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.
Antique Sculptural Wooden Church Candlestick, 1860
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This extraordinary antique church candlestick, presumably from the mid-19th century, combines sacred radiance with timeless classicist desig...
Nutwood
$156Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Wood
$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
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
French Empire Troubadour Mantel Clock
By Le Roy
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...
Marble, Bronze
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
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
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
Set of Two Small European Gilt Gold Wood Art Frames, 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive gilt gold art frames found in a market in Denmark. Perfect pieces for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frames have wonderful patina throughout and would look f...
Gold
Two Empire Period Gilt Porcelain Vases by Dihl Et Guérhard
Located in London, GB
These beautiful painted and gilt vases were crafted in circa 1810 by the important Parisian porcelain factory, Dihl et Guérhard (French, 1781-circa 18...
Porcelain
Pair of French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Candlesticks with Guilloché Decoration
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Empire Period Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, France, early 19th century (circa 1805–1815). Each candlestick is formed with a tapering cylindrical shaft rising from a broad circula...
Bronze
French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Winged cupid with flowing robe, clock resting between wings and fabric, raised on bronze ormolu-mounted verde antico plinth. France, first half of the 19th century. Measures: H ...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Bracket Clock, Vienna, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Bracket clock in a walnut case with ebonized columns and base. The case is decorated with brass appliqués. The movement features a brass chapter ring with Roman numerals, Arabic sec...
Brass
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
$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
19th - 20th Century French Pair of Antique Empire Porcelain Cassoulettes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French pair of small Cassoulettes made hand crafted porcelain, in good condition. Each of the Parisian Athenians are composed with four gilded bronze maidens, particulariz...
Metal, Bronze
$1,600 / item
The Watchful Eagle: Iron Cast Eagle Head Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Cast Iron Eagle Head Sculpture This striking cast iron eagle head is a powerful sculptural object, modeled with bold naturalism and resting on an...
Iron
Isaac Pearson Reading PA Walnut Tall Clock with Rare Jacob Kunsman Case, C 1845
Located in Milford, NH
A splendid Empire walnut veneered tall clock with swan’s neck split pediment crest with bullseye rosettes and three wooden ball & spire finials surmounting an arched front glass ...
Metal
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
Brisbart In Paris - Empire Period Clock
Located in Beaune, FR
Early 19th century Empire period vase-shaped clock in gilded and patinated bronze. It rests on a square base decorated with a frieze representing chimeras. The vase rests on a golden...
Bronze
A fine Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A fine pair of gilt bronze candlesticks from France, dating to the Empire period, circa 1820. Each candlestick is richly decor...
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
$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
Box handpainted miniature on guilloche and musical movement by Reuge S.A. inside
By Salimbeni, Giorgio 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
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
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 19th c. French Empire Bronze Dore Nike Candelabra
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of nineteenth century French Empire style bronze dore three arm candelabra, each featuring a classical winged victory or Nike figure positioned atop a tiered, architectural pede...
Bronze
$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
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 Empire Style Bronze And Marble Mounted Tall Case Clock
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: 90.5 inches high x 26 inches wide x 16 inches deep. Exceptionally elegant antique French Empire style bronze and marble mounted tall case clock, a striking architectural...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
French Empire Gilt Bronze Figural Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Gilt Bronze Figural Clock, circa 1830, the white enamel dial and movement strike on bell surmounted by a standing classical figure resting on an amphora pouring water, ...
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century, French, Empire Bronze Dore Inkwell Signed
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th century) bronze dore rectangular inkwell on 4 clawed feet with relief (signed BARBEDIENNE).
Bronze
$14,850Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair French 19th Century Napoleon III Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Urn Table Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of French 19th century Napoleon III Empire style patinated-bronze and gilt-bronze mounted allegorical covered urn vases lamps in the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (Fr...
Bronze
French Sèvres Style Bronze-Mounted Cobalt Blue Hand Painted Porcelain Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A large French Sèvres style gilt bronze ormolu-mounted cobalt blue hand painted porcelain urn table lamp, first half of the 20th century. Bronze figurine handles, front side with han...
