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.
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze 3-Light Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
The appeal of the Napoleon III style (sometimes referred to as the Second Empire) stems from the fact that art and furniture from the mid-1800s incorporated elements from previous Fr...
Metal, Bronze
$3,822Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Napoleon III Patinated Bronze Patina 5-Light Candelabra, France C 1870s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Napoleon III Patinated Bronze Patina 5-Light Candelabra France Circa 1870s A exquisite pair of Napoleon III patinated bronze candelabra, crafted in France during the 1870s. Standing at an impressive 30 inches tall, these candelabra are a true testament to the opulence and craftsmanship of the era. Each candelabrum features a central figural sculpture of a bird holding a serpent, perched upon a tortoise. This intricate sculpture showcases the attention to detail and artistic skill of the bronze sculptor. Above the sculpture, a five-light bobeche candelabrum adds a touch of grandeur and elegance to the piece. Supported on a fluted column, the candelabra rest on triparte acanthus leaf and lion caryatids with paw feet. These decorative elements add a regal and classical aesthetic, reflecting the influence of the Neoclassical style during the Napoleon III period. In their recent use, the candelabra were adapted as lamps, and as a result, the bird finials are now removable. They were previously used as lamp finials...
Bronze
$808Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of French Porcelain and Bronze Candle Holders Napoleon III
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of candlesticks in French Sevres style porcelain and hand-painted bronze, made in the second part of the 19th century. Two little cracks are present, as shown in the pictures. ...
Bronze
A 19th Century French Gild Bronze Lily Candelabra Pair - 19th Century Ormolu
Located in England, GB
An exceptional pair of 19th-century French bronze ormolu candelabra, each masterfully crafted as a lily flower bouquet emerging from elegant two-handled urns. These stunning five-lig...
Bronze, Ormolu
$3,820Sale Price|20% Off
1890 French Antique Napoleon III Signed Baccarat Candelabrum/Candle Holder Large
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Grand Scale c1890's French Napoleon III Baccarat Crystal 3 Light Candelabra. Massive piece! Hand painted floral decor with 24K shades. Floral painted bells. Please look closely at pi...
Crystal
$2,660Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Cut Crystal Candelabra attributed to Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful 19thc French Napoleon III Crystal Candelabra/ Centerpiece. Incredible work on this piece. Shades included. Attrib. Baccarat.
Crystal
BARBEDIENNE - Pair of 19th Century Bronze Torchières by DUBOIS & FALGUIERE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This pair of bronze torchieres with double brown and gold patina is represented by two women in an antique draped dress, one in the left arm and the other in the right arm a seven-li...
Bronze
Mid 19th Century French Louis XVI Revival Ormolu and Crystal Candelabra
By Baccarat
Located in Chicago, IL
An imposing and finely crafted pair of mid-19th-century French girandoles in the Louis XVI Revival style, each modeled as a standing classical caryatid in richly gilded bronze, suppo...
Crystal, Ormolu
$2,200 / set
Pair of French Napoleon Bronze Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
This listing features a pair of six candle bronze candelabras with hand-carved hanging crystals that originate around the 19th century and are part of the Napoleon III style. Also ...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Napolean III Patinated Bronze Figural Candelabra
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Very well cast models of classical maidens standing on decorated stepped rectangular black marble bases, the upper base mounted with an Etruscan style frieze; the bases have gilt bro...
Bronze
An Exceptional Pair of Champleve Enamel Ormolu Candelabra by Sevin & Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Illuminating Heritage: An Important "Exhibition" Pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis Constant Sevin Champleve Enamel and Ormolu Eight-Light Candelabra / Lamps In the realm of de...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Nine-Light Candelabra, Emblematic of Hunting
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair of Large Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Nine-Light Candelabra, Emblematic of Hunting. Each conceived in the Louis XV style with rocaille stem supporting assymetrically modelled sc...
Ormolu
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III period neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze clock set by Picard French, late 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 72cm, width 46cm, depth 27cm Candelabra: Height 78...
Malachite, Ormolu
Monumental Pair Napoleon III Bronze Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
A monumental pair of antique French Napoleon III bronze and white onyx candelabras, dating back to the late 19th century. In baluster-form with gilt bronze handles formed as female c...
