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.
A Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ by Clesinger and Barbedienne, 15" High
By Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ, Circa 1858, Signed J. Clesinger, Rome 1858 & F. Barbedienne Fondeur This French bronze bust of Jesus Christ, crafted circa 1858, stan...
Bronze
An Exquisite French Silver and Malachite Bust of Napoleon, By Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An Exquisite French Silver and Malachite Bust of Napoleon, By Emile Pinedo This exquisite French silver and malachite bust of Napoleon, masterfully crafted by the esteemed sculptor ...
Malachite, Sterling Silver
Pair of French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Figural Busts on Porphyry Bases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Pair of French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Figural Busts on Porphyry Bases, circa 1875. One bust signed Marin, the other L.V.E Robert - a truly magnificent pair of busts, with v...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Bust of Marianne - Ormolu Gilt Bronze
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant and finely cast ormolu gilt bronze sculpture of Marianne, the enduring symbol of the French Republic. This 19th-century piece was made circa 1870 in France and features Maria...
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
French Napoléon III 1860s Carved Walnut Sculpture of a Putto Carrying a Vessel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period walnut carved putto sculpture from the mid 19th century, with grapes, flowers and the double flute. Created in France during the third quarter of the 19t...
Walnut
Gilt bronze and silver-plated bust of Diana, 20th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilt bronze and silver plated bust of Diana, 20th century, Napoleon III style Early 20th century gilt bronze and silver-plated bust of Diana, Napoleon III style. Dimensions : h: 37...
Bronze
A Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ by Clesinger and Barbedienne, 12" High
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ, Circa 1858, Signed J. Clesinger, Rome 1858 & F. Barbedienne Fondeur This French bronze bust of Jesus Christ, crafted circa 1858, stan...
Bronze
Museum Quality French White Marble Roundel Relief of Emperor Napoleon III, 1860
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A museum quality French white marble roundel relief of Emperor Napoleon III, circa 1860. The quality of this marble sculpture of Napoleon III is trul...
Marble
Monumental French Patinated Bronze Bust of William Shakespeare, After Houdon
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A monumental French patinated bronze bust of William Shakespeare, after Houdon, by F. Barbedienne Foundry, circa 1870. Masterfully and realistically sculpted in solid bronze, this...
Bronze
Antique Sculpture Dionysos Herm Plaster Cast Walnut Base France
Located in Munich, DE
The plaster cast of a herm with the head of Dionysos has a beautiful green patina and sits on a mahogany base France circa 1860-1870.
Plaster, Walnut
Bronze Grecian Woman Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Bronze bust of Grecian woman wearing helmet on square shaped base (French 19th Cent)
Bronze
$6,602Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Bust of an Aristocrat in Marble by Joseph Vallet (1841-1920)
Located in NICE, FR
A large bust of a noble man from the end of the 19th century in carrara marble signed by French sculptor, Joseph Vallet, who born in La Boisiére du Doré on August 6, 1841, and died i...
Carrara Marble
Sculpture of the Bust of Madame Récamier, Patinated Bronze, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of the bust of Madame Récamier, patinated bronze, 19th century, Napoleon III. Sculpture representing the bust of Madame Récamier in patinated bronze, Napoleon III period,...
Bronze
$2,679Sale Price|20% Off
Bronze Sculpture by Georges Van Der Straeten
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture by Georges Van Der Straeten (1856-1928), stamped "Société des bronzes de Paris". Measures: H 34 cm, W 19 cm, D 16 cm. Con...
Bronze
Terracotta Bust 19th-century Naturalist Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This terracotta bust is a production of a XXth-century family portrait. The sculpture displays all the defining features of Napoleon III naturalism: realistic facial modelling, expre...
Terracotta
Pair Bronze Busts: "The Fallen King & Laughing Revolutionary, After Carpeaux
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Allegorical Bronze Busts: "The Fallen King and the Laughing Revolutionary," After Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, France, Late 19th–Early 20th Century A profoundly expressive and allegorically charged pair of patinated bronze busts, each mounted on veined pink marble plinths...
Bronze
Female Bust In Terracotta Signed Denys Puech
By Denys Puech
Located in BARSAC, FR
Denys Puech (1854 – 1942) Terracotta sculpture depicting a beautiful, elegant woman in her Sunday best from the french provincial bourgeoisie. Rare original work on the market, sup...
