When hearing the term Empire in a conversation about design, most people immediately think of France or Napoleon. But should this style be entirely associated with the famous commander, or is this tendency to interpret a movement in the most obvious historical context an oversimplification?

Empire, as a style, was originated in France by Napoleon Bonaparte, immediately after his empirical elections in 1800. And throughout his rule, Empire played a very important role in bolstering his glory and majesty. The reign of Augustus Caesar established a model for Napoleon’s leadership, as opposed to the earlier French Classicism, which instead tended to be a manifestation of Roman civil society. Read more…