Art and Architecture Collection > The Empire and Regency Styles > FRANCE – The Empire Style

Empire Decoration


Napoleon’s promotion of Classical-inspired decoration was intended as a powerful counterpoint to the stylistic excesses of the Baroque and Rococo—and the anciens régimes that supported such effects. Antique themes and motifs were used to promote France’s civic and martial ideals. Cabinetry and metalwork by Jacob-Desmalter, Biennais, Thomire, and Odiot were rendered in the bold new Empire Style. The interrelationship of architectural setting, furniture, and decoration assumed great importance in the eyes of Percier and Fontaine and other purveyors of the style.

Bourgeois, Emile. Le style empire, ses origins et ses caractéres… Paris: H. Laurens, 1930. (3-MLES)
Survey of Empire Style building and decoration in black and white photographs.

Fontainebleau, les petits appartements de Napoléon et Joséphine. Versailles: Editions artistiques et scientifiques, A. Bourdier, 1912. (MLES+)
The original furnishings and interiors of this royal residence are profiled, along with relevant design history.

Grandjean, Serge. Empire Furniture, 1800 to 1825. New York: Taplinger Pub. Co., 1966. (MOF)
Explains the various forms and types of furniture developed during this period, with emphasis on innovations.

Groër, Léon de. Decorative Arts in Europe 1790-1850. New York: Rizzoli, 1986. (3-MLD+ 86-4891)
A broad survey history discusses all decorative designs in this time frame within their Neoclassical context.

Janneau, Guillaume. L’Empire. Paris: Vincent, Fréal et Cie., 1965. (MAMI)
Concise study of the highlights of Empire Style decoration, with a close look at favored ornament and motifs.

Lafond, Paul. L’art décorative et le mobilier sous la République et l’Empire. Paris: Société de propagation des livres d’art, 1906. (MLES+)
Another source book that studies the genesis of Empire Style design.

Lefuel, Hector. François Honoré Georges Jacob-Desmalter, ébeniste de Napoléon Ier et de Louis XVIII. Paris: A. Morancé, 1927. (3-MOF)
A study of a leading artistic cabinetmaker and furniture designer.