In France the Empire style lasted from the time of the Directory (1795-99) until 1830, as the style of furnishings for the formal rooms of leading palaces. Napoleon, who became emperor in 1804, wished to be surrounded by the pomp of Roman emperors. Characteristic of the style is a programmatically prescribed, but formal, solemnity; a rigid and sometimes excessive consistency; cool pathos; and theatricality. By way of Napoleon's many relatives the style spread across the whole of Europe.

This console table is from the Esterházy castle at Kismarton (today: Eisenstadt, Austria). Its maker was Lignereux, who worked to a design by Percier and Fontaine, two of the greatest architects of the period. Winged chimeras hold in place the black marble top, the entablature of which is embellished by wreaths, stars and festoons. On the upright section behind and below the table there is a mirror in a frame ornamented with gilded bronze swords. This console table is the only signed work by Lignereux that is known. Unmarked pieces in Europe - for example, in Paris - may be linked with it. Thomire, a caster of bronze of good repute who also worked for the imperial court, made the bronze embellishments.

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