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.
19th Century Pair of French Reverse Painted Profile Silhouettes Art
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This charming set features framed silhouettes of a young woman and young man from the 19th Century on reversed glass. Wonderful addition to add to an existing collection on a wall or...
Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Paper
19th Century Italian Painted Wood Empire Folding Screen in Gilt Bronze Frame
Located in Firenze, IT
This one-of-a-kind antique Italian Empire Period folding screen is a masterpiece of early 19th-century craftsmanship, dating most likely from 1801 during the Republic of Lucca. Pain...
Bronze, Ormolu
18th Century Antique Gilded Pinewood Wall Mirror with Flower Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique rectangular mirror inscribed in a Pinewwood frame, gilded, the pediment formed by an openwork flower basket spilling sinuous gar...
Mirror, Giltwood, Pine
Period Italian Giltwood Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame. Early 19th century. Internal measurements cm 30 x 50.5 It can be used either as small mirror or as frame either vertically or horiz...
Wood
Napoleon Bonaparte Oil Painting, Gilded Frame, Circa 1920-1930
By Chapin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage French oil on canvas painting of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor in a hand carved original gilded wooden frame, painted by S. Chapin in good condition. The wall décor art pie...
Canvas, Giltwood
$540Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Small Reverse Painted Glass Portraits of Nobility in Burl Wood Frames
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
European Hinter Glass Painted Portraits of Nobility in Burl Wood Frames. These small charming burl wood framed portraits of Wolfe and Lafayette could be English or French. They are ...
Glass, Burl
Period Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame. Early 19th Century Internal measurements cm 13 x 10 Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certifica...
Wood
Period Giltwood Large Italian Empire Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame. Early 19th century. Internal measurements cm 37.5 x 45.5. Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certific...
Wood
Period Century Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame with two rows of carving Early 19th century Internal measurements cm 58.5 x 47 Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompan...
Wood
Wall Decoration 'En Grisaille' by Dufour, Paris, France, 19th Century
Located in Rome, IT
A fPapiers peints 'En Grisaille' from the psyche´ series manufactured by Dufour, Paris, after designs by Merry-Joseph Blondel and Louis Lafitte. -'Psyche´ about to stab the sleeping ...
Paper
French Empire Yellow Tole Lavabo
Located in Essex, MA
With a removable cover with gallery and finial, tapered body with spigot lacking handle, all above the rectangular basin.
Tin
Louis Vuitton Large LV Suitcase Artwork Print in Gilt Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage wooden Gold Leaf frame. The artwork features iconic Louis Vuitton words and letters artistically arranged. Similar piece ca...
Wood, Paint, Paper, Giltwood
Louis Vuitton Eiffel Tower Trunks Monogram Art Print in Gold Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage European gold leaf frame. Artwork features the iconic Louis Vuitton suitcases artistically formed in the shape of the Eiffe...
Wood, Giltwood, Paper
Louis Vuitton Trunks Suitcases Monogram Art Print Framed
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage wooden black painted frame. The artwork features the iconic Louis Vuitton suitcases artistically stacked. Similar piece can...
Wood, Paint, Paper
Louis Vuitton Trunks Suitcases Monogram Art Print Framed
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage wooden Gold Leaf frame. The artwork features the iconic Louis Vuitton suitcases artistically stacked. Similar piece can be ...
Wood, Paper, Paint
Antique French Barometer with Gilded Frame, Lyre Crest, Circa 1790
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rare antique finely worked French barometer with lyre shaped crest thermometer above a large hexagonal framed barometer. The Parisian décor piece is m...
Giltwood
French Empire Period Pastel and Gouache Painting, circa 1810 in Giltwood Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire period floral pastel and gouache painting from the early 19th century, in giltwood frame. This French painting features an exquisite depiction of a bouquet of flowers set inside a metal vase, adorned in its upper section with what could be waterleaves. It is the exuberant bouquet that attracts all of our attention, with its variety of flowers and abundance of colors. The pastel technique...
Giltwood, Paint
Antique French Giltwood Barometer Thermometer, Circa 1815
Located in Dallas, TX
Although constructed circa 1815 as a scientific instrument, this French giltwood barometer is a beauty to behold. Our exquisite barometer has a unique composition, featuring an elong...
