Empire Building and Garden Elements

A substantial European round marble and brass pedestal with Lion paw feet base in the Empire style, circa 20th century. Images #5 and 6 show size comparison. Marble top is a combinat...

Empire Charles X Enfilade Boiserie Buffet Lavabo Alcove Fountain Cabinet Sink LA . Very Important and Large Enfilade De Boiserie Buffet Lavabo C.1810 Empire Transition Charles X A great patron of the arts. Light colored woods, yellow or bleached were dominant. This Piece is made of the Bois Clairs in warm blond tone typical of the period 1810-1830. We have another video of the interior to share with you if you wish. Wall Paneling Cabinets and a trumeau Mirror at the center of the Curve, in Front of it a nicely carved Stone Urn with Sphere finial top creating a back splash of a Sink. A very elegant architectural element “La Haute Société ". Focal point of a grand room . These pieces make for a truly special interior to any residence. Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA Melrose Ave La Cienega Blvd . Two Very Large Wall mount Cabinets with very large Doors and original hardware hinges , keys and locks , interior of each cabinet with 3 dividers that makes 4 compartments, a great space to store your dinner service , your porcelain , wine , your glassware etc . painted a beautiful light green on the interior. A very large Marble Hand Carved Urn, on a pedestal and the Swan Fountain...

A very handsome vintage jardinière in the Empire style manufactured by Maitland Smith in the 1980s with cylindrical polished-chrome planter trimmed with brass over a cast and fabrica...

Early French 19th century Empire mahogany and gilt bronze firescreen Screen has a period embroidered flower decorated insert.

A unique French faucet tap dating to circa 1820, this highly detailed spout has the appearance of a swan with a craned neck. Swan motifs were sometimes see...

An impressive cauldron or planter by Maitland-Smith, circa 1990s. Made from iron and bronze in French Empire styling. Features a tessellated marble plater or bowl over a figured scro...

Great 19th century marble and bronze square base round center beveled curved top column/pedestal

Sherle Wagner International is still manufactured in their Massachusetts factory staffed by highly skilled artisans dedicated to preserving old world craftsmanship. Sherle Wagner has been producing the highest quality bathroom sinks and lever sets for 80-years. We are offering another example of one of their classic designs, the Empire Onyx Lever set complimented by a Gold Glazed Scalloped Ceramic Over Edge Sink, mounted on a Stone travertine Vanity top. Vitreous China, Integral overflow drain, 1-3/4˝ discharge drain, 6˝ water depth. Onyx Bathroom Sink Handles with Ribbon and Reed Spout model number 818. Nothing makes a statement quite like a powder room adorned with a Sherle Wagner Sink...

Antique Alabaster Marble Empire Style Carved Column Pedestal Plant Stand. Item features a revolving top, nice slender form, good antique item. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements:...

A rare pair of heliocodal French Directoire library bookcases in solid walnut. This type of bookcases is also known as 'boiseries de Bibliothèque' a...

A pair of Italian black and gold metal tole cachepot jardiniere planters in the Empire style, circa late-20th century, Italy. Pair are oval in shape with gold trimmed scalloped edge, black ground and gold star design, finish with gold lion head and loop detail on sides. Marked "Made in Italy" on bottom as shown. Dimensions: 4" D x 5.63" W x 4.25" Height. Larger Italian cachepot...

Period French Empire Floor Jardinière in Amazing Wooden Veneer and Period Zinc Insect, circa 1810-1830's. Classic plant stand with removable galvanized zinc...

Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles , Exceptional fine pair of Large French Retour D'egypt period terra...

Early 20th century Scandinavian gilt pedestal column circa 1900. Good quality decorative pedestal in original gilt finish.  Roman doric style with white painted top, fluting down th...

An English copper plant or flower pot holder cachepot jardiniere with lion head and paw feet design, circa early-20th century, England. Dimensions: 8" Diameter x 6.94" Height.

A substantial marble tiger lion cat paw architectural element, circa 20th century or earlier. Piece has a flat top with decorative edge around and detailed lion tiger cat paw with na...

Place this elegant antique fireplace tool set next to your mantel. Crafted circa 1980, the "Serviteur" sits on an intricate circular bottom base decorated with a bronze gallery aroun...