Onyx, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candelabras by Victor Raulin
Located in Miami, FL
A Very Fine Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Candelabras Stamped by Victor Raulin An exceptional pair of 19th-century French gilt bronze candelabras from the Napoleon III period, each finely cast with elegant scrolled arms and surmounted by a distinctive bronze candle snuffer...
Bronze
An important Pair of Bronze Candelabra from the 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An important pair of bronze candelabra from the 19th century. A pair of Napoleon III period bronze candelabra, 19th century, one bobèche and one saucer missing. Dimensions : H: 68c...
Bronze
Pair Napoleon III French Ornate Gilt Bronze Marble Candelabras Candle Holders
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of heavy Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and white Marble candleholders or candelabras. Tarnished due to age and use some minor chips to the ...
Marble, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Pair of Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Three-Light Candelabra by Henri Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair of Napoleon III Neo-Etruscan Style Gilt-Bronze three-light candelabra by Henri Picard. Stamped to the underside of one foot 'H. PICARD'. Each candelabrum having a finely cast amphora-shaped body with angular supports,oval portrait masks of a maiden, and a baluster stem issuing three candle arms with circular drip trays and sconces embellished with suspended chains, surmounted by playful amorini and raised on tripod bases terminating in hoof feet. French, Circa 1870. Henri Picard The important fondeur and doreur Henri Picard worked in Paris from 1831 to 1884, most notably for the Emperor Napoléon III. He was based in Paris at 6 rue Jarente from 1831 to 1839, before moving to 10 rue de la Perle...
Bronze
Unusual Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Five Cup Candelabras - A Pair
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 19th c., France, a pair of Napoleon III gilt bronze and champlevé candelabra. Four neoclassical column supports are surmounted by five candle cups, on an enamel decorated plinth. Both are unmarked. The beautifully decorated square base is delicately referenced in the square elements under the candle cups and between the column supports. These candelabras are of superb quality. The four champlevé panels on the sides of each base are beautifully executed. The direction of the design alternates around the sides of each candelabra. Champlevé Enameling: A decorative technique that fuses a powdered glassy material into a recess in a metal surface through the application of heat. Dimensions: 9.5"h x 9"squ Condition: Good, some areas of wear to gilding with spots of verdigris and wax residue. The enamel is well preserved. Provenance: A Private Collection: The Carlyle Hotel, NYC The Carlyle originated in 1930 as one of the city's premier residential hotels and became a cooperative building combining a hotel with luxury apartment rentals...
Bronze, Enamel
Pair of Candelabra in Napoleon III Style Italy Mid 1900s
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of two-light candelabra in gilt and chiseled bronze. Arms with leaf volutes resting on fruit basket held by putto in dark patina bronze. The putto rests on a vase-shaped sphere ...
Bronze
Griotte marble and gilt and patinated bronze clock garniture by Graux
Located in London, GB
Griotte marble and gilt and patinated bronze clock garniture by Graux French, c. 1870 Clock: Height 80cm, width 40cm, depth 33cm Candelabra: Height 82cm, width 40cm, depth 40cmvarious This fine three-piece set includes a mantel clock and a pair of candelabra. The pieces are crafted from bronze—both gilt and patinated—and rich griotte marble. The clock features a griotte marble truncated column shaped base, which is adorned with gilt bronze mounts, such as a low relief plaque and beading. The front of the case is inset with a dial within a gilt bronze bezel and beneath glass. Strikingly, the clock case is surmounted by a large and impressive patinated bronze sculptural group after an original by Clodion, which depicts two nymphs carousing with musical instruments and bunches of grapes. The candelabra are similarly decorated, each with a conforming marble base. The stem of each candelabrum is modelled as two patinated bronze figures holding aloft the candelabrum head, which issues seven gilt bronze branches: six scrolling branches and one central one. The clock dial is signed 'Jules Graux...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Pair of Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Six-Light Candelabras Attributed to Beurdeley
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite pair of Napoleon III gilt bronze six-light candelabras attributed to Emmanuel-Alfred Beurdeley. Maker: Attributed to Emmanuel-Alfred Beurdeley (1847-1919) Origin: Fr...
Bronze
Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Bronze D'Or Rococo Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century French Napoleon III Period Bronze D'Or Rococo Candlesticks are a stunning work of the sculptor's art rendered in ormolu to literally last for centuries! The elabora...