Glass, Wood, Giltwood
Antique Gilded Pinewood Wall Mirror, Late 18th Century, France, 63.75"
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique rectangular mirror inscribed in a Pinewood, gilded frame adorned with water leaves and pearl friezes, in good condition. The mirror is consisting its original mirror glass...
Mirror, Giltwood
Early 19th Century French Empire Painted Gaming Room Canvas Signed L. David
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a game room, library, club room, or large den wall with this monumental antique French hand-painted canvas, signed L. David and titled “Le Cercle de Jeux.” Created in France...
Canvas
French 1st Empire Period Dore Bronze Grouping of Lovers, Att. Thomire A Paris
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptional Antique French 1st Empire Period Dore Bronze Grouping of Lovers, Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire a Paris. Exceptionally cast, hand-chiseled and further burnished and matted with two-tone gold, this dore bronze grouping of two neoclassical lovers is of the upmost quality and craftsmanship. As Pierre-Philippe Thomire is regarded as one of the greatest bronzier's of the late 18th century and early 19th century, this dore bronze piece could only be made by someone with his artistic talents. The lovers are seen with the man seated on a cushioned bench with tasseled...
Bronze
Large Pair of Sevres Style Napoleonic Painted Porcelain Chargers
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in London, GB
A large pair of Sevres style Napoleonic painted porcelain chargers French, 19th century Measures: 2cm high x 45cm in diameter, frames 51cm diameter Excellently painted and finely crafted, these unusually grand Sevres style painted porcelain chargers are adorned with scenes of French military victories. The first charger, marked 'Bataille de Wagram, 7 Juillet 1809' is after a painting by Horace Vernet of Napoleon at the Battle of Wagram, a decisive yet costly victory for the French allied forced over the Austrian army, and the second, after a painting by Francois Bouchot, depicts the Battle of Zurich (the charger is marked 'Bataille de Zurich 25 Septembre 1799') an earlier battle in which the Republican French army led by André Masséna triumphed over an Austrian and Russian force in Switzerland in 1799. The works are each clasped with a gilt tooled border, and larger pink rose pompadour...
Ormolu
Set of Antique Glazed Ceramic Tiles Depicting Napoleon
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Eight 6-inch antique glazed ceramic tiles depicting Napoleon, 18th century French Emperor and military figure. Likely the central part of what was once a larger panel, these tiles are hand-painted in vibrant colours and detail, illustrating an adaption of Napoleon and his armies during the French Revolution. The frontmost figure depicts the famed Napoleon Bonaparte, wearing his signature side to side bicorne hat, leading a procession of horses and an army of French foot soldiers. Dating from the late 19th / early 20th century, it is a stunning antique tile panel...
Ceramic
$983Sale Price|25% Off
Wallpaper "Zeus Fed by the Goat Amalthée", Empire Period
Located in Paris, FR
Empire period wallpaper with mythological subject representing Zeus fed by the goat Amalthée. The wallpaper is divided into four strips and is laminated on a composite wood panel and...
Wood, Paper
$13,652 / set
H 77.96 in W 27.96 in D 3.55 in
19th Century Empire Wall Mirrors with Giltwood Frame, Europe
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of pillar mirrors in gold-patinated and stuccoed frame with profiled molding. The mirror panes are divided in the upper third. Patination is rubbe...
Giltwood
$1,200 / set
H 10 in W 72.5 in D 0.5 in
Pair of 19th Century French Hand Painted Wooden Trompe L'Oeil Wall Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
Dress a wall or interior niche with this elegant pair of antique hand-painted panels. Crafted in France circa 1860, each wooden panel is framed in a molded gilt border and rendered i...
Wood
$2,400
H 8.5 in W 6.25 in D 0.5 in
David Bautz 'Dutch' Oil Portrait of a Young Mother and Child, circa 1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century Dutch oil portrait of a young mother and child by David Bautz (Dutch, 1884-1955). A fine oil portrait, circa 1920s. A young mother breast feeding...
Walnut
Empire Frame, Italy, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Wood stuccoed and gilded. Rectangular frame with cymatium frieze and pearl strip, alternating shell and dolphin decorations in relief.
Wood
$3,500 / set
H 71 in W 28.25 in D 1 in
Pair of Late 19th Century Painted Decorative Italian Wall Panels
Located in Round Top, TX
A very lovely pair of late 19th century painted decorative wall panels, Italian circa 1900. Charming romantic scenes painted on dense paper. These panels will be a delightful ornam...
