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Napoleon III Panelling

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
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 Panelling

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

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 Panelling

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style Panelling with Louis XVI Period Mantel and Trumeau
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare Napoleon III style paneled room in blackened wood (stained beech) with its fireplace in stucco in imitation of porphyry. The fireplace, which is the centerpiece of this paneled...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Panelling

Materials

Bronze

Large antique carved oak wood paneled room
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful carved oak wood paneled room was made in the 19th century. Designed originally for a hexagonal room, with a boudoir, it is composed of six carved wall panels. Three panels have window openings, two are fitted with doors, and the last panel has a large overmantel mirror . The harmony of these elements is ensured by a bucolic decoration of grapes and hunting and fishing trophies...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Panelling

Materials

Wood, Oak

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19th Century Moorish Revival Bronze Architectural Model Panel
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A scarce antique Moorish architectural model thin bronze plaque from the late 19th century. This architectural model features a symmetrical design, the bronze frame having three sections, each panel with large traditional Moorish architecture rounded horseshoe - keyhole arch, flanked by xa pair of smaller pierced arches, finely detailed, decorated in intricate relief work, with light arabesque motif, Islamic calligraphy inscriptions, two large Star of David hexagrams, and notched saw toothed edge ornamentation. Provenance: 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. Acquisition: Reputable auction house, Blackrock Galleries...
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Napoleon Iii panelling for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III panelling 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 panelling created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III panelling 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 panelling differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,800 and tops out at $332,864 while the average work can sell for $56,864.

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