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.
Empire Double Headed Eagle Wall Mirror in Bronze, Spain 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, Spain, 1930s-1940s. Spectacular bronze wall mirror with a crowned double headed eagle surrounding a shield shaped beveled glass. This stunning br...
Bronze
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
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royal Commanders 7.1X6.10
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
Elegant French Empire Bronze Relief of Napoleon I in Thuja Wood Frame
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant French Empire Bronze Relief of Napoleon I in Thuja Wood Frame A distinguished French Empire bronze relief plaque depicting Napoleon I crowned with the classical laurel wreat...
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Papier Peint Panel
Located in New York, NY
Most likely originally conceived as a firescreen, this piece is set within a giltwood frame. The block-printed paper panel features a central urn full of roses sitting on a plinth st...
Paint, Paper
$8,768Sale Price|25% Off
Artwork Wall Panel Natural Motifs Relief Painting handmade in Italy by Cupioli
Located in Rimini, IT
Artwork Wall Panel Handmade Relief Painting Made in Italy by Cupioli Available. Virtue by Virtue Thorn for thorn Making a comparison between a plant (the pomegranate) and a characte...
Scagliola, Wood, Paint
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
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
Pair of French Empire Portraits of an Aristocratic Couple by Antoine Borel
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of original oil paintings on canvas depicting a handsome young aristocratic couple of the Directoire, early Empire period. They are each pictured from the waist up, she holdin...
Canvas
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Angels 6.8X5.10
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
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
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Angels and Royal Figures 8.2X7.0
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
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
Early 19th Century Antique Brass Spoon Rack Wall Mounted Holder
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming antique brass spoon holder or rack featuring intricate detailing throughout. Wonderful addition to any kitchen displayed on the wall or countertop.
Brass
19th Century Pair of Engravings of "Description of Egypt"
Located in Madrid, ES
Two engravings from the book "The Description of Egypt", a major publication by the scholars who accompanied Napoleon, which included descriptions and engravings made by these schola...
Wood, Paper
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royal Figures on Islands 6.5X5.5
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
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
French Oil on Canvas, Interior Bed Chamber with Figure & Dog, early 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
the interior scene featuring a richly furnished bedroom from the early 19th century with a woman and dog, retaining its period ebonized and giltwood frame
Paint
Pair of Architectural Gilt Wood Wall Shelves Brackets, Mid-19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gorgeous Pair of French Gold Gilt Wall Shelves. Could certainly stand alone as a pair on a wall or functional to hold treasures on top. Wonderful classic addition to any living room,...
Metal
Mid 19th Century French Empire Style Portrait of Lady with Coral Jewelry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Mid 19th Century French Empire Style Portrait of a Lady with Coral Jewelry. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, please see detailed photos or message us with q...
Paint
Vintage Tapestry Depciting a Royal Vase 6.2X2.3
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
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, Pine, Giltwood
Vintage Woven Floral Scene Tapestry 7.7X5.7
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
$9,000Sale Price|25% Off
Imperial Crest Antique Shield Coat of Arm Wall Plaque Armorial LA Antique Dealer
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Imperial Crest Antique Shield Coat of Arm Wall Plaque Armorial LA Antique Dealer , Beautiful Early 19th century Heavy Bronze Imperial Armorial Armoirie Coat...
Bronze
$2,405Sale Price|30% Off
19th Century French Hand Painted Wallpaper, Second Empire Era, E. Muller Style
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century roll of wallpaper, second Empire era, polychrome printing in the style of E. Muller enhanced with gold decorating cartridges with a floral cut of poppies and daisies. M...
Paper
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 8.2X6.10
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
Empire Period Portrait of the Comte Gustave de Galard (1779–1841)
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century, Empire Period Portrait of the Comte Gustave de Galard (1779–1841), French School, c. 1805, Oil on canvas Canvas: 15.75" W × 21.5" H Framed: 19" W × 24.5" H A refined ...
Canvas, Giltwood
$4,795Sale Price|40% Off
19th Century Impressionist Oil Painting, Original Frame, Eugene Delacroix, 1830s
By Eugène Delacroix
Located in Berlin, DE
Oil painting (framed) Artist: Unknown (style of Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863). Date: 19th century Title: French lieutenant on horseback leading a Bedouin cavalry. Medium: Oil on...
Canvas, Wood
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Children at Play 10.3X7.4
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
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
Elegant Plaque in cast iron, Swedish King Karl XVI Johan from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Plaque in cast iron. Swedish King Karl XVI Johan as a Roman General from the 1820s. Made by Finspång Bruk in Östergötland, Sweden Wear consistent with age and use
Iron
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Exotic Animals 5 X 3
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
Vintage Tapestry Depicting A Secret Garden 6.5X6.1
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
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
$680Sale Price|49% Off
Large French Empire Coastal Scenic Painted Oval Tole Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
French Empire salver or oval metal tray decorated with an outstanding border. The tray features painted medallions and edges and has two hand grips. The painted coastal scene depicts...
