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Empire style furniture

Empire is an early 19th century style of architecture and furniture design during the rule of France by Napoleon I (1769 - 1821) who became Emperor (1804 - 1814).
The Empire style was based on aspects of the Roman Empire. It is the second phase of neoclassicism which is also called "Directoire", after a government system.
Furniture typically had symbols and ornaments borrowed from the glorious ancient Greek and Roman empires.
The furniture was made from heavy woods such as mahogany and ebony, imported from the colonies, with dark finishes often with decorative bronze mounts. Marble tops were popular as were Egyptian motifs like sphinxes, griffins, urns and eagles and the Napoleonic symbols, the eagle, the bee, the initials "I" and a large "N."
Gilded bronze (ormolu) details displayed a high level of craftsmanship.

1852-1870
Napoleon III:

1837-1901
Victorian:  

History French Furniture