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-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
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
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
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
Set of 9 Armand Auguste Caqué French Empire Framed Commemorative Coins
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 3 Armand Auguste Caqué French Empire Framed Commemorative Coins
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
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
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
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
$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
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
Set of 3 Armand Auguste Caqué French Empire Framed Commemorative Coins
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
Set of 9 Armand Auguste Caqué French Empire Commemorative Coins
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
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
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
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
Antique Print of a Village in Switzerland by J. Robinson, 1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Untitled view of a village in Switzerland. The subtitle reads 'Published Jan 1, 1800 by G.G. & J. Robinson. Paternoster Row'.
Paper
$250
H 11.5 in W 8.75 in D 0.75 in
Antique Napoleon Bonaparte First Consul at Malmaison Print Burl Frame
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte depicted as the First Consul. The original artwork was created by the French painter Jean-Baptiste Isabey. He is standing in front of the C...
Burl, 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
18th-century Johann Weinmann Engravings of Grapes, Set of Four
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Phytanthoza Iconographia": Set of Four 18th-Century Weinmann Engravings of Grapes Circa 1740 A superb suite of four original antique botanical e...
Paper
Antique Print of Natives of America, Circa 1800, Original Artwork
Located in Langweer, NL
Original print of natives of America. This print originates from 'Bilderbuch fur Kinder' by F.J. Bertuch. Published, circa 1800.
Paper
Pair of 18th Century Engravings of Horses
Located in Downingtown, PA
Each print is mounted in a cherrywood parcel-gilt frame, with a glazed reverse depicting the corresponding text sheet. L'Andaloux, Le Cheval d'Espagne, Plate I; Le Barbe, Le Che...
Paper
$4,500 / set
H 28 in W 22.5 in D 1.5 in
Pair of Hand Colored Sea Shell Engravings, 18th Century, Framed
Located in Downingtown, PA
Nature’s Nautical Architecture: A Pair of Hand-Colored Gualtieri Shell Engravings Circa 1742 These hand-colored engravings originate from Niccolò Gualtieri’s seminal work of natural...
Paper
19th c. French Framed Copper Plate Botanical Engraving on Laid Paper
Located in Wichita, KS
Copper plate engraving of the Geranium by Pancrace Bessa, 1819. Engraving with original hand-coloring on laid paper with visible ribbed paper texture and plate marks. There are a t...
Paper
18th Century Pair of English Engravings
Located in Dallas, TX
Superb pair of 18th century English engravings.
$165Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.45 in W 7.88 in D 0.02 in
Antique Print of Natives of America by Bertuch, circa 1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Original print of natives of America. This print originates from 'Bilderbuch fur Kinder' by F.J. Bertuch. Published, circa 1800.
Paper
$414
H 11.42 in W 7.49 in D 0.02 in
Antique Print of the Death Mask of Napoléon Bonaparte by Sichling, ca.1850
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Napoleon'. Original antique print of the death mask of Napoléon Bonaparte. Engraved by Sichling. Published circa 1850.
Paper
Early 19th Century French Napoleonic Urban Battle Engraving
Located in Scottsdale, 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