Napoleon III Architectural Elements
NAPOLEON III STYLE
Under Napoleon III’s rule, Paris underwent a great rebuilding overseen by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, which created grand avenues and lavish landmarks like the Paris Opera. Antique Napoleon III–style furniture was flamboyant and eclectic. It was also known as Second Empire style since it followed and referenced the Empire style of his uncle Napoleon I.
Developing from 1852–70, Napoleon III furniture was plush and ornate, matching the fashion for masked balls and socializing in salons. It borrowed freely from earlier French styles including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI as well as aesthetics from around the world, from antiquity to Asian art. As writer Gustave Claudin remarked in 1867, the country’s architects worked in “a style which one would be tempted to call neo-Greco-Gothico-Pompadour-Pompeian.”
Napoleon III chairs were completely covered with velvet and lined with tassels; pouf footstools invited people to put up their feet. Sofas were upholstered with tapestries, and beds were adorned with gilt bronze and theatrical canopies. The addition of conservatories to homes led to new indoor-outdoor furniture, while the spirit of hygiene promoted by Baron Haussmann inspired bright, floral motifs.
Although the most ostentatious designs were for the elite, as seen in the Napoleon III apartments preserved in the Louvre, where red velvet, gilding and chandeliers create a cacophony of luxury, these trends influenced homes across classes as manufacturing made design increasingly accessible. Papier-mâché furniture allowed for elaborate shapes that would have been difficult to carve in wood. The malleable material was painted with chinoiserie patterns and decorative designs. It was mass-produced by factories such as Jennens and Bettridge with varnishing and mother-of-pearl inlays creating an effect reminiscent of Asian lacquer. (Surfaces that had been “japanned” — a specialty of Jennens and Bettridge — were intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia.)
Find a collection of antique Napoleon III decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Napoleon III
Two Dormer Windows in Cast Iron from the 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Two 19th century polychrome cast iron dormer windows
in very good condition
Beautiful patina.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Stately and Tall Pair of French Napoleon III Zinc Roof Finials
Located in San Francisco, CA
each tall finial with pointed spire above a lobed baluster-form mid-section resting on a graduated square base; the whole on later ebonized wooden plinths
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
19th Century French Bombe Wrought Iron Balcony Rail ~ Baluster Rail
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Bombe Wrought Iron Balcony Rail ~ Baluster Rail is a marvel of the metalsmith's art! Meticulously forged from red-hot iron, it features a convex form called bomb...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Napoleon III Style Paneled Room with Fireplace and Mirror
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Piece of woodwork in the Napoleon III style made in the 19th century in carved walnut wood from the living room of a Parisian mansion. This piece of paneled furniture includes a mirror fireplace...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Antique French Painted and Giltwood Overdoor, circa 1850
Located in Dallas, TX
The reign of Napoleon III, often referred to as “The Second Empire”, featured an amalgamation of styles from previous regimes, ranging from the light and airy Rococo of Louis XV to the more stoic Neoclassical trophies of Louis XVI. Our painted giltwood overdoor from circa 1850 is in the vein of a Regence or Louis XV adaptation of the Napoleon III period. The piece is adorned with flowing motifs inspired by nature, such as the curled leaves, scalloped shell, and deep carvings seen on the overdoor.
A main principle of Napoleon III furnishings was to utilize every inch available, as noted by the gadrooned leaf and rinceaux that emanate from behind the center medallion, forming a sprawling border. The medallion features an amazing high relief carving of a floral bouquet surrounded by curled leaves with scrolled tendrils and raised, asymmetrical panels. At the top is a scalloped shell, which is mimicked by a pair of parted leaves set at an angle in each of the upper corners. All of the carvings are presented in giltwood, which pairs nicely with the cream colored background that is enveloped in a quarter round molding (also gilded). The entire grouping is presented as a raised carving, with a thin board behind it that has tas de sable (sandpit) pilasters topped with block finials flanking the overdoor. Unique to most other antique overdoors...
Category
1850s French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Pair of 19th Century French Cast Iron Bras De Lumière Sconces or Lantern Holders
Located in Dallas, TX
Known as bras de lumière (“arm of light”), this pair of French cast iron sconces from the 1800’s features a magnificent rinceau of foliage wit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Metal, Iron
Pair of Ceramic Columns, Late 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of ceramic columns, late 19th century
Pair of ceramic columns, imitation Griotte marble, late 19th century.
H: 99 cm, d max: 45 cm, d min: 28.5 cm.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Portoro marble fireplace from the 19th Century in Style of Napoleon III
Located in Made, NL
Beautiful antique fireplace of Portoro marble from Italy. A very exclusive and special type of marble that has been extracted from Italian quarries since the 16th century. The marble...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Monumental Well in the Louis XIV Style, 20th Century
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This monumental stone fountain canopy was made identical to the fountain of the Chateau of the Black Prince in Lormont. Dated from the 20th century, four columns with grooved barrels crowned with ionic capitals with flowers and stylized foliage are supporting the imperial stone roof which is carved as an imitation of the tortoiseshell slate. A domed frieze carved with foliage is surmounted by a denticulated cornice and a frieze decorated with Greek waves...
