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
French Oil on Canvas, Portrait of Princess Eugénie de Beauharnais
Located in Atlanta, GA
After Johann Heinrich Richter (German, 1784–1850) A finely executed portrait after Johann Heinrich Richter's celebrated likeness of Princess Eugénie de Beauharnais, Duchess of Hohen...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
American Fabric and Paper Figure of a Gentleman, Giltwood Frame on Velvet
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Fabric and Paper Figure of a Gentleman, Giltwood Frame on Velvet First Half of the 19th Century A dressed fabric-and-paper figure of a gentleman is shown in full-length pro...
Fabric, Velvet
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
$50,308Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 6X5.2
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 Children at Play - 7.7 X 6.11
Located in Los Angeles, US
This vintage pictorial tapestry is a decorative interpretation of the European garden and landscape tapestry tradition, combining an expansive wooded setting with formal landscaping,...
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Angel 6.9 X 5.3
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
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
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
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
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5X4.10
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
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
Italian Florentine Architectural Gilt Wall Shelf Bracket, circa 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gorgeous Italian Small Gold Leaf Wall Shelf. This bracket could certainly stand alone on a narrow wall or functional to hold a treasure on top. Wonderful classic addition to any livi...
Gold Leaf
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
Late 18th–Early 19th Century Miniature Watercolor of a Military, Brass Frame
Located in Knivsta, SE
Late 18th–Early 19th Century Miniature Watercolor of a Military Figure, Brass Frame An exquisite miniature watercolor depicting a mounted military figure, dating from the late 18th ...
Brass
$2,297Sale 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
Pair of Early 19th Century Miniature Portraits in Flamed Birch Frames
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Early 19th Century Miniature Portraits in Flamed Birch Frames A charming and evocative pair of miniature portraits from the early 19th century, one of which is dated 1813. E...
Glass, Birch, 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
A pair of French Empire portraits of an Aristocratic Couple by Auguste F. Laby
By Auguste François Laby
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of extraordinary portraits of a French aristocratic couple presented in their original giltwood Empire frames with oval windows executed by a a noted early 19th century por...
Canvas, Giltwood
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Early 19th Century Children’s Portraits Oil on Canvas
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 19th Century Children’s Portraits Oil on Canvas, A Pair Charming pair of Danish Early 19th Century paintings oil on canvas. Thes...
Canvas, Wood
Vintage Woven Ship Tapestry 7.7X6.5
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
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
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
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
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 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
Vintage Woven Fountain Tapestry 7.2X5.5
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
$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
18th Century French Oil Portrait of Woman with Child in Gilt Frame
Located in Queens, NY
French (18th-19th century) large oil painting portrait of a woman holding flowers and a child bearing a torch in an ornate carved rectangular gilt...
Giltwood, Paint
$592Sale Price|33% Off
French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat & Greatcoat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat and Greatcoat France, circa 1920s Capture a piece of French history with this exquisite Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry ...
Fabric, 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
$10,400Sale Price|20% 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
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 With Birds and Animals 6.7X4.5
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
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
Vintage Floral Tapestry in Red & Tan 8.1 X 3.1
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
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
Late-20th Century Vintage Wool Tapestry 5.6 X 5.7
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
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 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
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royal Figures 9.9X6.4
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
$13,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
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
$17,440Sale Price|20% Off
French Sevres Green Ground Porcelain Framed Charger Napoleon Courting Josephine
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Tarzana, CA
A Large and very fine French Sevres green ground porcelain framed charger depicting the consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and coronation of the...
Porcelain
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
Pair of Naïve Allegorical Landscape Paintings Sign, Christian Georg v. Lind
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of naïve allegorical landscape paintings. Oil on canvas Signed Lieutenant Christian Georg V. Lind, 1837 and 1838. See text on the back. In original gilded damgaard frames. ...
Canvas
$1,689Sale Price|35% Off
19th Century French Hand Painted Wallpaper Frieze Second Empire Era
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century roll of wallpaper frieze in trompe-l'oeil ribbon on an 8-way roll. About 61 m/0.05 cm. useful. Second Empire era, polychrome printing. ...
Paper
A French Empire Portrait of a Mother and Daughter in the manner of H.F. Reisener
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An elegant unsigned French Empire Family portrait of a mother and her young daughter presented in its original giltwood Empire frame executed in the manner of Henri Riesener. With...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century Cumaean Sibyl Empire Period Watercolour after Domenichino c. 1820
Located in Epfach, DE
The Cumaean Sibyl – Empire Period Watercolour after Domenichino, c. 1820–1825 This elegant watercolour depicts the famous prophetess, one of the most renowned figures of classical a...
Softwood, Paper
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
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
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
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
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
A French Empire three quarter length Portrait of a Naval Officer
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A well executed three quarter length portrait of a French Empire Naval Officer holding a spyglass nautical telescope and dressed in emblematic period clothing with white long pants...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint