Empire

The Empire style is an art and design movement that emerged in France in the early 1800s, during the reign of Napoléon Bonaparte. This era is characterised by grandeur and power, and the style's name reflects the political context, in which Napoléon sought to recreate the greatness of the Roman Empire. The Empire style combines neoclassical elements with new, innovative design concepts, and it has had a major influence on European furniture production, interior design and decorative arts.

Brief history

The Empire style developed as a reaction to the earlier Rococo style, which was more playful and ornamented. Instead, Empire focused on clean lines, symmetry and an abundance of symbolism, often drawn from antiquity. Furniture was frequently made of dark wood, such as mahogany, and decorated with gilding and detailed carvings of mythological figures, military symbols and Egyptian motifs. This style quickly became popular not only in France but also in other parts of Europe, and it laid the foundation for later styles such as Biedermeier and Louis-Philippe.

How to recognise/identify

To identify Empire furniture and objects, look for the characteristic features that include clean, geometric shapes and a solid construction. Furniture often has strong, straight lines with a certain grandeur, such as chairs and sofas with high backrests and broad armrests. Common decorative elements include bronze or gold gilding, as well as details such as lions, eagles and figures of ancient deities. In addition, textiles such as silk and velvet in deep, rich colours can often be seen in Empire interiors.

Collector's value/interest

Empire objects hold considerable collector's value, particularly those in good condition or with a special historical connection. Furniture, mirrors, candlesticks and paintings from this era are sought after among collectors and antique dealers. Value can vary depending on quality, condition and provenance, but generally the Empire style is regarded as one of the more prestigious styles within antiques. Today, there is also growing interest in the Empire style among interior designers who wish to incorporate classical elements into modern spaces.