Empire Folk Art
EMPIRE STYLE
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.
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Style: Empire
Mid-Century Louviers Ceramic Pitcher -1Y49
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-century Louviers ceramic pitcher adds a touch of rustic charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The warm, earthy tones of the ceramic and the simple, yet ele...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Leather Playing Card Case in Garnet Red -1Y16
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming vintage leather playing card case in a rich garnet hue is a delightful addition to any collection of antique accessories or game room essentials. Dating back to the mid...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Leather
East Asian Style Wall Vase/Car Vase/Butterfly -1Y14
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming petite wall or car vase, made of glazed terracotta, dates from the late 19th/early 20th century. It features a motif of three enameled butterflies and stylized plant el...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Antique French HB Faience Decorative Plate Commemorating the Madagascar -1Y15
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite antique French HB faience decorative plate commemorates the Madagascar Campaign of the early 20th century. Handcrafted from fine earthenware, the plate features a capt...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Earthenware
Antique Renaissance Style Bronze Inkwell - Early 20th Century -1Y12
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Embrace the elegance of a bygone era with this exquisite antique bronze inkwell, crafted in the refined style of the Renaissance.
Dating back to the early 20th century, this magnifi...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Antique Hindu Elephant Head Bronze Paperweight -1Y70
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite bronze paperweight, crafted in the late 19th or early 20th century, showcases the intricate artistry of the era. Depicting a majestic Hindu elephant head, the paperwei...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Early 20th Century Plaster Figurine Tirelire of a Seated Cat -1Y50
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating early 20th century plaster figurine tirelire of a seated cat adds a touch of rustic charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate details of the cat figu...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Plaster
Mid-Century Ceramic Vase with Stylized Motif and Rooster Mark -1Y44
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-century ceramic vase with a stylized motif and rooster mark adds a touch of rustic charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate details of the desig...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Dutch Folkloric Couple Stoneware Mustard Pot -1Y30
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century Dutch folkloric couple stoneware mustard pot adds a touch of rustic charm and European flair to any dining table or kitchen décor. The intricate details of ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
Late 19th/Early 20th Century Parisian Porcelain Match Holder with Female -1Y23
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite late 19th/early 20th century Parisian porcelain match holder, featuring a graceful young woman leaning against a hollowed-out tree trunk, adds a touch of elegance and ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Sheep's Foot Matchbox -1Y92
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique sheep's foot matchbox, dating back to the early 19th or early 20th century, exudes a unique charm and whimsy, adding a touch of curiosity and intrigue to any...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Bronze Venus de Milo Paperweight -1Y41
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-century bronze Venus de Milo paperweight adds a touch of elegance and timeless beauty to any desk or shelf. The intricate details of the Venus de Milo sculpture ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
French Porcelain Sculpture/Vase: Child with Medici Vase -1Y13
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming piece is a French porcelain sculpture/vase depicting a child seated beside a Medici vase. Dating from the mid-20th century, it's marked "Porcelaine de France" and numbe...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Wooden Sculpture of Christ's Head with Crown of Thorns -1Y94
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique wooden sculpture of Christ's head with a crown of thorns, dating back to the second half of the 20th century, exudes a sense of spirituality and artistry, ad...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Art Deco Aladdin Nightlight Perfume Burner -1Y96
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique Art Deco Aladdin nightlight perfume burner, dating back to the 1930s, exudes a touch of whimsy and charm, adding a unique decorative element to any home déco...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Porcelain Bust of Emperor Napoleon I with Imperial Eagle -1Y95
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique porcelain bust of Emperor Napoleon I, dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century, exudes a sense of historical grandeur and artistic craftsmanship, a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Art Nouveau Style Metal Candlestick by Goberg -1Y93
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating Art Nouveau style metal candlestick, signed by Goberg and dating back to the early 20th century, exudes elegance and craftsmanship, adding a touch of artistic sophis...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Antique Pair of Polychrome Porcelain Candelabra with Putti Angelot Decor -1Y91
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating pair of antique polychrome porcelain candelabras, dating back to the first half of the 20th century, exudes charm and elegance, adding a touch of whimsy and sophisti...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-Century German Porcelain Resting Cat Figurine -1Y35
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century German porcelain resting cat figurine adds a touch of feline charm and European flair to any home décor. The intricate details of the cat's features and the...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Patinated Terracotta Bust of the Virgin and Child by Bazzini -1Y73