Paper
$17,000 / set
H 29 in W 15 in D 2 in
Mirrored Wall Sconces Swedish Gustavian 18th Century Signed Gilded Sweden, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of mirrored wall sconces made during the early part of the Gustavian period 1775-1790. Made and signed by frame maker Johan Martin ...
Wood
$4,667
H 16.93 in W 30.32 in D 1.58 in
1920s Framed Painting of Spanish Architecture, Granada, Signed M. Rioja
Located in Marbella, ES
1920s Framed painting of Spanish Architecture, Granada, Signed M. Rioja.
Canvas, Wood
Five-Paneled French Gilt Folding Screen
Located in Redding, CT
Five-paneled French gilt folding screen. Perfect for privacy or for covering up an area. Gorgeous carved wooden gilt design with caning and hand pa...
Cane, Wood
$466Sale Price|20% Off
H 12 in W 44.5 in D 5 in
Gilt Wooden Frame Frieze, Aubusson Style, Early 19th Century, Italy
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant antique gilt wooden frame frieze. Perfect, it can be placed anywhere: on a mirror, on an internal door, on the frame of a particular painting. ref. nr. O/2548.
Fruitwood
Antique French folding screen painted in the Romantic style
Located in London, GB
Decorated with figures of winged cherubs amongst vases of flowers and other similar subjects, the reverse painted with landscape scenes. This beautiful antique French folding screen...
Wood
18th Century Italian Gilded Carved Wood Mirror
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Early 18th Century Italian gilded carved wood mirror. Wonderful craftsmanship and detailed carvings with old plate glass.
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique 18th century Wall Mirror France
Located in Doha, QA
..“Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”.. A truly wonderful and very intricate mirror with the original wood panel to hold the mirror in place in the back. The g...
Glass, Wood, Giltwood
Sold
H 25.5 in W 21.75 in D 1 in
Original Antique Framed Print of Napoleon Bonaparte After David. French C.1800
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of Napoleon Bonaparte after Jacques Louis David Aquatint. Published C.1800 On paper applied to card Old Hogarth frame Slight restoration above the hair. Shown in ...
Paper
Antique Art Nouveau Brass Trinket Dish by Jan Joulin - 1Y103
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite trinket dish, crafted in the Art Nouveau style, is made from brass and signed by the renowned artist Jan Joulin. The intricate design features the mythological scene o...
Brass
Empire Style Gold Urns on Black Lacquered Wall Art Panels
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A large elegant pair of wooden wall panels, black lacquered with crackle finish and gold gilt decoration. Both matching with Empire urns , they add a regal presence to a room; they...
Wood
Sold
H 16.93 in W 0.2 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Italian Wall Friezes in Gilded Bronze with Pair of Portraits End, 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of Italian wall friezes in gilded bronze, with a pair of portraits carved in the upper corners. The two friezes have the structure to be hung on the w...
Bronze
Period Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame. Internal measurements cm 28 x 25 Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issue...
Wood
Period Century Giltwood Italian Empire Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame. Early 19th Century Internal measurements cm 6 x 7.5 (oval) Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certifica...
Wood
Set of 26 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 26 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books. It is a collection containing works of the Famous Swedish author August Strindberg...
Leather, Paper
Set of 24 European 19th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 24 French and Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books dated from 1822-1872. One book is dated 1929. In some of these books are included the original ma...
Leather, Paper
Collection of 30 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 30 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books. It is a collection of the works of the Famous Swedish author August Strindberg...
Leather, Paper
Sold
H 16 in W 20 in D 1 in
Group of 9 Framed Engraved Egyptology Book Plates by Vivant Denon, Early 20th C.
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This group of 9 French book plates was originally published 1802 in Paris as illustrations of the work by Baron Vivant Denon 'Voyage dans la Basse et Haut...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Zabihi Collection Jewel Tone Superfine Antique Persian Jozan Souf Mat
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century collector caliber Persian Souf carpet handwoven in the Jozan Region. Measures: 2'3" x 2'7" Souf rugs are very rare technique foun...
Wool
Empire Miniature Grisaille Painting of Figures in a Landscape
Located in Stockholm, SE
An empire miniature painting of figures in a landscape. Painted in grisaille. Mounted in an original gilt brass frame. Previously probably mounted in a wooden outer frame.
Brass