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.
Rare Artillery Plate First Empire Imperial Eagle And Crossed Cannons, 1804–1815
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Rare Artillery Plate – First Empire – Imperial Eagle And Crossed Cannons, 1804–1815" Rare French Napoleonic Artillery Brass Plaque – Imperial Guard Style – 31 x 34 cm – ca. 1804–181...
Brass
Regiment Des Dromedaires Camel Saddle
Located in New Orleans, LA
This fascinating piece of military history is a camel saddle created for and used by the Dromedary Regiment (Regiment des Dromedaires) during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaigns between 1798-1801. The term “dromedary” refers to the dromedary camel...
Silver, Brass, Iron
Vintage Wood and Bronze Cannon Model
Located in San Diego, CA
A very well made vintage wood and bronze cannon model, circa 1970s. The piece is in good condition with nice detailing and measures 4.5"W x 8.5"D x 3.5"H. #3810
Metal
$392
H 35.83 in W 1.38 in D 1.38 in
Antique British India Regiment Silver Plated Walking Stick 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a British Indian Army Regiment silver plated handle walking stick, circa 1910 in date. The silver-plate handle is embossed with the regimental crest and titles of notable e...
Silver Plate
$950
H 4 in W 2.25 in D 0.25 in
Imperial Russian Bronze Commemorative Cross of the Crimean War, 1853–1856
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Imperial Russian Bronze Commemorative Cross of the Crimean War, 1853–1856 A rare mid-19th century Imperial Russian bronze devotional cross commemorating the Crimean War (1853–1856)....
Bronze
$1,397
H 0.25 in Dm 3 in
Napoleonic Gilt-Bronze Portrait Medallion Napoleon, by Carlier Fecit, 1804-1806
By Carlier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleonic Gilt-Bronze Portrait Medallion of Napoleon, Signed Carlier Fecit, France, circa 1804–1806 An Empire-period gilt-bronze portrait medallion of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821...
Bronze, Ormolu
Saudi Arabian Camel Saddle with Camel Whip
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a rare Saudi Arabian Camel Saddle with it’s camel whip. A real conversation piece from the mid-20th Century, circa 1960-1980. Made of oli...
Brass
Irish Pony Saddle
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unusual Irish 19th century specialty pony saddle with center harness by Rafferty of Dublin, in richly patinated leather, brass and timber and with padded t...
Brass
$2,250 / set
H 2.5 in W 2.25 in D 0.25 in
Canadian WW1 21st Regiment Soldier's Uniform Buttons, Badges & Medals Grouping
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This grouping of some three dozen WW1 items come from the estate of CPL. D.C Stewart who served in the Infantry of the 21st Regiment of the Canadian Armed Fo...
Brass
$1,230
H 4.5 in W 4.25 in D 0.75 in
French Empire Bronze Mount of an Eagle Subduing a Serpent, Desmalter / Thomire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire Bronze Mount of an Eagle Subduing a Serpent, circa 1800–1820 School or Workshop Jacob-Desmalter/Thomire A finely cast French Empire bronze mount depicting Napoleon’s ...
Ormolu
Classic Leather English Riding Saddle by Ansur Saddle Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An English riding saddle in all leather by Ansur Saddle Company, in the Classic style. Acquired from a Los Angeles estate, the saddle appears to be in v...
Steel
$245Sale Price|30% Off
H 6.5 in W 14 in D 8.25 in
Small Early 20th Century Iron Cannon Desk Accessory with Eagle-Head Decoration
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Miniature American Civil Style Iron Cannon on wheels with Eagle-head decoration.
Iron
$206
H 0.79 in Dm 0.79 in
Rare Suite of Antique Royal Horse Artillery 1 Cannon, 1873-1901 Coat Buttons
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice suite of antique military officer Royal Horse Artillery (1 Cannon - 1873-1901) 18mm ball button with Queen Victoria's Crown brass Mi...
Brass
$555Sale Price|30% Off
H 4.73 in W 3.94 in D 0.4 in
19th Century French Imperial Eagle Brass Badge Napoleon III Period
Located in Sofia, BG
19th Century beautiful imperial eagle badge from Napoleon III period. Crowned eagle with spread wings, standing on an orb cut out with the number 30. Two fixing parts at the back of ...
Brass
Ottoman Silver-Inlaid “Jambiya” or Curved Dagger With Its Sheath
Located in Middleburg, VA
An extraordinary statement of elegance, prestige, and masterful artistry, this large Ottoman Jambiya, crafted circa 1790, exemplifies the height of imperial craftsmanship. The sweepi...
Metal, Silver
Ottoman Silver-Inlaid "Jambiya" Dagger with Sheath
Located in Middleburg, VA
An elegant 19th-century Ottoman Jambiya, richly decorated with intricate silver inlay and highlighted with the deep black sheen of traditional niello work. Both the sheath and the fo...
Silver, Metal
Ottoman Silver-Inlaid “Jambiya” or Curved Dagger With Its Sheath
Located in Middleburg, VA
An extraordinary statement of elegance, prestige, and masterful artistry, this large Ottoman Jambiya, crafted circa 1790, exemplifies the height of imperial craftsmanship. The sweepi...
Silver, Metal
Russian Silver Kindjal Dagger
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Russian silver Kindjal dagger Niele enamel origin Russia Circa 19th century stamped 84 (1870) solid silver with some wear from use The blade in per...
Silver
French Heavy Cavalry Cuirass
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very Fine French early 19th century brass and steel cuirass of the Carabiniers-à-Cheval, comprising a breast and backplate, the former with repousee brass Imperial eagle over a steel...
Brass, Steel
Imperial Russian Coat of Arms, circa 1880
Located in Sofia, BG
Russian coat of arms empire badge.
Metal
Imperial Russian Coat of Arms, circa 1880
Located in Sofia, BG
Russian coat of arms Empire badge.
Metal
Pistolet de Cavalerie Modèle an XIII de 1812 Napoleon Wars
Located in Soquel, CA
Pistolet de cavalerie modèle an XIII de 1812 fabriqué par la la manufacture impériale de Charleville. Hallmark on the trim of the reviser François Tisseron, of the model found on wea...
Brass, Iron