This is a very unusual oxidized original antique fireplace mantle in Green marble from the Empire period with lion claw (griffon) The front has 2 diamond point details. The Marble is Vert Maurin with provenance from Hameau de Maurin in the Alpes-De-Haute-Provence ( France ). This marble was also used for the Grave Monument of Napoléon Premiér, in the Invalides...

Antique handcarved Carrara marble bath in Empire style. This beatiful sculpted white-grey marble bath with rings is made in the early 19th century....

Antique late 19th-century brass English fireplace footman trivet. The footman is an elegant nod to days gone by and would be a great decorative accent p...

Royal Empire column with malachite and gilt bronze Impressive and regal wooden column with bronze mounts in Empire style. Solid wood coated with malachite painting technique. Such a...

A Highly Important Empire Period Rosso Antico Chimneypiece Inset with Specimen Marble Portrait Reliefs of Roman Emperors The carved and veneered surround comprising a moulded shelf supported by a bold dentil cornice, above an inverted breakfront frieze carved with a central triglyph panel, flanked by a pair of rosettes carved in shallow relief, the frieze mounted with six carved hardstone profile portrait medallions of Roman Emperors, the stop-fluted jambs raised on moulded footblocks; in excellent condition with small restorations commensurate with age and use; the pale inclusions in the stone naturally formed. This spectacular neoclassical marble chimneypiece is carved from Rosso antico, the frieze inset with six portrait reliefs of Roman Emperors, each carved in marmo giallo on a bardiglio background, five variously incised: VESPASIANUS, TIBERIVS, OTHO, JULIUS CAESAR, TITUS. Rosso antico (marmor taenarium) is first recorded as being quarried in 1700 BC at Akra Tainaron (Cape Matapan), Greece.¹ The majority of this stone, however, was extracted throughout the Roman period, when it was one of the most coveted materials for carving due to its rich red colouring and association with highly prized Egyptian ‘Imperial’ Porphyry.² Rosso antico was chosen in antiquity for portrait busts, notably depicting Bacchic subjects such as Dionysus and satyrs due to its rich red wine colour which symbolised conviviality whilst conveying the education and cultivated taste of the owner.³ In the Renaissance, Rosso antico was also used for architectural detail on important buildings, such as the steps leading up to the choir in the medieval church of S. Prassede, and the large columns at the entrance to the Camera dell'Aurora.⁴ In 121 AD, G. Suetonius Tranquillus, secretary to Emperor Hadrian, wrote a biographical history of the first twelve emperors of Rome entitled De vita Caesarum (The Twelve Caesars). A Renaissance edition of Tranquillus’ work was published in 1470, followed by further reprints and translations into all the main European languages. Many of these were illustrated with prints of emperors taken from coins and statues, or imagined by the artist based on Tranquillus’ accounts. These interpretations were copied, in turn, by Renaissance designers for medals, Limoges enamels, and busts, as well as paintings such as the Eleven Caesars, a series of eleven half-length portraits of Roman emperors made by Titian in 1536–40 for Federico II, Duke of Mantua.⁵ These paintings were later given to King Charles I, before being passed in the Commonwealth to the Kings of Spain. Unfortunately, the series was destroyed in the catastrophic fire of 1734 at the Royal Alcazar of Madrid, and is now only known through copies and engravings.⁶ From the middle of the 17th century until the end of the 18th century, there was an insatiable demand for marble carvings, often sold as Roman or assembled from ancient fragments, thus perpetuating the reverence for antiquity that was the quintessence of the Grand Tour. Rosso antico was in extremely short supply, even after the ancient quarries at Skutari were rediscovered in 1830, and remained one of the most highly valued of all stones. Described in 1776 as ‘dark red; scarce and dear’, it was mostly used for small objects such as Grand Tour desk ornaments, inevitably using material re-cut from classical fragments, due to its rarity, as was the case with porphyry.⁷ The portrait roundels on this chimneypiece are typical of those produced in Rome and Florence in hardstones, semi-precious stones, gold, silver, bronze, and mother-of-pearl, which, being easily transportable, would be taken home from the Grand Tour to be mounted within wooden, gilded or brass frames, as fashion dictated.⁸ A group of gold portraits of Caesars, dating from around 1660, are in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. Images of Roman emperors were not limited to Italy, England and France, however, as examples executed in Deshima for the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie) show. Medallions depicting Roman emperors, invariably made of black and gold Japanese hiramakie or takamakie lacquer on copper, were produced for the Dutch market at the end of the 18th century. Examples can be found in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.⁹ There are two possible sources for the Imperial profiles on the chimneypiece: the engravings of The Twelve Caesars by Marcantonio Raimondi, or the Imperatorum Imagines by Hubert Golz.¹⁰ The portrait medallions also bear remarkable resemblance to a set of eighteen carved portrait reliefs of Roman Emperors, also of marmo giallo, almost certainly bought by David Ker (1742–1811) of Portavo, Co. Down, on his Grand Tour between 1792–4 in either Florence or Rome. Ker’s diary entry for 17th October 1793 is interesting as it reveals that he was offering his brother a choice of chimneypiece designs, which further supports a Roman origin for the offered example.