Brussel 16th Century Pillow - 26" X 16"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Wool, Feathers
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.
Brussel 16th Century Pillow - 26" X 16"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Wool, Feathers
Pair Antique French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Classical Empire gilt and patinated bronze lamps depicting beautiful maidens in flowing Grecian garb, balancing fine gilt bronze candle holders on their heads and standing on dark gr...
Slate, Bronze
Late Empire Tall Cabinet of Dark Polished Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This late Empire tall cabinet, crafted from dark polished mahogany, is a stunning example of 19th-century craftsmanship. Dating back to 1840, it s...
Mahogany
French Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Three-Tired Chandelier, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire style crystal glass and brass three-tired chandelier, the 1930s. Charming and compact French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1930s. This lovely...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
19th Century burr birch empire revival console table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th Century burr birch empire revival console table circa 1880. Good quality Swedish burr birch side table, ideal for use in the hallway, but suitable for most rooms around the hom...
Birch
French Late 19th Century Barometer
By Selon Torricelli
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French late 19th century barometer.
Bronze
A Mid Twentieth Century Empire style parcel gilt bench by Baker Furniture Co.
Located in Winnetka, IL
A Mid- Twentieth Century Empire style walnut bench having gilt lions' heads handholds and paw feet by Baker Furniture Company. Original brass plaque on the underside states "made i...
Walnut
Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze and Patinated Bronze Victory Candelabras
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Large 19th Century Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Victory Sculptures Candelabras in the manner of Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) A large a...
Bronze
Vintage golden sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The mirror is in a good condition. 1960s - made in Belgium. Dimensions: Diameter: 43cm Ref.: 84654535 40-41
Resin
French Empire Walnut Pedestal Table with Round Marble Top and Tripod Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire period walnut table from the 19th century with circular marble top, pedestal and tripod base. Evoke the elegance of 19th-century France with this resplendent French E...
Marble
$48,950Sale Price|48% Off
Palatial French 19th Century Empire Style Giltwood Carved Eagles Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine and Palatial French 19th Century Empire Style Giltwood Carved Figural Center Table with Figures of Winged Eagles and Wreaths, the center medallion with a figure of a bull and and raised on lion paws over a sphere, fitted with a veined verde d'alps marble top (Marble top is recent and not the original - Gilding restored with 23.5 cart...
Marble
$2,822Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Empire Bed Maple Burl & Brass Ancient Grece Theme French 19th C
Located in Labrit, Landes
Antique Empire maple and brass bed. This bed, which has already survived almost two centuries, is in excellent condition: solid and sound, the inlaid illustrations are of exceptiona...
Brass
19th Century French Empire Antique Mahogany, Marble Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique French single chest of drawers made of hand crafted shellac polished Mahogany, veneered on Oakwood in good condition. The rectangular cupboard is composed with a grey-white marble top, the inside is consisting one shelf, enhanced by its original brass hardware and keys, standing on two wooden feet and two lion feet. The detailed carved cupboard represents the First French Empire time...
Marble, Metal, Brass
French 19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stately 19th century mahogany secretaire a abattant from France, circa 1810. This desk has an exceptional charcoal St. Anne marble top resting above a single drawer disguised into the apron. Just below the top drawer, the front of the desk folds forward to reveal a work area inset with vibrant red leather detailed with gold tooling. The leather is in great antique condition making this a comfortable place to work. When open, you can see the theatre is equipped with five drawers and a large, arched top cubby flanked with column forms. With the desk down the maximum depth is 32”; the writing surface is 28-½” above the floor. The desk front...
Marble, Brass
Vintage Tapestry With Birds 7X5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Wool, Cotton
Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Female Figures Vestals Candlesticks
By Claude Galle
Located in Berlin, DE
A beautiful French early 19th century Empire pair of ormolu and patinated bronze candlesticks with female figure decoration in the manner of Claude Galle: Each candlestick with a...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Porcelaine de Paris - Coffee cup and saucer 'Litron', early 19th century
Located in DELFT, NL
Elegant cup and saucer, of the model 'Litron' with elaborate gilt decoration of vine leafs Fair condition; Little hairline. Tiny fleebites to the rims and little loss of gold. Unma...
Porcelain
Mid 19th century Swedish birch empire stool
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century birch empire stool circa 1850. Scandinavian empire period stool made in birch. Shaped support handles which flow through to the 4 splayed legs. Original floral ta...
Tapestry, Birch
Atelier Musee Du Louvre after Pilon Germain, King Henri II Bust, 1850s, France
By Atelier de moulage du Louvre, Germain Pilon
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A French Grand Tour 19th century plaster, bust of French King Henri II made by Atelier de moulage du Louvre between 1854-1865 after Pilon Germain...
Plaster
19th Century French Empire Pair of Antique Gilded Bronze Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of dark patinated candle sticks made of hand crafted gilded bronze, in good condition. The detailed candle holders are particularized with flowers decoration, resting on a tripod foot. The Parisian décor...
Metal, Bronze
Elegant Pair of Empire-style Armchairs, Made in Denmark, circa 1900.
