aries is rich in symbolism, intertwining astrologic...
Bronze
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
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
French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Venus and Cupid
Located in London, GB
French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock with Venus and Cupid French, early 19th Century Measures: Height 53cm, width 37.5cm, depth 13.5cm This fine Empire period mantel clock is crafted from gilt bronze. The clock includes a sculptural surmount of Venus accompanied by Cupid. Venus sits atop the square clock...
Bronze, Ormolu
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
Small Square Brass Box With Angel Insignia, America Early 20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Square Brass Box With Angel Insignia, America Early 20th Century. This Empire style box makes a wonderful addition to a collection of these classic brass boxes. This box is ve...
Brass
Limoges Elite Gilded Baluster Vase, Empire Style, France, Circa 1950
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...
Porcelain
Venus with the apple, after the model by Bertel Thorvaldsen in reconstructed mar
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Venus with the Apple sculpture, after the model by Bertel Thorvaldsen in reconstructed marble, 20th century
Marble
$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 France bronze circa 1850 "Two hares"
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible france bronze circa 1850 representing "Two hares" perfect patina.
Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of neoclassical style gilt bronze and marble vases French, early 20th century Measures: Height 52cm, width 21cm, depth 19cm Each vase in this pair, crafted from gilt bronze...
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Pair of vase Porcelain, Valentine, Old Paris, flowers pattern, France 1860
By Old Paris
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Porcelain Pair of Vase Ofs Valentine Old Paris Decor Of Bouquet Of Flowers XIXth Century Manufacture of "Valentine" in Saint-Gaudens. Decorated with a bouq...
Porcelain
French Empire Period Miniature Bronze Doré Portico Mantel Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant miniature French Empire-period portico clock crafted in bronze doré. The architectural case features four classical columns above a rectangular plinth with rounded feet, c...
Bronze, Enamel
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
French 19th Century Empire St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. Vert Patricia marble and ormolu clock. The clock is raised by fine rectangular ormolu supports below the Vert de Patricia marble base. A str...
Marble, 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
Set of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This precious Set of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features many finely hand chiseled details. This model is typical of French Empire period due to ...
Gold, 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
19th Century French Marble & Bronze Figural Mantel Clock Signed By Japy Freres
By Japy Frères
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Transport yourself to the grandeur of the 19th century with this exquisite French Marble and Bronze Figural Mantel Clock. A true masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, this clock...
Marble, Bronze
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks, 19th C
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks France, 19th Century Elegant pair of French Empire-period candlesticks executed in finely chased ormolu and pat...
Bronze
19th Century Empire Mantel Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Excellent condition with finely chased dore bronze mounts. Has key and pendulum.
Bronze
Pair Antique French Paris Porcelain Hand-painted Dog Vases by Darte Frères 1810
By Darte Frères
Located in Portland, OR
A large & wonderful pair of antique French Porcelain de Paris Darte Frères hand-painted & gilded portrait vases, with scenes of dogs, and painted in the manner of Fragonard, circa 18...
Porcelain
French Empire Period Egyptian Style Porcelain Candelabra
Located in London, GB
French Empire period Egyptian style porcelain candelabra French, c. 1815 Height 81cm, width 27cm, depth 27cm These extremely fine candelabra date from the early 19th Century, during the period of Napoleonic dominance in Europe. It was during this period that interest in the ancient civilisation of Egypt started to become fashionable, in large part due to Napoleon's conquest of the region at the turn of the 19th Century. Each candelabrum is modelled as a standing cross...
Ormolu
Empire Patinated Bronze Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful patinated bronze clock featuring Cupid and Psyche with a Sienna marble base
Marble, Bronze
$11,139Sale Price / set|30% Off
A Pair Of French Empire Patinated Bronze And Marble Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A Large Pair of Empire Patinated Bronze and Marble Candelabra Each candelabra features a classical winged Victory figure holding stylised oil lamp candleholder with gadrooned nozzles. The winged figure wears a flowing dress with finely detailed, crisp lines and stands atop a gilt bronze orb...
Marble, Bronze
Antique Empire Bronze Wall Candle Sconce, Italy, Late 19th Century
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique bronze wall candle sconce made in Italy, late 19th century. They are made of bronze, heavy, with a beautiful patina. These wall sconces can be left in their original form, or...
Bronze
A 19th C. Russian Ormolu Mounted Centerpiece with Porphyry and Carved Jade Cups
Located in New York, NY
A 19th C. Russian Ormolu Mounted Centerpiece with Porphyry and Carved Jade Cups. This Russian centerpiece is composed of a rectangular porphyry tray fitted with four carved jade cup...
Jade, Porphyry, 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
$2,750 / set
Pair of Neoclassical Marble and Glass Swan Vases
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair of neoclassical marble and glass swan vases.
Marble, Brass
French 19th Century Empire Style Ormolu and Vert Patricia Marble Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Empire st. ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble clock, signed Armingault à Paris. The clock is raised by an impressive rectang...
Marble, Ormolu
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
A Palatial 19th Century French Second Empire Ormolu Mounted Bronze Garniture Set
Located in Tarzana, CA
An Palatial 19th Century French Second Empire Ormolu Mounted Bronze and Green Marble Three Piece Garniture Set circa 1820. Origin: France Measures: Clock Height 32" Width 21" Dept...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Small Painted Tole Trinket Tray Dish Floral Pattern, 1830's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming black toleware metal tray with scalloped corners, featuring hand-painted flowers. We see this early 19th Century versatile piece on a cocktail table or used for trinkets in ...