Category
20th Century French Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Pair of 19th Century French Balcony Corbels in Carved Pierre de Villebois Stone
Located in Dallas, TX
Recently salvaged from an important French building in the Lyon area, this pair of balcony corbels are from the Napoleon III period (sometimes called Second Empire style). Each corbel was hand-carved in pierre de villebois stone, which is a very hard limestone used...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
French 1850s Napoléon III Framed Architectural Panel with Allegory of the Arts
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period framed architectural oil on canvas panel from the mid 19th century, with Allegory of the Arts and rinceaux motifs. Cr...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
Pair of French Napoléon III 1860s Oil on Canvas Overdoors with Floral Garlands
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoléon III period oil on canvas overdoor panels from the mid 19th century, with floral garlands and ribbon-tied musical instruments. Created in France during the third quarter of the 19th century, each of this pair of oil on canvas overdoors features a delicate hand-painted décor showcasing floral garlands in the upper section, connected to large rinceaux. A ribbon-tied lyre on one of them and a tambourine on the other occupy the center of the composition. Set inside nicely distressed wooden frames, this pair of Napoléon III French overdoors...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Canvas, Wood
19th Century French Cast Iron Water Pump Fountain
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Monumental 19th century French water pump fountain made by Louis Jonet. This large cast iron piece would have been mounted above a large stone trough to catch water. Reminiscent of t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Door Lock, Large Decoration, 19th Century, with Key
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Door lock, large decoration, 19th century, with key
Measures: H 17 cm, W 11 cm, P 3 cm.
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Metal
Pair of Gilt Bronze Bases, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of gilt bronze bases, 19th century, Napoleon III period, original gilding.
Measures: H 7cm, D 13cm.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
Antique Terracotta Lucarne Window Dormer from a Chateau in France, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a beautiful example of a French lucarne, which was recently salvaged from a Chateau in the Ile-De-France region (near Paris). Pieces like this were built into the sides of a ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of French 1860s Napoleon III Terracotta Architectural Fragments with Fruits
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French second Empire terracotta architectural fragments from the mid-19th century with fruit motifs. We currently have two pairs available, priced and sold per pair. Born i...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Terracotta
French Zinc Building Finial
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique zinc finial has small scallops around the bottom with holes for nails or screws when it was once attached to a building.
Great as garden e...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
19th Century Silvered Giltwood and Mirror Architectural
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautiful 19th century, silvered wood and mirror architectural.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
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Antique White French Wrought Iron Balcony Railing, 19th Century
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19th Century Moorish Revival Bronze Architectural Model Panel
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From the highly curated contents of well regarded professional antique dealers, Ed and Jane Grant, who retired after four decades in the industry. The couple supplied both their Washington metro based antique shop, Grant Antiques, and their very fine quality Connecticut showcase, E.J. Grant Antiques, with domestic and imported pieces. World travelers who especially loved European antiques, sourced their merchandise during their frequent buying trips to Europe and Asia and included purchases originating in France, the British Isles, Italy, Spain, and beyond.
"We have never been content with our established route. England is our first and favorite country and furniture. Then we discovered France. Then Holland and Belgium. On to Italy, Spain, then Scandinavia and later China. As always, bits and pieces from the U.S.," explains Jane in her memoirs of their 40 years as antiques dealers.
Upon closing their antiques businesses (which were considered prominent sources for quality, diversity, and condition), the contents were carefully moved to a storage facility in Trumbull, CT awaiting the auction. It's always sad to see such a fine couple shut their doors after so many years in the industry, but we were honored to have the opportunity to find some truly beautiful pieces from such a respected and trusted source.
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French 19th Century Zinc Roof Finial with a Dove
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and very rare zinc roof ornament with a dove.
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Pair of 19th Century Mexican Mesquite & Pine Windows
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Four French Napoléon III 1870s Carved Panels with Hunt and Harvest Allegories
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A set of four French Napoléon III period carved panels from the late 19th century, with allegories of the hunt and of harvest. Created in France at the end of Emperor Napoléon III's ...
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French Napoléon III 1860s Lemon Wood Carved Panel with Angel and Cornucopia
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A French Napoléon III period lemon wood carved panel from the mid 19th century, with angel, cornucopia and scrolling leaves. Created in France during emperor Napoléon III's reign, th...
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H 4.5 in W 52.75 in D 12.5 in
Exceptional Set of Three-Gilded and Painted Pairs of Interior Doors
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French 19th Century Gilt Bronze Lion Flag Holder
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Complete Wrought Iron Interior Grills
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Pair of French 1850s Napoleon III Hand Painted Panels with Fruits and Flowers
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Pair of Garden Planter Jardinières, Napoleon III Style, France, 1875
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous pair of large size garden planter, Jardinière.
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Beautiful high quality decoration showing children's sc...
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19th Century Carved Wood Decoration
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19th century carved wood decoration
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Pair of Important Cast Iron Egg Eye Transformed In Mirror 19th Century Antiquity
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Pair of important eye beef cast iron, mirror transformed, 19th century, antiquity Napoleon III period, large decoration
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H 44.1 in W 48.82 in D 3.15 in
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Napoleon Iii architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage architectural elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III architectural elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for architectural elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $453 and tops out at $130,926 while the average work can sell for $4,525.
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