¹¹ Indeed, fire surrounds incorporating antique fragments had been promoted from the late 1760s by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–78), encouraged by Rome-trained architects including Robert Adam (d.1792). One such example, inset with mythological tablets carved from Rosso antico, was acquired by the 9th Earl of Exeter from Piranesi himself for Burghley House.¹² Another can be found at Islington House, Dorset.¹³ A third, inset with giallo antico and Rosso antico, follows Piranesi’s engraved design dated 1769 for a fire surround mounted with three marble portrait reliefs.¹⁴ It should be re-emphasised that Rosso antico was so precious that it was only ever used for small tablets or details rather than an entire chimneypiece, as with the offered example; likewise, while portrait reliefs are occasionally seen on the jambs of Italian surrounds, it is exceptionally rare to see the frieze mounted with a group, especially of this scale: the combination indicates an architectural commission by an extremely wealthy patron. The sophisticated lines of this chimneypiece epitomise the French Empire influence on the Italian states at the turn of the 18th century. This idiosyncratic ‘Roman’ taste is encapsulated by that of Napoleon, who identified with Rome’s Imperial past. Napoleon’s desire to establish a visual link between himself and Roman emperors is demonstrated by the portraits of his court painter, Jacques-Louis David, inspired by portraits of Emperor Augustus. This Imperial taste extended to architecture, furniture and porcelain, the latter two of which are combined in a group of magnificent ormolu-mounted guéridons commissioned in Sèvres between 1803–11, made to immortalise Napoleon’s reign.¹⁵ The second guéridon in the series, the Table des Grands Capitaines (Table of the Great Commanders of Antiquity), commissioned in 1806, is made almost entirely of hard-paste Sèvres porcelain. The top, painted in imitation of sardonyx, is centred by a portrait cameo of Alexander the Great, surrounded by twelve smaller heads of commanders and philosophers from antiquity: Pericles, Scipio Africanus, Pompey, Augustus, Septimus Severus, Constantine, Trajan, Caesar, Mithridates, Hannibal, Themistocles and Miltiades.¹⁶ Louis XVIII presented the table to the Prince Regent (later King George IV) in 1817 as a token of appreciation for Napoleon’s defeat two years earlier, and George IV treasured it so highly that it became part of the ceremonial backdrop for all his state portraits. The table remains in the Royal Collection.¹⁷ This chimneypiece remained, until recently, in the possession of a noble Dutch family, who acquired it from the owners of a bombed Knightsbridge house in the 1940s; unfortunately, its provenance prior to this has been lost. The use of Rosso antico on this scale, inset with these splendid Imperial profile medallions, appears unparalleled. 1. J. B. Grossman, 'Looking at Greek and Roman Sculpture in Stone' (Los Angeles, 2003). Grossman states that this material was ‘...quarried in three places during antiquity: on Cape Tainaron present day Matapan on the Peloponnese of Greece; on Crete; and at the site of Iasos in Asia Minor. 2. L. Lazzarini, ‘Rosso antico and other red marbles used in antiquity: a characterization study’, Marble, Art Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Ancient Sculpture’ (1990), 237–252. C. Gorgoni, L. Lazzarini, P. Pallante, ‘New archaeometric data on Rosso antico and other red marbles used in antiquity, ASMOSIA VI, Interdisciplinary Studies on Ancient Stone’ (2002), pp. 199–206. J. Deér, trans. G.A. Gilhoff, The Dynastic Porphyry Tombs of the Norman Period in Sicily (Cambridge, 1959), p. 144. R. Gnoli, Marmora Romana (Rome, 1988), pp. 187–191. 3. A notable example is a satyr from the Emperor Hadrian's villa at Tivoli, now in the Capitoline Museum, Rome. Another is the head of a satyr in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, accession no. 2006.110. See T. Opper, Hadrian. Empire and Conflict (London, 2008), p. 165, fig. 149. 4. De Luca, Marmi antichi (Rome, 1998), p. 126. Faustino Corsi, Catalogo ragionato d’una collezione di pietre di decorazione (Rome, 1833), p. 93. 5. For related Limoges medallions, see set of ten circular Limoges enamel medallions depicting Roman emperors, en grisaille with gilding, from the workshop of Jacques I Laudin, sold Christie’s London, Fine Renaissance Bronzes and Works of Art, 19 December, 1977, lot 95. 6. See set of drawings sold Sotheby’s London, Of Royal and Noble Descent, 24 February, 2015, lot 184. 7. J. J. Ferber, Raspe’s Travels through Italy in the Years 1771–1772 (London, 1776), p. 218. 8. See Sotheby’s London, Pelham, the Public and the Private, 8 March 2016, lot 75: ‘A set of twelve mother-of-pearl cameos of Roman Emperors, Southern Italian, early 19th century’ 9. Oliver Impey, Christiaan J.A. Jörg, Cynthia Viallé, Japanese Export Lacquer 1580–1850 (Amsterdam, 2005) pp. 48–57, no. 56 & 57. 10. For a further reference, see the candlesticks by Jacques I Laudin in the Waters Art Gallery, illustrated in P. Verdier, Catalogue of the Painted Enamels of the Renaissance (Baltimore, 1967), p. 389, nos. 207 & 208. 11. John Ingamells, A Dictionary of British and Irish travellers in Italy 1701–1800 (London, 1997), pp. 572–3. 12. Oliver Impey, Four Centuries of Decorative Arts from Burghley House (Virginia, 1998), p. 53, fig. 23. 13. Country Life, 12 June, 1997, p. 162, figs. 9–11. 14. A. González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, Roma e il Regno delle due Sicilie, Vol. II (Milan, 1984), pp. 592–93, p. 260. 15. S. Grandjean, 'Napoleonic Tables...

