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.
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
French 1825 Hand Written Letter Artwork in Burl Wood Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Custom burl wood framed art that features an antiquarian handwritten letter in French, dated "Paris Le 6 Novembre 1825". This versatile artwork and can be displayed in any living roo...
Wood, Paper, Burl
4 Framed Antique French Empire Style Lithograph Prints of Napoleon's Coronation
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions (Per Frame) - H: 22 3/4 in W: 30 1/4 in D: 1 3/4 in Dimensions (Art Per Piece) - H: 14 1/4 in W: 21 3/4 in Presenting a striking set of four Antique French Empire Style...
Wood, Paper
French Engraving of an Eagle from the Description de l'Egypte, J. Ces. Savigny
Located in Downingtown, PA
Eagle of Thebes, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Description de l’Égypte, Savigny 1809 Paris, from the Description de l’Égypte. Drawn for Jules-César ...
Paper
Set of Four 18th Century Animal Engravings After Jacques E. de Sève, Framed
By Jacques Eustache de Seve
Located in Morristown, NJ
Set of Four 18th Century Animal Engravings After Jacques E. de Sève, Framed A beautifully presented set of four 18th-century animal engravings after Jacques Eustache de Sève (French...
Mirror, Wood, Paper
Suite Of 2 Engravings, Camposanto De Pisa, Lasinio And Molini Landi & Cie, Empir
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Suite of 2 large engravings from the Empire period, after the frescoes of the Camposanto in Pisa, the city's famous monumental cemetery, frescoes dating from the 14th century The th...
Paper
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
Print by Jean Marlet From His Scenes of Paris "Les Voitures de Versailles"
Located in valatie, NY
Jean-Henri Marlet, aka Jean Henry Marlet 1771-1847, was a French painter and engraver. A humorous depiction of life in Paris. He painted large tableaux depi...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Set of 3 Framed Commemorative Coins, French Empire, Black Gold Frame
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 3 similar Armand Auguste Caqué French Empire commemorative coin of Charles VI and other dignitaries in a square black and gold square frame with the coin center mounted by a p...
Gold
Hand colored etching : Napoleon Bonaparte making a military inspection
By Louis Leopold Boilly
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine early 19th century (before 1804) hand-colored etching (watercolor enhanced) showing a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte (at that point 1st Consul of the French Republic) after Lo...
Paper, Giltwood
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
$213Sale Price / set|20% Off
Print depicting soldiers of the Mounted Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
One of a Set of Four different scenes available. The image provided is a lithographic print depicting soldiers of the Mounted Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard (Cha...
Glass
$750 / item
Selection of Black and White Abstract Prints
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of black and white abstract prints. From left to right, they are: 1) Abstract lithograph by Terry Haan, circa 1960s. Pencil s...
Alabaster, Bronze
$212Sale Price|20% Off
Print of a 19th-century military illustration titled "Garde Impériale
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
One of a Set of Four different scenes available. This framed print is a 20th-century reproduction of a 19th-century military illustration titled "Garde Impériale, Artillerie à ...
Glass
Pair of Framed Zoological Prints, Fish of the Nile
By Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
France 1805-1812, pair of rare original prints by Etienne Geoffroy de Sant-Hilaire (15 April 1772-19 June 1844) The French zoologist who accompanied Napoleon Bonaparte on his Egyptia...
Paper, Elm
Set of 9 French Empire Commemorative Coins, 19th Century, Framed
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 9 Armand Auguste Caqué French Empire commemorative coins of Childeric II and other French dignitaries in a square brown and black frame placed in a brown floating mount and br...
Marble
$212Sale Price|20% Off
Military illustration titled Garde Impériale by the 19th-century French artis Al
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
One of a Set of Four different scenes available. This print is a reproduction of a military illustration titled "Garde Impériale" by the 19th-century French artist Alf...
Glass
Coqueret, View of Paris N°12, Color Print, Early 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Henri Courvoisier-Voisin & Pierre-Charles Coqueret, signed. Colors print untitled “View of Paris n°12 From the Pont au Change, Notre-Dame and the Pont Marie took between the P...
Paper
Antique Set of Six Hand Colored Napoleonic Military Engravings
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Distinguished set of six military prints depicting French Imperial Guard cavalry, officers, and artillery in finely detailed uniforms. Presented in matching gold-tone frames with ric...
Paper
John The Baptist, Framed Engraving, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
John the Baptist, framed engraving representing John as a young shepherd dressed in a melote, seated next to his cruciform reed staff and the banner "Ecce agnus dei ecce qui tollit.....
Paper
Jepthas "Distress at Meeting His Daughter" Colored Copper Engraving
Located in Kastrup, DK
Jephthah's Distress at meeting his Daughter. Painted by H. Singelton. Engraved by W. Bond Colored copper engraving in contemporary Empire mahogany frame...
