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Empire Nautical Objects

EMPIRE STYLE

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.

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Style: Empire
Carved coconut from early 19th century
By Europa Antiques
Located in BORDEAUX, FR
Very pretty, richly and finely carved coconut dating from the Empire period. With rotating decoration, it partly represents an admiral surrounded by two cupids holding the laurels of...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Nautical Objects

Materials

Coconut

Carved coconut from early 19th century
Carved coconut from early 19th century

Carved coconut from early 19th century

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Previously Available Items
Carved coconut from early 19th century
By Europa Antiques
Located in BORDEAUX, FR
Very pretty, richly and finely carved coconut dating from the Empire period. With rotating decoration, it partly represents an admiral surrounded by two cupids holding the laurels of...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Nautical Objects

Materials

Coconut

Carved coconut from early 19th century
Carved coconut from early 19th century

Carved coconut from early 19th century

H 5.12 in Dm 3.15 in
Pair of English Nautical Copper & Brass Ship Lanterns, Griffiths & Sons. C. 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of English nautical copper and brass port and starboard ship lanterns with polished steel carrying handles, vented tops, original Fresnel lenses, brass stamped badges, rear hand...
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1880s English Antique Empire Nautical Objects

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Pair of English Nautical Copper & Brass Ship Lanterns, Griffiths & Sons. C. 1880
Pair of English Nautical Copper & Brass Ship Lanterns, Griffiths & Sons. C. 1880

Pair of English Nautical Copper & Brass Ship Lanterns, Griffiths & Sons. C. 1880

H 23.5 in W 14.25 in D 13 in

Empire nautical objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire nautical objects for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.

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