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French Empire is an influential design style that epitomizes the grandeur and opulence of the Napoleonic era. Originating in the early 19th century, this style was heavily inspired by the Roman Empire, reflecting Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s ambition to revive and emulate Roman grandiosity.
Empire style is an early 1800s period of interior design created at the command of Napoleon. It is characterized by its simple construction with a deep rich varnish, wreaths inspired by Greek and Roman motifs, and metal feet. Tabletops often have marble tops, and the most commonly used woods are mahogany, ebony, cherry, and rosewood.
Nov 27, 2019 · Under these regulations, cabinetmakers started designing pieces harkening back to Baroque designs. Empire furniture suited Napoleon’s penchant for large components, as well as his urge to show off his authority. Bedroom of Napoleon in the Rohan Palace. Strasbourg, France (c. 1805) | Source: study.com.
James Kruger, LandMark Photography Interior Design: Martha O'Hara Interiors Architect: Sharratt Design & Company. Inspiration for a large french country open concept and formal dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace. Save Photo.
- Fabrics
- Animal Motives
- Materials
- Caryatids
- Egyptian Motifs
- Bee and Swan
- Palmette and Acanthus
- Lighting
Muslin, colored silks, serge, merino wool, and damask. Frequent patterns included laurel leaves, wreaths, and swan motifs.
Another frequent feature of the Empire style is animal motives. Lions, eagles, and snakes, associated with courage, strength, and wisdom, were the most popular “Empire” animals. Their stylized heads and feet adorned the armrests and legs of the furniture, and the backs of chairs and sofas often had the shape of an eagle wing.
In 1801 architects Percier and Fontaine published the book “Empire Stylebook of Interior Design”, which served as a guide for furniture makers and decorators throughout Europe. French Empire furniture, as a rule, was made of mahogany adorned with bronze and marble decorations. The laurel wreathis a universal symbol of triumph, victory and power. In...
Empire furniture often represented architecture in miniature: classic, symmetrical and rigid. And besides, it was decorated with such purely architectural details as columns and caryatids. Most of all table tops made during this era rest on their wooden or bronze shoulders.
After Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign in 1797 everything related to Ancient Egypt became extremely fashionable in Europe. Accordingly, the furniture was covered with images of sphinxes, ibises and hieroglyphs.
Architects Percier and Fontaine created for the Empire style a strict system of symbols: for example, a bee surrounded by a laurel wreath signified Napoleon, and a swan – Empress Josephine.
The two main Empire ornaments have different, but equally ancient origins. The classic acanthus, the decorative element in the shape of stylized leaves or stems of the acanthus, is an antique motif. A palmette, a fan-shaped ornament that resembles a palm leaf is a tribute to the Egyptian trend.
Candles were still used for chandeliers, candelabras and wall sconces. Want to learn more about various historic interior styles? Read my History of Styles ebook:
Interior design and decorating history of the French Empire Style. An insight into this style and what were the key factors of decoration and furniture.
Empire style, major phase of Neoclassical art that flourished in France during the time of the First Empire (1804–14). The Empire style was encouraged by Napoleon’s desire for a style inspired by the grandeur of ancient Egypt and imperial Rome. In architecture it was exemplified by such Parisian.