Glass, Mahogany, Paper
Set of 3 French Empire Gold Coins, Framed, 19th Century, Antique
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 3 Armand Auguste Caqué French Empire Commemorative Coins in square black and gold frames floating in a black mat (PRICED EACH)
Gold
Set of 9 Gold Commemorative Coins, French Empire, 19th Century, Carved
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 9 Armand Auguste Caqué French Empire commemorative coins in square gold frames placed in a floating beige and cream striped mat (PRICED EACH) Some minor chips on frame
Gold
Temple Of Edfu, Framed Engraving 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Edfou or "Apollonopolis Magna" large framed engraving of the temple, "perspective view of the pilone and the courtyard of the great temple" Engraving which bears the mentions "Selli...
Paper
Polychrome Print Eau Forte - General In Chief Marceau - Period: XVIIIth Century
Located in CRÉTEIL, FR
Large color etching on wove paper, representing General Marceau, a military hero of the French Revolution. The model was created in 1798 by Antoine Louis François Sergent-Marceau, known as Sergent Marceau. Antoine Louis François Sergent, also known as Sergent-Marceau, was a French politician, painter, engraver born in 1751 in Chartres, France, and died in 1847 in Nice, France. He was mainly active during the classical period in the 19th century. The works of Antoine Louis François Sergent are mainly preserved in the Army Museum in Paris. Period : XVIIIth Circa : 26 Germinal Year VI - 15 April 1798 Dimensions : Height : 72cm x Width : 5cm x Depth : 2cm Very nice militaria object, very decorative, large size. Superb bright pastel colors, The notice written underneath is to the glory of Marceau. Born in Chartres, soldier at 16, General at 23, died at 27. General-in-Chief of the Army of the West, he defeated the Rebels at Le Mans and Laval. Major General in the Ardennes, Sambre et Meuse armies, where he commanded the right wing, he was victorious at Fleurus, on the Ourthe, the Röer, the Hundsruck, he seized Coblentz (October 23, 1794). Mortally wounded at Hoestback, he died on September 22, 1796 at Altenkirchen, surrounded by the Generals of the Austrian army...
Paper
18th Century Set of Four Engravings by J Audran
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Set of four 18th Century engravings by J Audran. These fabulously detailed copper plate engravings show Alexander The Great in various Battle scenes, one riding an elephant, spear in...
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
$775
H 27 in W 21.38 in D 0.75 in
Map of the Holy Land "Carte de la Syrie et de l'Egypte" by Pierre M. Lapie
Located in Alamo, CA
An early 19th century map of ancient Syria and Egypt entitled "Carte de la Syrie et de l'Egypte anciennes/dressée par M. Lapie, Colonel d'Etat Major, et...
Paper
Lithograph of Napoleon
Located in East Hampton, NY
Colored lithograph of Napoleon in custom gilt frame and needlepoint matte.
Paper
$8,635 / set
H 16.54 in W 27.56 in D 0.79 in
Suite of 5 engravings of Antique scenes after Moitte by Janinet
By Jean François Janinet
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Suite of 5 Directoire-period etchings and aquatint engravings depicting scenes from antiquity, after drawings by Jean-Guillaume MOITTE (1746-1810), author, and by the engraver Jean F...
Paper
$3,500Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.5 in W 23 in D 1.25 in
Framed Set of 18th Century Classical Engravings
Located in Pembroke, MA
Two French matted and framed 18th century black and white engravings inspired by Classical Antiquity. The first frame contains an engraving of a woman patting a unicorn, and a man an...
Giltwood, Paper
$693 / item
H 40.95 in W 33.08 in D 0.79 in
Italian Contemporary Hand Colored Print with Mirrored Wooden Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Big size print of two South American Macaws against a ground of tropical foliage. Printed manually on 100% cotton engraving paper in Florence Italy. Each print is entirely painted by...
Mirror, Wood, Paper
Set of Six Framed 18th c. Engravings of Moths
Located in Greenwich, CT
A set of six original hand-colored engravings of rare and unusual moths. Plates from The Aurelian or Natural History of English Insects (1766) by Moses Harris. These engravings wer...
Paper
$11,284 / set
H 20.5 in W 15 in D 2 in
"Set of 9, 18th Century Italian Engravings, Features Female Statues, Framed"
By Giovanni Domenico Campiglia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These Beautiful Italian 18th Century Black & White Engravings on Laid Paper Feature the Portrait of Female Statues, these pieces have been professionally Framed using all new Mat...
Paper, Textile, Linen, Wood, Paint
$2,046
H 15.75 in W 19.69 in D 0.4 in
Set of Six 18th Century French Engravings of Formal Garden Views, Framed
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant set of six French engravings dating from the 18th century, each depicting views of some of the most important formal gardens in France. These prints reflect the refined lands...
Paper
Framed 18th Century Comte de Buffon Engraving of ‘English Horses’
Located in South Paris, ME
Framed hand-colored engraving from George’s-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle depicting ‘English horses’. Mounted on hand marbled paper, matted, and framed in a bob...
Hardwood, Paint, Paper
19th Century Continental Print, Napoleon III Style, Paper, France
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century Continental Print. Beautiful print, see detailed pics. Contact us for more information.
Paper
18th Century Pair of English Engravings
Located in Dallas, TX
Superb pair of 18th century English engravings.