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite patinated terracotta bust, crafted in the early 20th century, depicts the Virgin Mary with Child, a timeless subject revered in Christian art. The delicate features an...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Art Deco Limoges Porcelain Salt Shakers Pair -1Y64
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Presented in its original box, this exquisite pair of Art Deco salt shakers in Limoges porcelain dates back to the 1920s/1930s. Featuring a charming cherry motif and adorned with bra...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Late 19th/Early 20th Century Far Eastern Style Painted -1Y53
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating late 19th/early 20th century Far Eastern style painted and enameled porcelain vase adds a touch of exotic charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate d...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Late 19th/Early 20th Century Chinese Soapstone Sage Figurine -1Y43
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating late 19th/early 20th century Chinese soapstone sage figurine adds a touch of serenity and Eastern wisdom to any home décor. The intricate details of the sage's robes...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Soapstone
Late 19th/Early 20th Century Soapstone Oriental Dignitary Figurine -1Y42
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating late 19th/early 20th century soapstone Oriental dignitary figurine adds a touch of exotic charm and historical significance to any home décor. The intricate details ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Soapstone
Late 18th/Early 19th Century Rouen Faience "Cul Noir" Platter with Basket -1Y40
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating late 18th/early 19th century Rouen faience "cul noir" platter adds a touch of rustic charm and historical elegance to any home décor. The intricate basket motif and ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Faience
Mid-Century Henri Delcourt Desvres Faience Decorative Shoe -1Y19
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century Henri Delcourt Desvres faience decorative shoe adds a touch of rustic charm to any home décor. Handcrafted from fine Desvres faience, the shoe features a vi...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Faience
Mid-Century Signed Anthropomorphic Stoneware Tea Light Holder -1Y38
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating late 19th/early 20th century gilded pewter figurine of a young gentleman adds a touch of elegance and historical charm to any home décor. The intricate details of th...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
Mid-Century Signed Anthropomorphic Stoneware Tea Light Holder -1Y37
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-century signed anthropomorphic stoneware tea light holder adds a touch of unique charm and vintage character to any home décor. The stylized head shape and the r...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
Mid-Century Porcelain and Metal Box with Rooster Motif -1Y36
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century porcelain and silver-plated metal box adds a touch of elegance and European flair to any home décor. The intricate rooster motif adorning the lid showcases ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Mid-20th Century Patinated Metal Bas-Relief of the Virgin Mary -1Y60
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-20th century patinated metal bas-relief of the Virgin Mary adds a touch of religious charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate details of the Vir...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Mid-20th Century Signed Alsatian Marquetry Decorative Panel -1Y57
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-20th century signed Alsatian marquetry decorative panel "Pont surmonté d'une Tour" by Fritz adds a touch of rustic charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Henriot Quimper Faïence Decorative Clog-1Y31
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century Henriot Quimper faïence decorative clog adds a touch of rustic charm and Breton heritage to any home décor. The intricate hand-painted design featuring a pe...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Faience
Early 20th Century Signed Stone Bas-Relief Profile of a Woman by Mader -1Y55
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating early 20th century signed stone bas-relief profile of a woman by Mader adds a touch of artistic charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate details of ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Stone
20th-Century African Head Plaster Sculpture -1Y29
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating 20th-century African head plaster sculpture adds a touch of ethnic charm and artistic expression to any home décor. The intricate details and aged patina of the scul...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Plaster
Mid-Century Signed Enameled Stoneware Vase -1Y27
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century signed enameled stoneware vase adds a touch of rustic elegance to any home décor. The intricate floral and botanical motifs adorning the vase showcase the a...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Stoneware
Mid-Century German Porcelain Figurine Depicting Two Horses -1Y25
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century German porcelain figurine, featuring two graceful horses, adds a touch of rustic charm to any home décor. The intricate details and hand-painted accents sho...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Framed Glass-Covered Print of a Romantic Scene -1Y45
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating early 20th century framed glass-covered print of a romantic scene adds a touch of elegance and historical charm to any home décor. The intricate details of the scene...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Paper
Mid-Century Limoges Enamel Landscape Painting by P. Bonnet -1Y82
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-century Limoges enamel landscape painting by P. Bonnet, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France), showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Mid-Century German Porcelain Sitting Dog Figurine -1Y34
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century German porcelain sitting dog figurine adds a touch of canine charm and European flair to any home décor. The intricate details of the dog's features and the...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-Century Eastern-Style Enameled Bronze Vase -1Y28
