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
Empire Folk Art
10 Results
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.
to
3
6
3
10
2,282
1,034
763
359
287
247
230
104
98
96
57
34
30
17
15
10
7
1
7
2
1
1
5
5
2
2
2
9
6
2
1
1
10
10
10
1
Style: Empire
19th Century Swedish antique Folk Art Country primitive desk with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
A charming country-style desk from Umeå, Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. The table is in Folk Art Empire style. The desk features its untouched original paintwork and a rustic tablet...
Category
1840s Swedish Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Elegant Damascus Jewelry Box - Rectangular, Inlay Marquetry with Red Velvet
$206Sale Price|68% Off
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
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
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
19th Century Eagle Painted Cast Iron Nut Cracker
Located in Stamford, CT
American 19th century eagle nut cracker. Cast iron with original painted finish.
Category
1880s American Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark
$316Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
Printing Block Wallpaper Complete Repeat Empire Acanthus Leaf Roundel
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare woodblock with complete repeat. Of interest to wallpaper collectors or as a conversation piece in the home as a decorative carved wallhanging. A rare, large 19th Century French wallpaper...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Oak
Related Items
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...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Fruitwood
Antique Painted Folk Art Farmhouse Bridal Chest
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Beautiful painted bridal chest from Germany, specifically from the Swabian Alps. The chest is painted in a grayish-blue color and features floral decorations on the front panel. This...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Pine, Paint
19th Century English Sword Cane
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
English sword cane with a fine toledo blade that measures approximately 27 1/2". Triangular blade marked "Toledo" on the ricasso and is beautifully decorated with etched and fire blued panels which also exhibit areas of gold wash. The decorations travel for about half the length of the blade. The cane measures approximately 35 1/2" and features a nice scalloped and flowered decoration with brass ferrule. Good condition. Blade remains bright and locks into scabbard properly. Nice patina to handle. PERIOD: Late 19th Century ORIGIN: English SIZE: 35 1/2" x 5" Check out our large selection of 19th and 20th Century canes including sword canes and gun canes...
Category
19th Century English Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinese Painted Autumn Harvest Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A celebration of autumn, this antique Chinese storage cabinet from the early 19th century is hand-painted from head to toe with motifs for the changing seasons. Painted at the bottom...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Pine
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
Alpine Blue Painted Folk Art Chairs 19th Century
Located in Hastings, GB
A rare and beautifully preserved examples of late 19th-century Alpine folk art chairs, most likely originating from the Tyrol or southern Bavaria regions. This pair retains a str...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Pine
19th Century Original Blue Painted Small Oval Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century blue painted small oval table with original decoration of a New England scene in the center of the tabletop. This table has fantastic gilded stencil around the edge of t...
Category
20th Century American Empire Folk Art
Materials
Pine
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
Cypriot Bichrome Painted Jug with Red Banding and Concentric Circles
$4,800
H 6.38 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in L 6.38 in
Cypriot Bichrome Painted Jug with Red Banding and Concentric Circles
Located in London, GB
A particularly well-preserved and remarkably well-provenanced bichrome ware jug with a geometric design, comprising red banding and concentric circles in black slip. The striking pat...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Cypriot Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Ancient Cypriot Red on Black Juglet with Painted Decoration
Located in London, GB
A charming terracotta jug with a striking umber surface and orange painted serpentine decoration, characteristic of so-called Red on Black ceramic production on the Mediterranean isl...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Cypriot Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Ancient Cypriot Red Perfume Flask with Painted Black Fish Decoration
$1,300
H 3.78 in W 2.29 in D 1.86 in
Ancient Cypriot Red Perfume Flask with Painted Black Fish Decoration
Located in London, GB
A charming terracotta flask with a vibrant orange-red burnished surface and black-painted geometric decoration, characteristic of pottery production in Cyprus during the Cypro-Archai...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Cypriot Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Antique Chinese Multi-Lobed Opium Box in Silver, Decorated with Reliefs with Ide
$1,374
H 3.15 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Antique Chinese Multi-Lobed Opium Box in Silver, Decorated with Reliefs with Ide
Located in Leuven , BE
Beautiful opium box decorated with reliefs with ideograms (one of the two refers to wealth), a chrysanthemum (symbol of longevity) and foliage. This silver m...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Silver
Previously Available Items
Antique Vintage Clay Pitcher "Scheurich" W. Germany, Numbered 404-16 - 2Y127
Sold
H 10.44 in Dm 4.73 in L 10.44 in
Antique Vintage Clay Pitcher "Scheurich" W. Germany, Numbered 404-16 - 2Y127
Located in Bordeaux, FR
I am offering this charming antique clay pitcher by "Scheurich," a renowned German pottery manufacturer, numbered 404-16. Originating from West G...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Clay
Antique 20th-Century Large Lamp Base and Lampshade with Decoration - 2Y181
Sold
H 36.23 in Dm 18.12 in L 36.23 in
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
Sold
H 8.67 in W 5.52 in D 0.2 in L 8.67 in
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
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
Sold
H 12.6 in W 10.24 in D 0.4 in L 12.6 in
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
Sold
H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 5.12 in
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
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
Sold
H 1.58 in W 14.18 in D 11.42 in L 1.58 in
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
Sold
H 9.45 in W 6.7 in D 0.4 in L 9.45 in
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
Sold
H 9.45 in W 6.7 in D 0.4 in L 9.45 in
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
Sold
H 9.45 in W 6.7 in D 0.4 in L 9.45 in
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
Sold
H 9.45 in W 6.7 in D 0.4 in L 9.45 in
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.
More Ways To Browse
Horse Shoe Art
Mechanical Coin Bank
38 Star American Flag
45 Star Flag
Antique 38 Star American Flag
Antique Cigar Indian
Mola Textile
Northwest Carving
Pre Columbian Mask
Salish Art
Signed Decoy
Straw Work Prisoner Of War
Used Sulky
Vintage Goose Decoy
Vintage Inuit Soapstone Carvings
Vintage Shorebird
William Howard Taft
Wood American Flag