$562 / item
H 28.75 in W 24.81 in D 1.19 in
Contemporary Italian Hand Colored Print with Gold Leaf and Mirror Frame Set of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Hand-coloured print entirely made in Florence, Italy by master craftsmen using an antique press and artisanal paper and showing a pineapple. The stylish black mat has gold detailing....
Mirror, Wood, Paper
$565 / item
H 28.75 in W 24.81 in D 1.19 in
Contemporary Italian Hand Painted Print with Gold Leaf and Mirror Frame 1 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Handcoloured print entirely made in Florence, Italy by master craftsmen using an antique press and artisanal paper and showing a pineapple. The stylish black mat has gold detailing. ...
Mirror, Wood, Paper
Set 5 18th Century Engravings by Bernard de Montfaucon 1719
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set five early antique copperplate engravings from the series L'Antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures by Bernard de Montfaucon, published in Paris in 1719. The set depicts cl...
Wood, Paper
Sold
H 23 in W 18.5 in D 1 in
19th-C. French Monkey Engravings By Nicolas Henri Jacob - Jacob’s Monkeys - S/6
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of 19th century nicely framed and matted monkey engraves by the highly regarded naturalist and artist Nicolas Henri Jacob. There are thirteen total to this study. These...
Wood, Paper
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
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
Early 19th Century French Napoleonic Urban Battle Engraving
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Early 19th Century French Napoleonic Urban Battle Engraving. Gorgeous engraving with a gilded period frame. See detailed photos attached. Contact us for more information.
Paper
Sold
H 11 in W 15 in D 7 in
Jacques-Louis David 1748-1825 Collection of 200 Prints Ltd Edition Produced 1953
Located in Highwood, IL
Jacques-Louis David 1748-1825 was a well-known French artist who was awarded with the Prix of Rome and the Commander of the Legion of Honor. The Book titled; The Birth of a Genius is...
Paper
Antique Botanical Print, Dragon Arum by Thornton, Robert John, C.1804
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique botanical print - the dragon arum by Thornton, Robert John c.1804. It is exquisitely framed in a gold and black empire style star clad giltwood frame. Additional informat...
Giltwood
Antique Botanical Print, Nodding Renealmia by Dr. Thornton, Robert John
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Botanical Print - The Nodding Renealmia by Dr. Thornton, Robert John c.1801. It is exquisitely framed in a gold and black empire style star clad giltwood frame Additional ...
Giltwood
Antique Botanical Print, Aloe by Dr. Thornton, Robert John, Circa 1798
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Botanical Print - the Aloe by Dr. Thornton, Robert John C.1798.. It is exquisitely framed in a gold and black empire style star clad giltwood frame. Additional information: ...
Giltwood
Sold
H 37 in W 32 in D 2 in
Antique Botanical Print The Winged Passion Flower by Dr. Robert Thornton 1802
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Botanical Print - The Winged Passion Flower by Dr. Robert Thornton 1802. Exquisitely framed in an empire style frame.
Paper
Sold
H 37 in W 32 in D 2 in
Antique Botanical Print Quadrangular Passion Flower by Dr. Robert Thornton 1802
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Botanical Print Quadrangular Passion Flower by Dr. Robert Thornton 1802
Paper
Set of Seventeen Framed Giovanni Donegani Engravings
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Newly framed set of 17 engraved plans of architecture, irrigation, daming, etc by Giovanni Donegani.
Iron
Sold
H 21.26 in W 27.96 in D 1.19 in
Set of Nine Horse Breeds Lithographs by Italian Giarre 1822 Firenze
By Luigi Giarrè
Located in Milano, MI
Horse breeds known in Europe, Firenze 1822 a unique set of nine stone lithographs by the Italian painter, engraver and printmaker Luigi Giarrè (circa 1772-1844). Italian publisher Litografia Ridolfi, active in Florence in 19th century. The collection consists of nine prints and an additional slightly smaller one with the legenda, from the key of the lithograph collection by the painter Luigi Giarrè, we desume that the whole collectione originally should consist of twelve works, containing The Most Beautiful Breeds of Horses Known in Europe, such as Normando Arabic, English (runner), Spanish, Egyptian...
Wood, Paper
Sold
H 35.44 in W 27.56 in D 0.79 in
Etching Portrait of Joseph Napoleon Gold Frame and Important Autograph Signature
By Pradier
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. We wa...
Wood, Paper
Pair of Framed Zoological Prints, Fish of the Nile
By Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
France 1805-1812, pair of rare original prints by Etienne Geoffroy de Sant-Hilaire (15 April 1772-19 June 1844) The French zoologist who accompanied Napoleon Bonaparte on his Egyptia...
Elm, Paper
Set of Four Botanical Prints by Pierre-Joseph Redoute
Located in Greenwich, CT
Set of four stipple engraved and hand colored botanical prints after Pierre-Joseph Redoute, including Martagon Lily, Plate 146 and Iris Monnieri, (Bird of Paradise Flower), Plate 78,...
Resin, Paper