Terracotta
A Carrier, Bronze Bust Of A Woman, Signed, 19th Century
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Patinated bronze bust representing a bust of a young woman whose dress and hair are studded with flowers The bust rests on a bronze and red marble pedestal base Signature of the ar...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Victorian Bronze Louis XVI & Le Titien Busts
By Barthélémy-François Chardigny 1
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Victorian patinated bronze busts of Louis XVI and le Titien each on a square rouge marble base (signed: Chardigny/1858)
Bronze
A French Antique Carved White Marble Bust of Louis XIV 'The Sun King' Circa 1890
Located in Tarzana, CA
A French Antique Carved Marble Bust of Louis XIV, a masterful embodiment of artistry and historical grandeur. Crafted with precision and reverence, this carved marble bust captures t...
Carrara Marble
Bronze Sculpture Representing Salammbo by A.Sefebire, early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture representing Salammbo by A.Sefebire, 19th century or early 20th century. A 19th century or early 20th century Napoleon III style bronze sculpture of Salammbo by A.S...
Bronze
Charny, Bust Of An Oriental Woman In Marble, Late 19th-early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large bust of an oriental woman, in marble and bronze, on a green marble base. Sculpture signed on the back by the sculptor Charny. Some wear and small chips, old restoration...
Marble, Bronze
$2,392Sale Price|20% Off
Late 19th-Century Carrara Marble Bust of a Young Girl
Located in NICE, FR
This bust of a young girl in Carrara marble from the late 19th century beautifully captures the innocence and charm expressed on the subject's face. The sculpture exudes remarkable e...
Carrara Marble
19th Century Alabaster Sculpture Bust of a Young Girl
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Paris, FR
Alabaster sculpture depicting the portrait of a young girl in the taste of Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, (1824-1887). She is wearing a striped garment decorated with a butterfly th...
Alabaster
19th Century (Mid) Bronze Bust of Diana Black Marble Base
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Mid) Bronze Bust of Diana Black Marble Base Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Marble, Bronze
$3,560Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century French Portrait Bust
Located in Ross, CA
This portrait bust in relief of a French nobleman is mounted in the original gilt frame, though the subject’s identity and the artist remain a mystery. Beautifully sculpted, the bust...
Wood, Giltwood
Ernestine Sirine-Real "Bust of a Man", Signed Plaster
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ernestine Sirine-Real (1899-1994) "Bust of a man". Signed and dated 44, plaster.
Plaster
Ernestine Sirine-Real "Bust of a Woman", Unsigned Plaster
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ernestine Sirine-Real (1899-1994) "Bust of a woman". Unsigned plaster. Measures: H. 61cm.
Plaster
Early 20th Century Bust - Kochendörfer - Marble - Artemis Diana
By Fritz Kochendoerfer
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
This elegant neoclassical marble bust represents Artemis, also known as Diana, goddess of the moon, chastity and the hunt. Depicted with serene expression, classical hairstyle with b...
Marble
$975 / set
H 11.75 in W 6.5 in D 5 in
Pair of Mid-Century French Patinated Bronze Busts on Marble Bases Signed Moreau
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an office shelf with this elegant pair of antique busts. Crafted in France circa 1950, both subject stand on a circular marble base and depict a Royalty couple in traditiona...
Marble, Bronze
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 4 in Dm 11.75 in
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870 A rare and unusual Napoleon III patinated bronze and ormolu crown from France, circa 1870. This distinctive work fea...
Bronze, Ormolu
$2,789Sale Price|30% Off
H 13.1 in W 7.5 in D 7.75 in
EUTROPE BOURET 1870 Napoleon III French Sculpture of Cupid In Gilded Bronze
Located in Miami, FL
Sculpture of cupid by Eutrope Bouret (1833-1906). This is a fantastic sculpture created in Paris France during the Napoleon III period, by Eutrope Bouret, back in 1860-1870. The scu...
Gold, Bronze
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte
By Sitzendorf
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte by Sitzendorf, in porcelain, hand-painted. Detailed example of the Emperor, dressed with bicorn hat, green uniform with medals, draped with a coat. On the...
Porcelain
20th Century Bronze Bust of Dante
Located in Bagshot, GB
An interesting Bust of the poet Dante, the bust has been made in plaster but then covered in a Bronze wrap. We have never come across a bust in this manor before.
Bronze
$6,232
H 16.54 in W 9.06 in D 6.5 in
Napoleon III French Solid Marble Bust, Signed by Sculptor of a Beautiful Women
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this rare and quite exquisite original 19th century Napoleon III French bust of a stunning young lady signed to the rear. A truly stunning sculp...
Marble
19th Century Bronze Bust of Apollo Belvedere
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century bronze bust of the Greek God, Apollo Belvedere. After the ancient original ‘Apollo Belvedere’ sculpture by Leochares.
Bronze
Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Napoleon Bonaparte bronze desk inkwell, signed Pinedo with foundry mark. Mounted over a Green Alps marble. Antique signed 19th large bronze ...
