American Empire (1800 to 1840)
After the 1820s, the grace and elegance of Regency furniture gave way to the American Empire period which drew more influence from the French than the English, greater emphasis on curved arms, cabriole legs, and ornate, paw or claw feet and rolled backs. Case pieces were often constructed using ‘S’ and ‘C’-scroll pillars. Supporting columns on the corners of dressers and glass in place of raised panels were also hallmarks of this period. The pieces of this period featured much more bold and bulkier lines as well as tetrapod bases for tables. American Empire furniture continued to reflect classical prototypes, but often the features were exaggerated.
Vigorous carving and richly figured woods were hallmarks emphasized, but Empire furniture was also painted; often it was ornamented with decorative metal mounts and with gilt stencil patterns that reflected the metal designs.
The Classical style inspired by the French Restoration period is the last traditionally collected by American collectors, and flourished from 1820 to 1840.