Classic Empire Napoleon Furniture and Decorating

Napoleon focused on a heavy use of symbols to convey the message of Napoleon's power. The designs were an inspiration of the Greek, Roman Period, but with bold colors, and costly elaborate design. The look was on a grand, massive scale with ornate decoration including ormolu with Egyptian influence. Lions, griffins and symbols references to Napoleon's reign were very common.

N A P O L E O N S T Y L E

Napoleon I of France 1769-1821

The Classic and Most Famous Napoleon Painting

Symbols of Power is a comprehensive look at Napoleon’s majestic Empire Style. No other ruler in the history of the world has been more aware of the capacity of symbolism to propagate power than Napoleon I. To present an image of power he supported programs of arts that proclaimed France the New Rome.

Symbols of Power contains superb photographs, many taken expressly for this volume, exhibit gorgeous objects decorated with a wealth of antique motifs—columns, arches, laurel wreathes, acanthus leaves, eagles, Egyptian hieroglyphs—created by master French furniture-makers, silversmiths, jewelers, and porcelain and textile manufacturers. Figures of Fame and Victory abound, and furniture, vases, porcelains, and even silverware display an antique style that projects the aura of imperial majesty.

Symbols of Power: Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style, 1800-1815

David Conradsen, assistant curator of decorative arts at the Saint Louis Art Museum, looks at a large porcelain vase at the exhibition at the museum called "Symbols of Power: Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style, 1800-1815" which took place in June of 2007. The show then headed to Boston and Paris.

Odile Nouvel-Kammerer, chief curator for Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris looks at a condiment container in the shape of a ship at an Art Museum exibit called "Symbols of Power: Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style, 1800-1815" The exhibition brought together 250 items, pieces of furniture, gold and silverware, ceramics, textiles and wallpaper at the great nave in the Decorative Arts Museum, providing visitors with a chance to discover the symbols of power during the reign of Napoleon.