Bronze
$10,166
H 36.62 in W 15.36 in D 10.63 in
"Florentine Singer" Bronze Sculpture by P. Dubois and F. Barbedienne, Circa 1880
By Paul Dubois, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed P. Dubois 1865 and F. Barbedienne fondeur Stamped with réduction mécanique Collas A patinated bronze « Florentine Singer » sculpture, inspir...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Orientalist Bronze Busts
Located in Tarzana, CA
A pair of superb quality 19th century gilt and patinated bronze orientalist busts. Each young lady dressed in traditional middle eastern attire...
Bronze
$5,000
H 8.27 in W 9.06 in D 3.75 in
Auguste Clésinger (French, 1814–1883) Roman Bull, 1858 Bronze sculpture
By Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture – Roman Bull by Auguste Clésinger (1814–1883) Cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry – Reduction by Achille Collas France, 1858 This exquisite 19th-...
Bronze
Sold
H 14.77 in W 8.27 in D 5.52 in
Sculpture Representing a Bust of a Woman in Gilded Bronze by Mathurin Moreau.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture representing a bust of a woman in gilded bronze by Mathurin Moreau, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Bust of a woman, 19th century sculpture representing an elegant woma...
Bronze
Sold
H 5.52 in Dm 2.37 in
Bronze Sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte by Emile Pinedo, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte by Emile Pinedo, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Bronze sculpture by Emile Pinedo from the 19th century, Napoleon III period, beautiful bro...
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 24.81 in W 10.63 in D 10.63 in
Marble Bust after Houdon on its Pendulum Base, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
By Susse Freres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marble bust after Houdon on its pendulum base, 19th century, Napoleon III period. White Carrara marble bust after Houdon, representing a young girl, sculpture on its clock base by S...
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 15.36 in W 7.88 in D 5.12 in
Elegant bronze bust of a woman, by Carrier-Belleuse, Paris, France, circa 1860
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant bronze bust of a woman, made by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse in the second half of the 19th century. The sculpture, in perfect condition, has a lovely patina due to ti...
Bronze
Petite French Bronze Bust of Napoleon on Rouge Marble
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 6 1/2 in W: 3 3/4 in D: 2 1/2 in This finely crafted early 20th-century French bronze bust of Napoleon Bonaparte is an exquisite example of historical portraiture, ...
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 22.05 in W 9.85 in D 7.88 in
Terra Cotta Sculpture by Carrier-Belleuse, 19th Century, Napoleon III.
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Terra cotta sculpture by Carrier-Belleuse, 19th century, Napoleon III. Sculpture by Albert Carrier Belleuse representing a young female bust in terracotta on a blackened wooden base...
Terracotta
Alabaster Sculpture, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Alabaster sculpture, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Alabaster sculpture and sea green marble base, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 39cm, W: 27cm, D: 17cm
Alabaster, Marble
Sold
H 23.23 in W 15.75 in D 10.24 in
Marble Bust of Madame Du Barry, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marble bust of Madame Du Barry, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century marble bust of Madame Du Barry, Napoleon III period. H: 59cm, W: 40cm, D: 26cm
Marble
Sold
H 7.88 in W 8.67 in D 4.73 in
Late 19th Century Bronze Bust - Jesus Christ with Thorn Crown - by Ruffony
By Ruffony
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful bronze buste, depicting Jesus Christ with thorn crown. The bronze has a beautiful patina, the statue is in good condition. Made by Oscar Ruffony, a Swiss artist who mai...
Bronze
Sold
H 25.2 in W 13.39 in D 9.45 in
Portrait In Bust Of A Young Woman, Plaster Signed Dantan Jeune, 1867.
Located in PARIS, FR
Bust of a young woman wearing a Greek comb. Terracotta-finish plaster, signed on the foot-edge DANTAN jeune, dated 1867. Jean Pierre DANTAN, known as DANTAN jeune, French sculptor (1...
Plaster
Sold
H 22.84 in W 11.82 in D 8.67 in
Sculpture of a Bust in Carrara Marble by Isidore Loli, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a bust in Carrara marble by Isidore Loli, 19th century. Bust, sculpture in Carrara marble by Isidore Loli, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 58cm, W: 30cm, D: 22cm
Marble
Sold
H 16.34 in W 7.09 in D 3.94 in
Bust in Bronze with Brown Patina on an Onyx Base, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bust in bronze with brown patina on an onyx base, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century brown patina bronze bust, Napoleon III period, on an onyx base. H: 41.5cm, W: 18c...
Onyx, Bronze