Metal
Pair of gilded columns in Empire style - Italy, 1980s
Located in Vicenza, IT
Elegant pair of turned and carved columns in the round, made of wood and fully gilded with pure gold leaf, with a particularly brilliant and rich finish. The columns are inspired by ...
Marble
French Empire Style Cupid Riding Panther Gilt Metal and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Style Cupid Riding Panther Mantel Clock, gilt metal mounted siena marble, brass clock face marked "Quartz" with Roman numerals with foliate friezes to either side, on r...
Siena Marble, Metal, Brass
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
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A powerful and elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks, masterfully cast in gilt bronze with fine neoclassical detailing. Th...
Bronze
$38,850 / set
Pair of Napoleon III Royal Rouge Griotte Athenienne
Located in New Orleans, LA
Royal Rouge Griotte Marble Athenienne After Pierre Gouthière Late 19th Century This monumental pair of Napoleon III gilt bronze-mounted Royal Rouge Griotte athenienne perfume vases ...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
$4,500 / set
Pair of Empire Candlesticks
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of French fire-gilded candleholders in the Empire style. They feature acanthus leaf decorations. The candle sleeves are removable.
Bronze
Italian Yellow Tole Obelisk Urn by A. M. Perrot, Brass Paw Feet, 1920s
Located in Stamford, CT
A charming neoclassical yellow tole water or tea urn in the form of an obelisk balanced on a square plinth by fours balls supported by brass paw feet. Decorated on four sides with ma...
Metal, Brass
French Empire Mantel Clock, Carrara Marble, Gilt Details, Circa 1850 revised
Located in Berlin, DE
French mantel clock made of white marble Enamel dial with blue Roman numerals and gilt hands. French eight-day movement with anchor escapement, striking the hours and half-hours on...
Carrara Marble
$1,235Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Candlesticks Empire Pattern by WMF Art Nouveau Silverplated
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Beautiful pair of antique candlesticks by WMF are stunning examples of silverplated pewter craftsmanship, made during the Art Nouveau period around 1900. They are part of the "Empire...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Cool and unusual composition between gilded and dark patin...
Bronze
Pair French Empire Bronze and Marble Campana Form Urns
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of Classical style urns are finely cast featuring acanthus leaves, mask form handles, and laurel leaf wreaths on Sienna marble plinth form bases.
Bronze
Empire gilt bronze inkwell, Turquin marble base - early 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Empire style inkwell, Restauration period circa 1830 - 1840. The bronze inkwell is finely chiseled and gilt with fine gold ; it rests on an ormolu 6-peaks star set on a blue T...
Marble, Ormolu
19th c. Large French Empire Bronze Gilded Ormolu Figural Clock
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This magnificent French gilt metal figural mantel clock is a striking example of the refined artistry and technical excellence that defined French decorative arts during the nineteen...
Metal
$4,000 / set
Pair of 19th Century Empire Candlesticks
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of French Empire candleholders from around 1820. They are made of fire-gilded bronze. Decorative acanthus leaves adorn the candleholders, along with fluting. Removable candle ...
Bronze
Table Box with a semi-precious tiger's eye stone and a hinged 925 silver case by Salimbeni
By Renato Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large octagonal table box made of semi-precious tiger's eye stone with a hinged case in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver. Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 6.5 cm. Silver weight: 1095 g. The...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
$4,000 / set
Pair of 19th Century Empire Candlesticks
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of Empire candleholders in fire-gilded bronze. Manufactured in France around 1810/1820. The candleholders are decorated with beautiful acanthus leaves. A decorative meander ba...
Bronze
1870 French Empire Style Bronze Dore Candleholders, a Pair
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of French Empire style bronze dore candelabra with tapering malachite stems resting on three lion paw feet on triform malachite bases. Circa 1870.
Malachite, Bronze
Elegant Pair of French Empire Candelabra in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Pair of French Empire Candelabra in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, 1820s An exquisite pair of early 19th-century French Empire candelabra, masterfully crafted in finely chased g...
Bronze
Large Antique Pewter Cup Vase, Denmark circa 1810
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Europe, a charming charming round shaped cup. We see this elegant pewter vessel filled with writing utensils, art supplies or petite floral bouquets.
Pewter
$1,950Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair Antique French 'Sevres' Red Porcelain Gilt Bronze Pot Pourri Urns 1804-1809
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Portland, OR
Pair of Antique French 'Sevres' porcelain lidded pot pourri and gilded bronze lidded urns, 1804-1809. The urns having a rich red ground with gilded panels, the domed lids with gilded bronze eagle...
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
Antique French Gilded Bronze Candle Holders, Empire Style, Circa 1790
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French pair of candle holders made of hand crafted matted and polished burnt gilded bronze, in good condition. Each of the detailed sticks is composed with a face mascarons, a crowned man and woman, carrying a mug with flowers, loose cuffs supported by a round plinth, standing on square base. The Parisian décor...
Metal, Bronze
19th Century Miniatur Mantel Clock, Gare La Bombe, Cupido, France, Gilded Bronze
Located in Greven, DE
Pendulette "Gare La Bombe" France gilded bronze first half 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 20 x 15 x 7 cm Description: Antique miniature mante...
Bronze