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Empire style Mahogany Pedestal Plant Stand. Measures 15" in diameter at the base, 12" in diameter at the top and stands 55.75" tall.

Imperial Crest Antique Shield Coat of Arm Wall Plaque Armorial LA Antique Dealer , Beautiful Early 19th century Heavy Bronze Imperial Armorial Armoirie Coat...

Large Neoclassical style gilt bronze and malachite fireplace French, 20th century Measures: Height 124cm, width 218cm, depth 58cm Crafted from the timeless combination of malachite ...

This French zinc bathtub is in original condition: without a drainage hole, with a wood subframe, two handles and beautiful blue painting and decoration on both sides. Seems to be wa...

A very important 19th century (circa 1820) French Empire Sienna marble fireplace with elaborate ormolu enrichments to frieze and jambs. The flu...

A large and palatial antique French Empire neoclassical gilt bronze and patinated bronze oval form centerpiece planter of superb craftsmanship embellished with neoclassical gilt bron...

A substantial French gold gilt bronze pedestal column plant stand, in the Empire design style, attributed to maker, Maison Jansen, circa 20th century, France. Round top is a copper g...

A magnificent over 200 year old French Empire Period (1804-1815) parcel gilt walnut armorial hall pedestal / plant stand. Born in France in the early 19th century, most likely near the Italian border or Napoleonic territory in present day Northern Italy, most impressive palatial scale, exceptionally executed one-of-a-kind sculptural work, having carved fiolate apron with H monogram, decorative scroll work, stylized grotesque satyr mask with acanthus leaf accent, over high relief crest mural crown depicting four towers representing fortified city walls, shield escutcheon coat of arms with three fleur-de-lis above wavy lines depicting sea water in front of castle tower, supported by figural winged female caryatid, flanked by volute supports, joined by turned stretcher. circa 1810 Provenance / Acquisition: An important San Antonio estate Acquired from highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Texas Mansion Carved French and Italian Antiques catalog...