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant pair of Danish Empire-style armchairs, circa 1900. An elegant pair of armchairs crafted in the Danish Empire style, dating from around 1900. Constructed in beautifully figu...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Baker Furniture French Empire Cherry Wood and Parcel Ebonized Sideboard
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Empire or Neoclassical style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Carved cherry wood, with ebonized columns and feet, and orig...
Brass
Empire Miniature Urn in Gilt and Dark Patinated Bronze, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Miniature Urn in Gilt and Dark Patinated Bronze, 1820s A refined and beautifully proportioned miniature urn in finely chased gilt and dark patinated bronze, executed in the E...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Somno or Drum Table with Marble
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early nineteenth century French Empire period mahogany somno or drum table features a black marble top and a hinged curved door with bronze pull. Its cylindrical form and clean ...
Marble, Bronze
Antique Sevres Style Porcelain Hand-Painted & Gilt Mounted Urn Table Lamp
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The colorful antique hand-painted porcelain twin handled urn vase, circa 1850-1880, was later converted into a lamp and mounted onto custom round bronze and enamel metal base with ro...
Gold, Bronze
19th century hand carved oval center table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand carved mahogany center table circa 1880. Stunning quality center table from Scandinavia. Oval top which has been veneered in bookmark flame mahogany, fluted edge ...
Mahogany
Camille Le Tallec Gilded Porcelain Tureen Empire-Style Set
Located in Roma, IT
Camille Le Tallec Gilded Porcelain Tureen Empire-Style Set Spectacular set of ornately gilt service plates hand-painted by Le Tallec of France Important and magnificent Empire-styl...
Porcelain
Large Crystal Glass Ball on Empire Style Silver Plate Tripod Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large glass orb on an elegant Empire style silver plate footed tripod base. Orb measures 8 inches in diameter. *Please ignore reflections in glass (the glass is clear and in excell...
Silver Plate
Fine French Empire Carved and Giltwood Méridienne, Circa 1810–1820
Located in New York, NY
Fine French Empire Giltwood Méridienne, Circa 1810–1820 A fine and elegant French Empire giltwood méridienne dating from the early 19th century, executed in the pure neoclassical tas...
Wood, Giltwood
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
Empire Secretary in Mahogany Veneer, France, Circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Secretary in mahogany veneer with two-door bottom part as well as dark marble shelf and fire-gilded fittings. Behind the writing flap with brown leather there are more drawers and co...
Mahogany
Fine Antique Gilt Framed Three Panel Mantle Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine and large Gilt wood Mantle Mirror with Empire and Regency styling, designed with three divided rectangular mirror plates in a carved and gilt frame with a straight moulded ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Monumental French Empire Bureau Plat Desk Writing Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine antique French Empire ormolu mounted mahogany bureau plat, circa 1870 in date. The rectangular top has an inset gold-tooled green leather writing surface with a very...
Ormolu
$1,920 / item
1880 Antique French Needlepoint Pillow - 19 X 18
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1880 antique French needlepoint pillow. 19 X 18, tribal and traditional, handmade and authentic.
Wool
Transforming Table by Martin-Guillaume Biennais, Consulat Period, France circa 1
Located in New York, NY
Transformation table, on high square pointed legs with brass sabots and curved table top including intermediate shelf with gilded gallery rail. The middle part of the table top can b...
Brass
Pair of Swedish Empire Stools, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined pair of early 19th-century Swedish Empire stools, distinguished by their dark painted finish and crisply carved neoclassical details. The square upholstered seats rest abov...
Pine
Circa 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Wool, Cotton
1940s Carved Gilt Wood Swan Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, carved wood swan club chairs on castors set you could hope to find. In the style of George S...
Upholstery, Wood
French Empire Style Cast Brass Dual Arm Wall Sconces, pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of French Empire Style casted brass wall sconces, each sconce features 2 arms each powered by 25w E12 chandelier bulb. These classic-styled scones work well in Victorian-styled ...
Brass
French 19th-Century Gilt-Bronze Figural Candles Stone Material, Gilt Paint, 1920
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This antique figural candlestick holder is crafted in gilt bronze (ormolu) and is attributed to French production of the 19th century. The piece features a finely detailed sculptural...
Stone
Swedish Empire Karl Johan Wood Sofa 19th Century Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Empire Karl Johan style sofa dating c. 1830
Upholstery, Wood, Birch
$2,447Sale Price|58% Off
Italian Empire Style Elegant Writing Desk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Introducing this elegant Italian desk dating back to the 20th century. An extremely refined desk, inspired by the Empire style. Featuring a linear design with black ebonized column ...
Bronze
Round Empire Style Gold Mirror by Randy Esada Designs, 2010s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Round Empire style gold mirror by Randy Esada Designs. Beautiful gold gilding and beveled mirror. Additional information: Materials: Giltwood, Gold, Mirror Color: Gold Brand: ...
Giltwood
$10,326Sale Price / set|35% Off
Large Set of 25 Antique Baccarat Tumbler glasses from Sainte Anne, Voneche 1810.