Gold, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Gilt-Bronze Four-Light Candelabra
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 19th century gilt-bronze candelabra, each with a tapering reeded stem supporting three foliate cast candle branches and one central branch, raised on lion head and paw, on a ...
Bronze
Very Fine Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candelabras by Victor Raulin
Located in Tarzana, CA
A very fine pair of 19th century French gilt bronze Napoleon III figural candelabras by Victor Raulin. Each modeled in a form of a standing putti supporting a branch with a seven-a...
Bronze
Pair Antique French Napoleon III Bronze D' Ore & Green Marble Cassoulets Ca 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Napoleon III bronze d' ore & green marble cassoulets, circa 1880.
Marble, Bronze
Naturalist Ormolu Candelabra Lamps in Auguste Cain Taste
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of gilt bronze three-light candelabra lamps topped by Dionysus (Bacchus for the Romans) and a Maenad (Bacchante for the Romans). Dionysus is represented wearing the skin of a fa...
Ormolu, Bronze
Gilt Bronze and Hardstone Inlay Napoleon III Period Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and hardstone inlay Napoleon III period clock set by Barbedienne French, 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 50cm, width 23cm, depth 16c...
Stone, Ormolu, Bronze
Important Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze and Porcelain Clock Garniture, circa 1870
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An important Napoléon III gilt bronze and turquoise porcelain clock garniture. French, circa 1870. This very fine clock garniture comprises of a clock and a pair of vase form candelabra. The finely cast and chiselled gilt bronze case has a jewelled turquoise porcelain face with Roman Numerals above a plaque depicting children in a wooded landscape, flanked by expressive male and female cherub figures, cast in the round, beneath a scrolled pediment with torches en flambeau and surmounted by a turquoise vase and cover. The pair of candelabra en-suite are in the form of turquoise porcelain vases...
Bronze
French Napoleon III Sevres Style Porcelain Ormolu Ram Candelabra Urn Stepniewski
Located in Dayton, OH
An elaborate monumental French Louis XVI / Napoleon III Sevres Style palace vase and candelabra by Eric Stepniewski. Features a cobalt blue porcelain urn wrapped in low relief chisel...
Bronze
$25,032 / set
Raingo Freres Three-Piece Bronze Cherub Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This graceful, joyous antique clock set is a reminder of why the 19th century Parisian clockmaking firm Raingo Freres is so highly revered: the beautiful...
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Eclectic Style Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Henri Picard and Denière et Fils
Located in London, GB
Antique eclectic style gilt bronze clock set by Henri Picard and Denière et Fils French, late 19th century Dimensions: Clock height 78cm, width 36cm, depth 24cm, candelabra height ...
Ormolu
Pair of gilded bronze candelabra in the style of Napoleon III XXth Century
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Pair of gilded bronze candelabra in the style of Napoleon III XXth Century
Bronze
Pair of Large French Figural Candelabra in Patinated Bronze, Ormolu and White Ma
Located in London, GB
A fine true pair of patinated bronze, ormolu and white marble figural candelabra in excellent condition. Set upon a white marble base, with ormolu swags surrounding the marble. The p...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra, France, 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of gilt and patinated bronze candelabra. France, 19th century.
Bronze
An Exceptional Suite of Champleve Enamel Ormolu Candelabra by Sevin, Barbedienne
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Illuminating Heritage: An Important "Exhibition" Suite of Four Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis-Constant Sevin Champlevé Enamel and Ormolu Eight-Light Candelabra/Lamps This monumenta...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Pair Napoleon III Period Bronze Floral Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Napoleon III Period Bronze Floral Candelabra are the perfect choice to provide a finishing touch on a mantel, buffet, window sill or any other s...
Bronze
Pair Napoleon III Period Bronze Floral Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Napoleon III Period Bronze Floral Candelabra are the perfect choice to provide a finishing touch on a mantel, buffet, window sill or any other s...
Bronze
Pair of Antique French Bronze Candelabra, Mercury Gilded, Circa 1860
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of three-flame candelabra Cast bronze, chiselled and mercury gilded France, third quarter of the nineteenth century Height 14.96 in (38 cm) X 12.59 (32 cm) Weight 11.46 lb ...
