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Empire Folk Art

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
Elegant Damascus Jewelry Box - Rectangular, Inlay Marquetry with Red Velvet
Elegant Damascus Jewelry Box - Rectangular, Inlay Marquetry with Red Velvet

Elegant Damascus Jewelry Box - Rectangular, Inlay Marquetry with Red Velvet

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Discover the beauty of this elegant Damascus jewelry box, featuring intricate marquetry and a luxurious red velvet interior. This rectangular, flat box is ideal for storing jewelry, ...

Category

20th Century French Empire Folk Art

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of French Empire Bronze Bird Tie Backs
Pair of French Empire Bronze Bird Tie Backs

Pair of French Empire Bronze Bird Tie Backs

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of French Empire style bronze bird designed drapery tie backs (19/20th Cent)

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Divination Orb, France 19th Century
Divination Orb, France 19th Century

Divination Orb, France 19th Century

Located in PARIS, FR

Superb divination orb, 19th century France. Crystal ball, glass decorations and bronze frame. Good condition, minor damage to crystal and glass parts. Dimensions in cm ( H x D ) : ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Romantic Night Landscape with Ruins and Moonlight, 19th-Century Italian School
Romantic Night Landscape with Ruins and Moonlight, 19th-Century Italian School

Romantic Night Landscape with Ruins and Moonlight, 19th-Century Italian School

Located in Vicenza, IT

A striking oil painting on canvas depicting a romantic moonlit landscape, attributed to the Italian school of the first half of the 19th century. The scene is set around a body of wa...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Other

Large Athénienne, Iron with Black Patina, Empire Style, Germany
Large Athénienne, Iron with Black Patina, Empire Style, Germany

Large Athénienne, Iron with Black Patina, Empire Style, Germany

Located in Greding, DE

Large Athénienne crafted from iron with a black patina, supported by three legs terminating in winged lion heads. Resting atop is a basin with gadrooned sides, a domed lid, and three...

Category

19th Century German Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark
Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark

Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark

By Wiggers

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Large Danish Pewter beaker or cup for wine or beer, Denmark Circa 1790-1810 The cup is marked with a large W on the base.

Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Pewter

French 19th Century Empire Eagle Sculpture, Carved Oak and Marble Base
French 19th Century Empire Eagle Sculpture, Carved Oak and Marble Base

French 19th Century Empire Eagle Sculpture, Carved Oak and Marble Base

Located in Queens, NY

French (19th Cent Napoleonic Era) folk art carved oak life size figure of an eagle with out stretched wings perched on a round globe with a marble base.     

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Marble

Pair of Large French Planters
Pair of Large French Planters

Pair of Large French Planters

$1,520Sale Price|20% Off

Pair of Large French Planters

By Rouen

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Pair of large French planters. Origin France, circa 1900. Attributed roun. Excellent condition. Material: porcelain. No restorations In 1644, Nico...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

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20th Century Sunflower Black Wrought Oversized Iron Hand Forged Andirons
20th Century Sunflower Black Wrought Oversized Iron Hand Forged Andirons

20th Century Sunflower Black Wrought Oversized Iron Hand Forged Andirons

Located in Essex, MA

20th century wrought iron hand forged black sunflower andirons with scrolled legs and hitching post loop in the middle these spectacular andirons measure. Tall. Lovely large size.

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Mid-20th Century American Empire Folk Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Mortar and Pestle
19th Century Mortar and Pestle

19th Century Mortar and Pestle

$600

H 6.5 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in

19th Century Mortar and Pestle

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

19th century fruitwood mortar and pestle. Remnants of oxblood red and silver blue banded paint. Original pestle included. Origin: Eastern, United States Period: First half of the 19...

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Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Folk Art

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Fruitwood

Decorative Wood Carved Tramp Art Keepsake Box or Sailors Valentine with Heart
Decorative Wood Carved Tramp Art Keepsake Box or Sailors Valentine with Heart

Decorative Wood Carved Tramp Art Keepsake Box or Sailors Valentine with Heart

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A superb Folk Art sailors valentine Tramp Art keepsake box. Wide in form, this beautiful Primitive wood carved box features the letters S and M with a heart between on both sides. Tw...