By Voneche
Located in Trieste, IT
Important 33 piece set of 1st Empire Cut-Glass Tumbler glasses from Sainte Anne crystal factory in Voneche, 1810 circa. Similar pieces are in fundus of the Louvre collection. "Gobele...
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
Late Empire Cylinder Burl Walnut Pedestal Cabinet.
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant oval late empire pedestal cabinet in beautiful walnut veneered oak. Door veneered with mirror-cut walnut, behind which there are removable shelves. Very fine quality Made in ...
Oak, Walnut, Burl
$8,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
a Pair of Newly Upholstered French Empire Armchairs One Stamped J. Louis
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A classic pair of French Empire period open armchairs in well figured and carved mahogany; each with a square back topped by a bow shaped carved frieze featuring folliate rosettes and downscrolled arms. Where the arms join the chair rail there are carved anthemians and palmettes. These two chairs are presented in the green Empire fabric...
Mahogany
Antique Ansonia Black Mantel Clock with Bronze Coated Columns and Claw Feet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Ansonia Empire Black Enameled Metal Mantel Clock with Bronze Coated Cast Iron Columns, Beveled Glass Door, Scrolling Detail, and Claw Feet. Circa Late 19th Century. Measureme...
Metal, Iron
$28,243Sale Price / set|65% Off
Napoleon Empire 1809 Historic Palais Beauharnais Curtains Paris France 1809
By Josephine de Beauharnais
Located in La xara, VC
Dear collector, please find this unique and exceptional piece of French History .Napoleon Bonaparte private pair of curtain from the most exclusive Palais in France from Beauharnais. This curtain was made for the Palais and go after Restauration of the Palais to another Private collection around Paris .Please don't hesitate for any request! Unique opportunity to get this exceptional private life of The Napoleon Emperor bedroom curtain! he Palais Beauharnais was a palace located in Paris, France, that was built in the 18th century for the Beauharnais family. The palace was purchased by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1809 for use as a residence for his stepson, Eugene de Beauharnais...
Textile
Villa Garnelo French Empire Style Crotch Mahogany 4 Drawer Commode Dresser Chest
By Villa Garnelo Internacional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Villa Garnelo French Empire Style Crotch Mahogany 4 Drawer Commode Dresser Chest. Ite...
Mahogany
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Winged Victory Candelabra Lamp
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late 19thC French Empire style candelabra converted into a lamp and featuring a finely chased patinated bronze statue of Nike or Winged Victory holding aloft five gilt bronze ca...
Marble, Bronze
Exceptional Russian Silver Goblet with Cloisonné Enamel
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Exceptional Russian Silver Goblet with Cloisonné Enamel – 1848 Exceptional Russian silver goblet (Goblet), crafted in solid silver and fine ename...
Silver, Enamel
$960Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Empire Curule Stool, Beech Wood, Upholstered Seat, France
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An extremely elegant 19th-century Empire-style curule stool standing on veneered, curved X legs linked by a turned baluster-shaped stretcher and terminating in lion's paws. The padde...
Beech
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Cornucopia Arm Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Cornucopia Arm Sofa. Item features carved paw feet with leafy cornucopia carvings, carved top rail, great antique sofa. Cir...
Mahogany
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
Russian or Swedish Empire Crystal, Turquoise Glass and Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare late 18th century Russian or possible Prussian neo-classical chandelier, having twelve arms around a central gilded bronze corona pierced with round cut crystals; the corona s...
Crystal
Empire Chest of Drawers With Four Drawers Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This exquisite Empire chest of drawers boasts a timeless design and is crafted from rich mahogany, reflecting the elegance of the 1840s. With its stately presence and intricate deta...
Mahogany
French Empire Bronze Mount of an Eagle Subduing a Serpent, Desmalter / Thomire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire Bronze Mount of an Eagle Subduing a Serpent, circa 1800–1820 School or Workshop Jacob-Desmalter/Thomire A finely cast French Empire bronze mount depicting Napoleon’s ...
Ormolu
19th Century Antique Rustic Swedish Original Painted Empire Table Mirror
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique Empire rustic vanity mirror / table mirror. The Mirror has original paint in colorful color. This orginal painted mirror ha...
Pine
19th Century Empire Cabinet/ Vitrine With Mystical Figures , DE ca. 1850
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable, rare empire nutwood display cabinet/ vitrine from the mid 19th century in North Germany - the so-called "second empire" period. As part of the inventory of a stately mans...
Brass, Gold Leaf
1930s White Opaline Huge Murano Flowers Drops Green Beads Empire Chandelier
Located in Firenze, Toscana
ONE OF A KIND!! Housing 4 lights, will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the Unites States and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. One of a kind...
Crystal
Antique French Playing Card Box, Rosewood & Brass Inlays, Circa 1860
Located in Münster, DE
Large casket, rosewood solid and veneered, France circa 1860/70, brass handle embedded in the lid, brass inlays, nice division inside (originally for tokens and cards), restored cond...
Brass