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, 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, ...
Bronze
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
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
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
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
Bronze Grecian Woman Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Bronze bust of Grecian woman wearing helmet on square shaped base (French 19th Cent)
Bronze
A Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ by Clesinger and Barbedienne, 15" 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, ...
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
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
$2,549Sale 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
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
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
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
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
Presumed Bronze Bust Of Hercules – F. Barbedienne & Co. – Late 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A small bronze bust with a brown patina, likely depicting Hercules, based on an ancient model. The expressive face, with a furrowed brow, is framed by curly hair and a full beard, bo...
Belgian Black Marble, 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
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
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
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
19th Century (Mid) Bronze Bust of Diana Black Marble Base
Located in Phoenix, 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
19th Century Alabaster Sculpture Bust of a Young Girl
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
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
Early 20th Century Bronze by J. Rispal
By Jules Louis Rispal
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage 19th century work of art is an exceptionally detailed richly patinated bronze sculpture in the Art Nouveau style. It represents the goddess Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, awakening from her earthly sleep. Her head is adorned with a floral headband...
Bronze
$1,475
H 11 in W 3.5 in D 2.25 in
Minimalist bronze sculpture / portrait / bust of a woman by Adam Antes
By Antes Design
Located in New York City, NY
An exquisite original Art Deco period, stylized bronze sculpture of a woman with wavy hair in a medium brown patina. The stamped signature and the date "Antes 1922" is prominently di...
Marble, Bronze
$75,050
H 37.01 in W 30.32 in D 21.66 in
Classical Style Bronze Sculpture of Penelope by Cavelier and Barbedienne
By Pierre-Jules Cavelier, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
This large patinated bronze antique sculpture depicts the Classical figure Penelope, the wife of Odysseus (Roman name Ulysses) who appears in ...
Bronze
Emile Pinedo Bronze Bust Sculpture of a Woman
By Émile Pinedo
Located in New York, NY
Emile Pinedo bronze bust sculpture of a woman.
Bronze
$9,674
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 Ferdinand Barbedienne, Paul Dubois
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
Erotic bronze sculpture. Austria, early 20th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Erotic bronze sculpture. Austria, early 20th century.
Bronze
20th Century Abstract Bronze Sculpture
Located in Bagshot, GB
A fantastic piece of abstract art in the form of a bronze sculpture. With sharp casting in the form of a shell motif and figurine and with a great verdi gris patina.
Bronze
19th Century Italian Terracotta Bust of a Classical Male
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Italian terracotta bust of a classical male. This monumental antique Italian terracotta bust sculpture of a classical Roman male is a well executed statement piece and...
Terracotta
$1,978
H 18.12 in W 9.45 in D 7.09 in
A Faux Bronze Classical Bust After the Antique From Musee du Louvre
Located in London, GB
A faux Bronze male bust after the antique from the Louvre Paris. These were issued to studios and art schools for academic instruction. The stamp at the base of the bust, which si...
Plaster
$765Sale Price|40% Off
H 11.5 in W 14.25 in D 7.5 in
19th Century Italian Terracotta Bust of a Man, Renaissance Revival
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Raised on an olive velvet base. Dimensions include the base. Portraiture is often seen as the quintessential Renaissance art form, and clay was used increasingly during the 15th cen...
Terracotta
$2,558
H 9.45 in W 10.24 in D 3.55 in
Early 20th Century Japanese Bronze Sculpture "Standing Horse" by Kunio Itô
Located in London, GB
An excellent early 20th Century Japanese Animalier bronze study of a bridled horse standing alert. The bronze exhibits very fine hand chased surface detail and wonderful rich brown p...
Bronze
$1,400
H 11.03 in W 5.71 in D 3.75 in
Art Deco Silvered Bronze Bust Sculpture of a Woman / France, 1930
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Silvered Bronze Bust Sculpture of a Woman / France, 1930 Art deco silvered bronze sculpture of a stylized human head, mounted on a black oval marble base. The head is tilted...
Marble, Bronze
$3,642
H 7.88 in W 5.12 in D 4.34 in
Bronze Sculpture of a Seated Woman, Stamped by Barbedienne, Napoleon III.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture of a seated woman, stamped by Barbedienne, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Bronze sculpture of a seated woman, 19th century, Napoleon III period, Barbedienne fou...
Bronze
$12,000
H 22.05 in W 13.78 in D 9.85 in
Cast Bronze Woman Bust "Bohême Orientale" Signed R. Colombo, Paris, 1884
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Cast bronze woman bust "Bohême Orientale" signed R. Colombo, Paris, 1884. (Renzo Colombo 1856-1885). Bronze plaque at front "Bohême Orientale par Colombo".
Bronze
$7,212Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.18 in W 4.73 in D 13.78 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Jockey on Horse Sculpture
Located in Lisbon, PT
An elegant 19th-century French equestrian sculpture from the Napoleon III period, depicting a jockey mounted on his horse. Crafted in gilt and patinated bronze, this antique tabletop...
Marble, Metal, Brass, 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 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
Bronze Sculpture by Emmanuel Villanis, 1900.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture by Emmanuel Villanis, 1900. A patinated and gilt bronze orientalist bust by Emmanuel Villanis, 19th century, Napoleon III per...
Bronze
Sold
H 20.08 in W 10.63 in D 7.09 in
French Female bust”, terracotta, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Neoclassical
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind female bust in terracotta, signed A. Carrier on the back. Seated on a wooden base we find this delicate bust of a young woman, with sweet and delicate features. With h...
Terracotta, Wood
A Napoleon III Style Terracotta Bust of a Man, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A Napoleon III style terracotta bust of a man, 20th century. Terracotta sculpture of a moustachioed man in the Napoleon III style, 20th century. H: 38cm, W: 29cm, D: 17cm
Terracotta
Sold
H 14.57 in W 10.63 in D 6.3 in
Alabaster Sculpture of an Elegant Lady, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Alabaster sculpture of an elegant lady, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Sculpture of an elegant woman in alabaster, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 37cm, W: 27cm, D: 16cm
Alabaster