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19th Century English Antique Empire Folk Art

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Metal

Miniature Ancient Cypriot Geometric Jug with Red and Black Slip
Miniature Ancient Cypriot Geometric Jug with Red and Black Slip

Miniature Ancient Cypriot Geometric Jug with Red and Black Slip

Located in London, GB

A striking bichrome ware juglet with a geometric design and concentric circles in black and red slip, iconic of the early Bronze Age pottery production on the Mediterranean island of...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Cypriot Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

Fine Chinese Antique Rosewood Box with Brass Mounts – Qing Dynasty décor
Fine Chinese Antique Rosewood Box with Brass Mounts – Qing Dynasty décor

Fine Chinese Antique Rosewood Box with Brass Mounts – Qing Dynasty décor

Located in London, GB

Fine Chinese Antique Rosewood Box with Brass Mounts – Qing Dynasty Style A beautifully crafted Chinese antique rosewood box, richly mounted with engraved brass fittings in traditional Qing dynasty style. The dark, dense rosewood contrasts elegantly with the finely detailed brass corner plates, cloud-form panels, Buddhist motives and ornate turtle central latch. This high-quality scholar’s or jewellery box features hand-engraved decoration throughout, including geometric fret motifs and stylised foliate designs characteristic of late Qing decorative metalwork. The box retains its original lock plate with turtle (key not present). A decorative and functional piece ideal for collectors of Chinese antiques, scholar’s objects, and classical Asian furniture. Keywords: Chinese rosewood box...

Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Bronze Magnifying Glass
Bronze Magnifying Glass

Bronze Magnifying Glass

$395

H 1.25 in W 4 in D 10 in

Bronze Magnifying Glass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This early bronze hand crafted magnifying glass in fine as found condition.Works great !

Category

1920s American Vintage Empire Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Ancient Cypriot Red Ware Amphora Juglet with Geometric Decoration
Ancient Cypriot Red Ware Amphora Juglet with Geometric Decoration

Ancient Cypriot Red Ware Amphora Juglet with Geometric Decoration

Located in London, GB

A charming ancient Cypriot juglet, of the beloved amphora-type, covered in a vibrant red-brown slip with bands of concentric circle decoration in black pigment. Almost iconic of Iron...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Cypriot Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

19th Century Coffee Grinder
19th Century Coffee Grinder

19th Century Coffee Grinder

$975

H 11 in W 5 in D 6.125 in

19th Century Coffee Grinder

Located in Louisville, KY

This well-preserved piece of American Coffee history is a site to behold. With it's ornately decorated iron grinder sitting atop an oak base joined with beautiful small dovetail jo...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Miniature I.O.O.F. Coffin Lodge Box
Antique Miniature I.O.O.F. Coffin Lodge Box

Antique Miniature I.O.O.F. Coffin Lodge Box

Located in Dekalb, IL

Small coffin-form wooden presentation box with a hinged flip-top lid, finished in worn black paint over a simple plank-built body. The tapered silhouette closely follows the shape of...

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Early 20th Century American Empire Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Roman Bronze Hand Mirror with Beautiful Patina, circa 1st Century
Roman Bronze Hand Mirror with Beautiful Patina, circa 1st Century

Roman Bronze Hand Mirror with Beautiful Patina, circa 1st Century

Located in Austin, TX

A simple and elegant Roman bronze hand mirror, late Republic Period, circa 1st century, Italy. The bronze mirror of simple form. The round face with a pierced border design. The openwork handle...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Folk Art

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19th Century Brass Locomotive Bell
19th Century Brass Locomotive Bell

19th Century Brass Locomotive Bell

$6,325

H 24 in W 24 in D 15 in

19th Century Brass Locomotive Bell

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Brass locomotive bell complete with original cast iron yoke and cast iron mounting base to go on the engine. 24"H x 24" x 15". These bells were first i...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Brass, Iron

Previously Available Items
Antique 20th-Century Large Lamp Base and Lampshade with Decoration - 2Y181
Antique 20th-Century Large Lamp Base and Lampshade with Decoration - 2Y181

Antique 20th-Century Large Lamp Base and Lampshade with Decoration - 2Y181

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This exquisite lamp, from the mid-20th century, is a striking piece that combines a richly detailed ceramic base with a beautifully crafted lampshade. Adorned with a floral and manda...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Practical Manual of Oil Painting by Marine Ernest Hareux - Illustrated - 2Y99
Practical Manual of Oil Painting by Marine Ernest Hareux - Illustrated - 2Y99

Practical Manual of Oil Painting by Marine Ernest Hareux - Illustrated - 2Y99

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This manual by Marine Ernest Hareux offers comprehensive guidance on oil painting techniques, enriched with illustrations. It provides valuable insights for artists interested in mas...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Vintage Dinky Toys Vespa 2 CV 24L Car - Made in France - 2Y22
Vintage Dinky Toys Vespa 2 CV 24L Car - Made in France - 2Y22

Vintage Dinky Toys Vespa 2 CV 24L Car - Made in France - 2Y22

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Add a touch of classic charm to your collection with this vintage Dinky Toys Vespa 2 CV 24L car. Made in France, this collectible toy car reflects...

