Symbols of Power : Napoleon’s Empire Style
The French are known as an innovative culture when it comes to art, fashion, gastronomy, design, and architecture. Throughout history, the aristocracy went through political, social, and economic shifts. Along with it, French civic and religious architecture adapted to the culture. One of the most influential and striking of these styles is Empire.
This week, we wanted to take a moment to specifically showcase the Empire style. With a rich history and ostentatious influence by Napoleon Bonaparte and his queen Josephine, Empire pieces reflect the period of France dominated by economic boom, war, and propaganda.
Napoleon’s Reign
After many years of political instability, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor of France in 1804. As the Empire period began, the economy boomed and a new haute bourgeois aristocracy who would desire fine furniture and decoration appeared. His career was built upon his military experience, and even after crowning himself Emperor of France, war continued. His reign of France and beyond ended in 1814. Yet, these 10 years of dominance created a legacy in design, military education, and more.
During the height of the Empire period, Napoleon directly influenced many aspects of decoration and design by dictating requirements and guidelines that artists and craftsmen had to obey. Napoleon was very controlling, which enabled style continuity. Empire design flourished under Napoleon’s rule. Like pre-Revolution guilds, the government imposed strict protocols and specifications regulating the style of artistic productions and manufacturing. He promoted this style as a means of propaganda and a way of showing off the Empire’s power. The Empire style spread to other parts of Europe, where it was also associated with political power. Empire design flourished under Napoleon’s rule.
Josephine Bonaparte
Though not her first marriage, Josephine married Napoleon in 1796. She had two children from her first marriage, and was older than Napoleon. Despite these drawbacks, their relationship was full of love letters and passion. As Empress of France she was known for her love of art and roses.
Josephine was known to surround herself with creative people – from painters to furniture makers and beyond. She built relationships with contemporary artists and put emphasis on old masters. When she moved to the Château de Malmaison, she used the space to create galleries, a theater, and her garden. Her court in France became a leading court in Europe for the arts, and she was a leader in the Empire style.
Two architects, Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine, became the primary decorators under Josephine’s court. Many of her well known pieces of furniture were crafted by the two. By championing furniture designers, her influence on the Empire style and on spreading the Empire style was essential. Her influence cannot be understated in the continued use of the Empire style.
The Power of the Empire Style
Napoleon was fascinated by the political power of the Roman empire, the extent of its influence all over Europe and the details of its architecture style. Napoleon wanted to give France the same grandeur and he reused the Roman aesthetic in its construction of buildings and furniture. The Empire style drew most of its inspiration from the Classical world, especially the Roman Empire and often incorporated large architectural elements such as columns and pilasters. Ancient Egypt was also an influence after a French military campaign there awakened new fascination for this civilization.
The characteristic furniture types were a bit stiff but imposing: their flat surfaces and sharp corners, together with their lack of moldings, produced an effect of grandeur that was not without beauty. Antique forms and ornament, already seen in the Louis XVI style, blended with Napoleon’s imperial symbols, which included the bee, the letter N surrounded by a laurel wreath, stars, the eagle, and exotic hieroglyphic motifs culled from the Egyptian campaign
Mahogany and rosewood, as well as ebonized wood were quite popular. Flamed Cuban mahogany was especially sought after. When it became unavailable due to a blockade, walnut, burled elm, beech, ash yew root, boxwood, olivewood and maple was used. Furniture would be decorated with brass and ormolu and inlaid with ivory or mother of pearl. Strong symmetrical designs replaced ornate carvings and rounded romantic shapes. In its plainest form, Empire style is dignified and striking.
Specifically, desks and case pieces were often formal and usually rectangular with sharp corners and bronze decor. The heavy strength of these pieces was palpable. Marble was used, typically gray or black, yet occasionally white as well. Furniture was large, including dining tables that were heavy and emanated power.
Empire Style at Jean-Marc Fray Antiques
The power and regality of the Empire style can be found in various pieces of furniture at our gallery. We love to mix Empire pieces into spaces with other styles. The Empire style always brings a dignified strength and classic element to any design. Here are a few of our favorite Empire pieces available now!