Metal
Late 20th Century Vintage Tapestry 5.35X5.7
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
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
Vintage Tapestry Depicting a Royal Music Room 6.10X5.8
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
21th Century Authentic Wall Hanging Tapestry 7'4'' X 6' Ft
Located in Los Angeles, US
Est. Delivery from Los Angeles, CA
Wool
Vintage Figurial Scene Tapestry 5.7X5.6
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
French 19 Century Portrait of a Scholar, Poet or a Writer Holding a Pen
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An exceptionally well executed unsigned French Empire social portrait of a gentleman dressed in a black frock and white shirt, holding a pen. In the 19th century, social portrait...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 8X6.5
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
Vintage Woven Crest Tapestry 7.6X6.3
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
Vintage Woven Warrior Scene Tapestry 8.0X3.6
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
Vintage Colorful Floral Tapestry 5.0X5.05
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
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
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
Vintage Woven Still Life Tapestry 7.0X5.65
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
Late 19th Century French Empire Style Walnut Four Shelves Etagere
Located in Miami, FL
This tall late nineteenth century French Empire style walnut console table features columns at the front corners and four shelves.
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
Framed Early 19th century French Hand-Blocked Wallpaper Panel of Artemis
Located in New York, NY
A framed early 19th century French hand-blocked wallpaper panel featuring Artemis. Artemis was the goddess of nature, wildlife, transitions, care of children, healing and fertility....
Paint, Paper
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 6.0X6.11
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
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Angels 8.9 X 8.3
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
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
Danish Golden Age Painting of a Soldier and a Lady at Rosenborg Castle
Located in Kastrup, DK
Oil painting from the Danish Golden Age (c. 1840-1860) portraying a soldier engaged in conversation with a lady, with the historic Rosenborg Castle elegantly positioned in the backgr...
Canvas
18th Century French Giltwood Framed Oil Painting Portrait of a Woman
Located in Queens, NY
French (18th century) oil painting portrait of a woman holding grapes sitting next to a dog in a rectangular carved giltwood frame.
Giltwood, Paint
Mid-19th Century Framed Oil Portrait of EMPEROR FERDINAND I Austria (1793-1875)
Located in St. Louis, MO
Habsburg Dynasty, early to mid-19th Century oil on board, Royal / Monarchy Portrait painting of Ferdinand I, Austria (1793-1875) in original handmade frame. A seated Ferdinand is wearing his ceremonial white fur robe, adored with gold embroidered trim. Hanging around his neck are the gold Collar and Badges of a Knight of the Spanish Order or "Distinguished Order of the Golden Fleece" , plus the Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary. Also displaying embodied ancient symbols of rank, family, and authority. Such as the green and pink sash, his Austrian Imperial order of Leopold medal, Military Order of Christ medal among others. See his full list of honours below. Paper label on frame translates to: Modeler and Gilder, Master Cabinetmaker VIENNA Vº2, Hicschengasse No. 14. Also, appears to have an Austrian Stamp, possibly for export and the numbers 99 or 66, along with No. 1445 and Ferdinand I, and the years he ruled 1838-1848 in pencil. No signature found. (Art) Board size is 28.25" h x 23.63" w Attributed to Leopold Kupelwieser (17 October 1796, Markt Piesting – 17 November 1862, Vienna) was an Austrian painter, often associated with the Nazarene movement, who also painted Ferdinand I portrait in 1847. Ferdinand I (German: Ferdinand I. 19 April 1793 – 29 June 1875) was Emperor of Austria from March 1835 until his abdication in December 1848. He was also King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia (as Ferdinand V), King of Lombardy–Venetia and holder of other lesser titles (see grand title of the Emperor of Austria). Due to his passive but well-intentioned character, he gained the sobriquet The Benign (German: Der Gütige) or The Benevolent (Czech: Ferdinand Dobrotivý, Polish: Ferdynand Dobrotliwy) Ferdinand succeeded his father Francis I upon his death on 2 March 1835. He was incapable of ruling the empire because of severe epilepsy, so his father, before he died, made a will promulgating that Ferdinand should consult his uncle Archduke Louis on all aspects of internal policy and urged him to be influenced by Prince Metternich, Austria's Foreign Minister.