Empire style fireplace in antique green marble and gilded bronze Hearth dimensions: 85 x 102 cm

This Empire-style fireplace is made of Rouge Griotte marble, known for its deep color and highly prized under Napoleon I. The gilded bronzes that adorn the fireplace are attributed ...

White marble fountain, neoclassical , dated beginning of 19th Century This fountain comes from Palazzo Tadini, an old art gallery which owner loved to collect Canova's works. Palazz...

Stunning and all hand-crafted column pedestal from the early 1900s. Column pedestals in the Empire or Napoleon style are a rare find. It is therefore that we could not be more surpr...

An early 19th century Empire period Statuary white marble with ormolu mounted fireplace. Very fine quality marble and ormolu, with demi lune shaped shelf, frieze and jambs. The friez...

These Danish fireplace tools makes a wonderful addition to any fireplace surround. This two piece set was found at a market down town Copenhagen, Denmark. This set can be used in any...

This is one of a kind fireplace surround in Carrara marble was made by special order for the Castle of Fontainebleau. The identical but in grey mantel was ...

Pair of French Empire style malachite and gilt bronze pedestals French, 20th Century Height 115cm, width 35cm, depth 35cm This pair of 20th century French pedestals is crafted fro...

Pair of French Empire black lacquer column pedestals with bronze dore festoon trim.

Pair of antique Empire Neoclassical Swedish pedestals painted ebony with gold accents.

Antique French Empire Brass Bronze Urn Finial Slender Column Andirons with Desirable Patina and Branch Feet - a Pair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 22" H x 11.5" W x 18" D.

French 19th century onyx and bronze square top and bottom with round center pedestal/column wit revolving top.

A rare and important period French Empire dore bronze mounted iron fire fender, with rich provenance, adding character and historic depth, it's from the home of iconic American busin...

1980s vintage jardinière in the Empire style manufactured by Maitland-Smith with cylindrical polished-chrome planter trimmed with brass. Planter connects to cast tripod brass base with claw feet by Directoire style intersecting chrome rods with brass disc at intersecting points. In fine condition, some scratches to base, light marks to interior of planter, appears never to have had live plants inside...

Set of two 18th century brass and iron fireplace tools.

Empire Pedestal Table In Cuban Mahogany, Levanto Marble

A superb and richly carved giltwood eagle perched on rocks with open wings, the eagle's head looking to its left and fitted with a separate giltwood wreath...

Important French Napoleon III carved Rouge Griotte Marble and ormolu mounted figural fireplace mantel chimneypiece. The rectangular carv...

Antique French Empire Bronze Urn Finial Fireplace Andirons w/ Paw Feet and Desirable Patina- a Pair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 25" H x 11" W x 11" D.

Classic pair of Empire style antique brass andirons with aged patina. Wonderfully handsome, will add style and character to any fireplace. OAL ...

An early 19th century French Empire style fireplace fender with dogs. Bronze, brass, steel, and gilded bronze decoration.

Empire columns, France, ca. 1880. Wood: mahogany dimensions height 103 cm. top 30 cm x 24 cm

This original vintage fireplace surround is a one of a kind chimney piece. A real eyecatcher. It is influenced of the wars by Napoleon to Egypt. The mantel is in perfect condition a...

French Empire style (19th Century) iron and bronze trimmed railing with scroll design and eagle center (by repute from Napoleon III library) (Related items: 031616, 042367).

A stunning pair of French Empire style garden urns in bronze, 20th century. Amazing architectural pair, can you imagine these in your garden overflowing with flowers. Stand in at nea...

An antique Empire style fireplace in Verdi Antico marble with Statuary white marble semi detached columns to Jambs. The capitals in the Corinthian manner again carved in Statuary Mar...

This exquisite hand-carved wooden column, adorned with gleaming gold leaf, exudes timeless elegance and grandeur. Standing at an impressive 43.9 inches (111.5 cm) tall, the column fe...

An antique set of French Empire figural andirons offer cast bronze construction with dolphin finials over reeded columns with acanthus and dolphin bases, 19th century Measures- 23''...