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This decorative mid-century Eastern-style enameled bronze vase adds a touch of elegance and Eastern charm to any home décor. The intricate floral and bird motifs adorning the vase, c...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Antique Far Eastern Style Porcelain Vase Lamp with Child Motif -1Y77
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This enchanting Far Eastern style porcelain vase lamp, reminiscent of Chinese or Japanese craftsmanship, exudes the charm and artistry of the early 20th century. Dating back to the b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th-Century Fiacre Lantern -1Y24
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming early 20th-century fiacre lantern, crafted from painted metal and glass, adds a touch of antique charm and ambiance to any home décor. The lantern's classic design, rem...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Louis XVI Style Silver-Plated Coffee Set -1Y22
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This elegant mid-century Louis XVI style silver-plated coffee set exudes the charm and sophistication of the era. Featuring a classic design with a tray, coffee pot, sugar bowl, and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Silver-Plated Caviar Bowl with Sturgeon Handles -1Y20
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This elegant mid-century silver-plated caviar bowl adds a touch of sophistication to any dining table or special occasion. Featuring graceful sturgeon-shaped handles and a timeless d...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Silver Plate
Early 20th-Century German Caricature Animated Metal Sculpture "Misstrauen" -1Y18
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating early 20th-century German caricature animated metal sculpture, titled "Misstrauen" (Distrust), depicts a group of two characters and a hare. The sculpture's whimsica...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Antique French Porcelain Condiment Set with La Louvesc Peasant Motif -1Y17
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming antique French porcelain condiment set, dating back to the first half of the 20th century, features a delightful depiction of a peasant woman heading to the market. A s...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century Wooden and Metal Turned Kitchen Utensil -1Y58
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique late 19th/early 20th century wooden and metal turned kitchen utensil adds a touch of rustic charm and vintage appeal to any kitchen or collection of antique ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Wooden Money Box with Intricate Carved Details -1Y48
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique wooden money box with intricate carved details adds a touch of rustic charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate carvings on the lid and the w...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Louis XV Style Bronze Wall Sconce with Glass Teardrops -1Y39
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-century Louis XV style bronze wall sconce adds a touch of elegance and vintage charm to any home décor. The intricate details of the bronzework and the delicate ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
19th-Century Painted and Enameled Opaline Vase -1Y33
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating 19th-century painted and enameled opaline vase adds a touch of elegance and vintage charm to any home décor. The intricate floral motifs adorning the vase showcase t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Opaline Glass
19th Century Bronze Sculpture of a Louis XIII Soldier -1Y59
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating 19th century bronze sculpture of a Louis XIII soldier adds a touch of historical charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate details of the soldier's a...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Signed M. Rosset Patinated Metal Roman Gladiator Sculpture -1Y72
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This commanding sculpture, crafted from patinated metal in the second half of the 20th century, depicts a valiant Roman gladiator, ready to face the challenges of the arena. The scul...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Vintage Moulin Rouge Watercolor Painting, Signed 1964 -1Y62
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Exuding nostalgic charm, this watercolor painting depicts the façade of the iconic Parisian cabaret, the Moulin Rouge. Dated 1964, the artwork showcases a vibrant scene teeming with ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Art Deco Opaline Candy Dish -1Y47
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating Art Deco opaline candy dish adds a touch of elegance and vintage charm to any home décor. The intricate details of the opaline glass and the sleek Art Deco design ma...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Folk Art
Materials
Opaline Glass
Antique Opaline Candy Dish -1Y32
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite antique opaline candy dish adds a touch of elegance and vintage charm to any home décor. The delicate milk glass construction and the timeless design of the dish make ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Opaline Glass
Antique Paris Porcelain Church Vase with Oak Leaves and Acorns Decor -1Y89
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique Paris porcelain church vase, dating back to the second half of the 19th century, exudes elegance and sophistication, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanshi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Silver-Plated Metal Candelabra with Cherub Adornments -1Y81
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming pair of antique silver-plated metal candelabras, dating back to the early 20th century, exudes elegance and grace, adding a touch of sophistication to any décor. The in...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Antique Limoges Porcelain Plaque with Enameled Portrait of Christ -1Y83
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique Limoges porcelain plaque, adorned with an enameled portrait of Christ, exudes religious devotion and artistry, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Limoges po...
Category
20th Century French Empire Folk Art
Materials
Porcelain
Empire folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire folk art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, canvas and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include and Wiggers. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $316 and tops out at $12,500 while the average work can sell for $3,575.
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