Relevant categories: Objet d Art,Tables,Desks
(Above photo - French Bureau Plat Antique Desk Empire 1885 )
French Empire antiques were made between 1804 and 1825 during the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. The emperor issues a decree that all artistic productions were to fall under the direct control of architects Fontaine and Percier and painter Jacques-Louis David who was based in Paris. After assuming the throne, Napoleon either impoverished or exiled the former nobles. Therefore, the new elite had to pay utmost allegiance to the emperor. The result was a spectacularly uniform and successful furniture style that had never been seen before.
With time, the Empire style spread to other parts of Europe due to Napoleon’s military campaigns. It brought back elements of the neoclassical style, which had dominated most of Europe during the late 18th century.
(Above photo - Pair French Marble Urns Amphora Cassoulets Empire 1890 )
The furniture built during the Empire period exhibited a sense of dignity consistent with Napoleon’s majesty. Even though the various furniture types we somewhat imposing, they were also stiff with flat surfaces, sharp corners, and feet without mouldings. As a result, they were as grand as they were beautiful. Several new types of furniture emerged like the boat bed for decorating only one side, the psyche mirror, and the office minister desk.
Empire tables mostly had round top, perfect for dining purposes. They were used together with mahogany chairs with upholstered backs. Besides, it became hard to find smaller special-purpose furniture pieces. The rectangular, rigid, and solemn console tables had marble tops and sharp corners. The marble tabletop sat on thick bronze embellished thick friezes while the legs had heavy bases.
(Above photo - Pair French Empire antique bookcase 1890 )
The furniture pieces mainly were made from mahogany, which was available for the first few years. When Napoleon imposed a blockade on British families importing exotic woods, furniture makers had to stop using mahogany, adopting open woods. Therefore, beech, maple, and walnut became the preferred materials for making French Empire antiques. Other popular woods included burled elm, ash yew root, boxwood, and olivewood. Flat surfaces were adorned with bronze fittings in perfect symmetry. The white marble tabletops had black or sharp grey corners to create the ideal contrast.
(Above photo - French Antique Bookcase Second Empire Bibliotheque Cabinet )
French Empire antiques featured a rigid layout and primary geometric forms with everything arranged in perfect symmetry. The furniture makers were inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome, where soberness and simplicity had defined most of their creations. Some of the motifs used to decorate the furniture included deities, eagles, lions, spires, and trophies. However, some pieces had Egyptian-inspired motifs such as palm leaves and sphinxes. In honor of Napoleon, the furniture pieces were adorned with a capital N sitting in the middle of laurel leaves.
(Above photo - French Empire Commode Chest of Drawers - Antique with Marquetry Inlay )
It is evident that French Empire antiques are some of the most beautiful furniture pieces ever made anywhere. Their uniformity emanates from the fact that they were made under the strict supervision of men appointed by Napoleon himself. Having sought to bring back classical elements into furniture production, they look similar to neoclassical antiques. However, the characteristic letter N is enough to tell you if you have a French Empire antique or not.
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