Empire style antique furniture

As a result of classicism, the values ​​of Roman-Greek culture became dominant again during the Renaissance, which was reflected in the shape of the furniture and the style of their decorative elements in empire-style furniture in France.


In the declining period of the Baroque era, the Rococo (the style of the republic), which was further built on the arched elements of the Baroque and revived the motifs of the ancient Roman-Greek culture, appeared. During the short existence of the republic, the growing bourgeoisie had already avoided the luxurious Baroque, still-life Rococo lines, the furniture bodies were further built on straight lines, and little of their decoration was made of classical Roman patterns. During the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, the straight-line furniture of the directoire style was complemented by a much richer decoration. The influence of style was strongest in France, but it was also significant in allied Italy. Other areas of Europe are much less characterized by the appearance of the Empire style in furniture construction, yet we find contemporary furniture in these areas much more modest in their decoration. In the German-speaking area, the braid and later the Biedermeier were characteristic during the Empire period.



Ambitious rulers of all historical ages sought to proclaim their greatness with monumental constructions. The decorative motifs of the buildings immediately appeared on the furniture of that era. The decorations of the empire-style furniture, reminiscent of the age of the pharaohs, are closely tied to Napoleon. After the Egyptian campaign, decorative elements of the Pharaonic age also appeared on the furniture.



The combination of simple lines and accentuated decorative elements makes empire furniture unique. Most of the veneered furniture was made of noble mahogany, ebony, garden walnut poplar, the decorations were made of wood carvings painted in gold, or gilded bronze. The high-gloss polish of wooden surfaces, the radiance of gold, radiates a princely atmosphere.
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