Category

20th Century French Empire Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Reproduction of "Aquarelle de Didier Boulais – Le Port de La Rochelle" - 2Y65
Reproduction of "Aquarelle de Didier Boulais – Le Port de La Rochelle" - 2Y65

Reproduction of "Aquarelle de Didier Boulais – Le Port de La Rochelle" - 2Y65

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This beautiful reproduction of an original watercolor by Didier Boulais captures the serene and picturesque view of the Port of La Rochelle. Signed by the artist, this piece exudes t...

Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Vintage Pink Electronic Alarm Clock Radio - Prestige Model No. 736 FM/AM, 2Y117
Vintage Pink Electronic Alarm Clock Radio - Prestige Model No. 736 FM/AM, 2Y117

Vintage Pink Electronic Alarm Clock Radio - Prestige Model No. 736 FM/AM, 2Y117

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Add a touch of retro charm to your space with this vintage pink electronic alarm clock radio by Prestige, model No. 736. Designed for both style and functionality, this elegant piece...

Category

20th Century French Empire Folk Art

Materials

Plastic

Antique Copper Cauldron - "Poitiers" Engraved, Decorative Piece - 2Y14
Antique Copper Cauldron - "Poitiers" Engraved, Decorative Piece - 2Y14

Antique Copper Cauldron - "Poitiers" Engraved, Decorative Piece - 2Y14

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This antique copper cauldron, engraved with "Poitiers," is a stunning decorative piece that adds a touch of vintage charm to any setting. Its classic design and fine craftsmanship ma...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Vintage 20th Century Floral Hand Painted Decorated Serving Platter - 2Y241
Vintage 20th Century Floral Hand Painted Decorated Serving Platter - 2Y241

Vintage 20th Century Floral Hand Painted Decorated Serving Platter - 2Y241

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This charming vintage 20th-century serving platter features a beautiful floral design, making it an elegant addition to any dining setting. The platter is made of ceramic and is fini...

Category

20th Century French Empire Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage 20th Century Book "Céleste Prudhomat" by Gustave Guiches - Paris - 2Y240
Vintage 20th Century Book "Céleste Prudhomat" by Gustave Guiches - Paris - 2Y240

Vintage 20th Century Book "Céleste Prudhomat" by Gustave Guiches - Paris - 2Y240

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This vintage 20th-century book, titled "Céleste Prudhomat" by Gustave Guiches, is part of the Paris Modern-Bibliothèque collection, published by Arthème Fayard. The book is in good c...

Category

20th Century French Empire Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Vintage 20th Century Book "L'Inconnu" by Paul Hervieu - Paris - 2Y239
Vintage 20th Century Book "L'Inconnu" by Paul Hervieu - Paris - 2Y239

Vintage 20th Century Book "L'Inconnu" by Paul Hervieu - Paris - 2Y239

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This vintage 20th-century book, titled "L'Inconnu" by Paul Hervieu, is part of the Paris Modern-Bibliothèque collection. The book is in good condition, with some signs of wear consis...

Category

20th Century French Empire Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Vintage 1915 Book "L'Évangéliste" - Paris Modern-Bibliothèque - 2Y238
Vintage 1915 Book "L'Évangéliste" - Paris Modern-Bibliothèque - 2Y238

Vintage 1915 Book "L'Évangéliste" - Paris Modern-Bibliothèque - 2Y238

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This is a vintage 1915 edition of "L'Évangéliste," published by Arthème Fayard in the Paris Modern-Bibliothèque collection. The book is in good condition for its age, with some signs...

Category

1910s French Vintage Empire Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Antique 20th Century Book by Paul Bourget "André Cornélis" - Paris - 2Y237
Antique 20th Century Book by Paul Bourget "André Cornélis" - Paris - 2Y237

Antique 20th Century Book by Paul Bourget "André Cornélis" - Paris - 2Y237

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Condition: Fair Comments: The book is in good condition. Please see the photos for more details. Author: Paul Bourget Title: "André Cornélis" Publisher: Arthème Fayard, Paris Modern-...

Category

20th Century French Empire Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Empire folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire folk art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, canvas and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include and Wiggers. 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. Prices for folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $316 and tops out at $12,500 while the average work can sell for $3,575.