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
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
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
$4,423Sale Price|20% Off
Raingo Frères Louis XVI Style Table Clock in Alabaster & Gilded Bronze, 1800
Located in Milano, MI
French Louis XVI style table clock in alabaster and gilded bronze, made by Raingo Frères Paris in 1800 Measures: Ø cm 24 Ø cm 14 h cm 46.
Alabaster, Bronze
$9,500 / set
Black and Gold Carved Vase Statues - Set of 2
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand carved painted black and gold vase statues, the vase and base can be separated. Sits very tall at 7 feet but is very lightweight being made from wood. Likely originated in Franc...
Wood
Pair of French Napoleonic Tin Wall Mounted Candle Sconces Ca. 1820s
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of 19th century French Napoleonic tinned steel wall mounted candle sconces in the Empire style.
Tin
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
Elegant pair of Candlesticks i bronze. Empire, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Candlesticks i bronze with dark patinated column. French Empire during the 1820s. Wear consistent with age and use
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
A Pair of Empire Dore Bronze Four-Light Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Stunning Pair of Empire Dore Bronze Four Light Candelabra, Which Convert to Candlesticks. Each constructed with a circular base supporting a tall fluted shaft and detachable four...
Bronze
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Slate Mantel Clock by J.E. Caldwell
Located in Astoria, NY
French Gilt Bronze and Black Slate Mercury Compensated Mantel Clock, retailed by J.E. Caldwell & Co., Philadelphia, early 20th century, the arched case in the French Empire style...
Slate, Bronze
Danish Midcentury Birthday Table Flagpole with Dannebrog And Lion On The Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish birthday table flag, "Dannebrog", name of the Danish flag. It is placed on a green marble base, with a posed lion.
Marble, Silver Plate
Italian Yellow Tole Obelisk Urn With Paw Feet
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
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 Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s An elegant and architecturally striking pair of French Empire candlesticks executed in finely chiseled gilt bronze, dating to t...
Bronze
$680Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Metal
$1,800 / set
Pair of 19th Century Bronze Candelabras
Located in Skanninge, SE
A pair of European Mid-19th Century bronze-gilt candelabras. For two candles each. Very nice original condition.
Bronze
$785Sale Price|25% Off
Antique French Empire bronze and marble watch holder - 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Antique French Empire watch holder, early 19th century circa 1820. The watch holder allows conversion of an open faced pocket watch in to a desk cl...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Empire Inkwell in Mahogany and Walnut with Gilt Bronze Mounts, circa 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Inkwell in Mahogany and Ebonized Walnut with Gilt Bronze Mounts, circa 1820 A rare and finely crafted Empire inkwell, dating from around the 1820s. Made of richly grained ma...
Bronze
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 Girandoles, Candle sticks, Candelabras, bronze, ~ 1810 Empire, France
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning pair of so called Girandoles, made in France around 1810, in the famous Empire period. The stepped pedestals are beautifully designed with masks and garland décor. On each...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Empire Period Silver Candlesticks England circa 1820
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Empire period standard silver candlesticks from England circa 1820. Each stick has a squared tapered shaft decorated with still-leafed border as well as beaded bandi...
Silver
Early 19th Century Vase Pendule, Pendulum-Clock, Tardy à Lyon, Empire circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Antique vase clock France Fire gilded bronze Empire around 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: 41 x 13 x 12 Description: Beautiful all gilt French mantel clock. The basic form is in the shape of an urn vase with lid...
Bronze, Enamel
Pair Large French Empire 19th c. Paris Porcelain Urns or Vases in White & Gold
Located in Litchfield, CT
Large pair antique 19th century Paris porcelain campana urns with mask handles. Bright white porcelain with expert two tone burnished and matte gilding. Each measures 13" tall x 9" d...
Porcelain
French Empire Bronze Egyptian Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze inkwell with silver Egyptian motifs and sphinx top.
Bronze
Wonderful Pair Empire Neoclassical Dore Bronze Crystal Baccarat Candelabras
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Empire / Neoclassical Dore Bronze & Crystal Baccarat Style Candelabras
Crystal, Bronze