[3] Following the Revolutions of 1848, Ferdinand abdicated on 2 December 1848. He was succeeded by his nephew, Franz Joseph. Following his abdication, he lived in Hradčany Palace, Prague, until his death in 1875. Ferdinand married Maria Anna of Savoy, the sixth child of Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia. They had no children. EARLY LIFE: Ferdinand was the eldest son of Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor and Maria Theresa of Naples and Sicily. Possibly as a result of his parents' genetic closeness (they were double first cousins), Ferdinand had hydrocephalus, neurological problems including epilepsy, and a speech impediment. He was educated by Baron Josef Kalasanz von Erberg, and his wife Countess Josephine von Attems Although Ferdinand has been depicted as feeble-minded and incapable of ruling, he kept a coherent and legible diary and has even been said to have had a sharp wit. However, suffering as many as twenty seizures per day severely restricted his ability to rule with any effectiveness. Though he was not declared incapacitated, a Regent's Council (Archduke Louis, Count Kolowrat, and Prince Metternich) steered the government. When Ferdinand married Princess Maria Anna of Savoy, the court physician considered it unlikely that he would be able to consummate the marriage.[6] When he tried to consummate the marriage, he had five seizures. He is also remembered for his command to his cook: when told he could not have apricot dumplings (Marillenknödel) because apricots were out of season, he said "I am the Emperor, and I want dumplings!" (German: Ich bin der Kaiser und ich will Knödel!) Ferdinand was the last King of Bohemia to be crowned as such. Due to his sympathy with Bohemia (where he spent the rest of his life in Prague Castle) he was given the Czech nickname "Ferdinand V, the Good" (Ferdinand Dobrotivý). In Austria, Ferdinand was similarly nicknamed "Ferdinand der Gütige" (Ferdinand the Benign), but also ridiculed as "Gütinand der Fertige" (Goodinand the Finished). Ferdinand was also the last ruler to be crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy in his capacity as King of Lombardy-Venetia. He is interred in tomb number 62 in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna. The Habsburg era (c. 1273–1918) was a dominant period in European history defined by a powerful German noble dynasty that ruled Austria, the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, and other territories for centuries. Known for strategic marriage diplomacy and Catholic patronage, the dynasty, featuring key figures like Charles V and Maria Theresa, shaped European politics and culture until the empire collapsed after World War I. Honours Austrian Empire Knight of the Golden Fleece, 1793 Grand Cross of the Royal Hungarian Order of St. Stephen, 1830 Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of Leopold Knight of the Iron Crown, 1st Class France: French Empire: Grand Eagle of the Legion of Honour Kingdom of France: Knight of the Holy Spirit, 1816 Kingdom of Bavaria: Knight of St. Hubert, 1824 Duchy of Parma: Senator Grand Cross of the Constantinian Order of St. George, with Collar, 1826 Grand Duchy of Hesse: Grand Cross of the Ludwig Order, 11 April 1830 Hesse Electorate of Hesse: Grand Cross of the Golden Lion, 26 December 1830 Baden: Grand Cross of the House Order of Fidelity, 1830 Grand Cross of the Zähringer Lion, 1830 Kingdom of Saxony: Knight of the Rue Crown, 1830 Two Sicilies: Knight of St. Januarius, 1830 Grand Cross of St. Ferdinand and Merit Württemberg: Knight of the Golden Eagle, 1830 Kingdom of Sardinia: Knight of the Annunciation, 12 January 1831 Kingdom of Prussia: Knight of the Black Eagle, 24 January 1831 Denmark: Knight of the Elephant, 1 February 1831 Empire of Brazil: Grand Cross of the Southern Cross Kingdom of Portugal: Grand Cross of the Royal Military Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ Grand Cross of the Tower and Sword Russian Empire: Knight of St. Andrew, 28 February 1835 Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach: Grand Cross of the White Falcon, 2 April 1835 Sweden Sweden-Norway: Knight of the Seraphim, 14 April 1835 Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg Saxe-Meiningen Ernestine duchies: Grand Cross of the Saxe-Ernestine House Order, May 1835 Ascanian duchies: Grand Cross of Albert the Bear, 18 March 1837 Kingdom of Hanover: Knight of St. George, 1847 Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order, 1847 Spain: Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III, 23 April 1849 Tuscany Grand Duchy of Tuscany: Grand Cross of St. Joseph Keywords : Royal Oil Portrait , Military Oil Portrait
Wood, Paint
Large French Empire Gilt Bronze and Crystal Sconce Attributed to Thomire
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A highly unusual large scale single French Empire wall sconce, the bronze having the finest chasing and gilding ever produced. A winged cupi...
Bronze
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
Mid-19th Century French Empire Painted Tabernacle Wall Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall or tabletop with this elegant antique tabernacle cabinet, crafted in France circa 1860. Originally used in a church or chapel, the petite vitrine features a domed top...
Walnut