Bronze
Mantel Set with a Clock and Two Candelabras, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mantel set with a clock and two candelabras, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century Napoleon III period Sèvres porcelain and gilt bronze mantelpiece with a clock and two...
Bronze
Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabras, Falcons in Japanese Porcelain, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of candelabra, Napoleon III period, 19th century, in gilt bronze and Japanese porcelain, topped with falcons and three-light candelabra. H: 37.5cm, W: 28cm, D: 20cm Contact us...
Bronze
A Large Pair of Vienna Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Candelabras, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An important pair of Vienna porcelain and gilt bronze candelabras, 19th century. A pair of 19th-century candelabras, Napoleon III period, made of Vienna porcelain and gilt bronze. ...
Bronze
Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabras on Stone Bases, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This pair of candelabras is crafted in gilt bronze and mounted on solid black stone bases. Each candelabrum includes five candle holders: one central, slightly raised socket, and fou...
Stone, Bronze
Pair of Six-Branch Gilt Bronze and Carrara Marble Candelabra – 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
An exquisite and finely crafted pair of candelabra in gilt bronze and white Carrara marble, dating from the 19th century. Each candelabrum rests on a white marble base, enhanced wit...
Marble, Bronze
Maison Millet, Pair of “ Tritons” Candelabras, France, Circa 1870
By Maison Millet, Pierre Gouthiere
Located in PARIS, FR
Height : 78 cm (30,7 in.) ; Base : 14,5 x 14,5 cm (5,7 in. x 5,7 in.) Beautiful pair of Louis XVI style amphora-shaped vases in gilded bronze and "canon de fusil" patinated bronze a...
Bronze
Pair of Bronze and Gilt Candelabra, France, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This pair of 19th-century French candelabra is made from dark patinated bronze and bright gilt bronze (ormolu). Each piece features a mythical creature, possibly a dragon or a chimer...
Bronze
Antique and Unusual Pair of Gilt and Silvered Bronze, Inlaid Marble 6 Sconce Can
Located in London, GB
Antique and unusual pair of 6 sconce candelabra. The 8 sided marble base set on four winged paw feet. The base has a silvered bronze collar decorated w...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Stunning Baccarat, Fire-Gilded Bronze Putto Candlestick, Napoleon III
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Baccarat bronze chandelier bronze, fire-gilded, partially polished. Elaborately cut crystal glass. Two-armed shape, shaft as a standing putto on a glass base and plinth, this held w...
Crystal, Bronze
Large Pair of Electrified Candelabra in Gilded Bronze with Patina, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large pair of electrified candelabra in gilded bronze with patina, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Large pair of 19th century Napoleon III period candelabra in gilded and patinat...
Bronze
Pair 19th century candelabra styled in the form of medieval knights
Located in Wijnegem, BE
Pair 19th century Napoleon III gilded - and silver-plated bronze candelabra styled in the form of medieval knights in armor on hexagonal marble bases. France c. 1870s Dimensions: H...
Marble, Bronze
$3,608Sale Price|40% Off
Two 19th-Century Bronze Four-Armed Candelabras
Located in Opole, PL
Two 19th-Century Bronze Four-Armed Candelabras Two 19th-century four-armed candelabras with putti from the period of 1840-1850 in the Napoleon III style. Putti made of bronze, other...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Bronze Candelabra with Animal Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of French 19th century bronze candelabra with animal motif.
Very Fine Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Five-Branch Candelabras
Located in Tarzana, CA
A fine pair of 19th century French Napoleon III gilt bronze five-branch candelabras / lamps on Lucite bases. Each designed with an open winged crane finial. Dimensions Height: 47" ...
Bronze
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III Period neoclassical style three-piece clock set. French, 19th century Dimensions: Height 58cm, width 47cm, depth 19cm Comprised of a mantel clock and two flanking c...
Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu
A Pair of 19th Century French ormolu Candelabras attr. to F. Barbedienne
Located in Tarzana, CA
This finely cast and finished pair of French Ormolu candelabras are clearly a work of a master bronzier. Each candelabra consisting of an urn ...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Four-Branch Figural Candelabras
Located in Tarzana, CA
A Pair of large 19th century Napoleon III French Gilt Bronze Four-branch Figural Candelabras. One candelabra with surmounted figure of a boy and the other with a figure of a girl. ...
Bronze