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.
Three pieces gilt bronze mounted Sevres style vase and center Sevres pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This three pieces garniture,,centered by a large jardinieres for flowers isfinely mounted with gilt-bronze mounts. This type of white ground decorative porcelain vases was very popu...
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
1950s Giltwood Neoclassical Florentine Wood Box Acanthus Leaves Claw Feet Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Giltwood Florentine Box, Bowl or Centerpiece crafted out of one piece of Wood, comes with four claw feet. Features a custom piece from Florentina, Italy with hand ...
Giltwood, Paint
Pair Antique French Napoleon III Sèvres Porcelain & Gold Bronze Urns Circa 1890s
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Antique French Napoleon III sèvres porcelain & gold bronze urns circa 1890's.
Bronze
$2,079Sale Price|19% Off
Rare Napoleon III Ebonised Torchère With WaterLily by Alphonse Giroux of Paris
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Rare Signed Napoleon III Pedestal By Furniture Maker Alphonse Giroux of Paris, ebonised and gilt overlay pedestal table, the under-tier fitted with a waterlily with further beaded ...
Giltwood
Large French Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock, signed Marquis à Paris, c. 1860–1880
Located in Tarzana, CA
A magnificent gilt-bronze mantel clock of monumental form, richly cast and finely chased in the Rococo-revival style. The case is surmounted by a celestial globe above a pierced flor...
Bronze, Ormolu
$25,000 / set
Pair of Vases Champleve, Enameled Crystal and Bronze
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and rare pair of crystal,onyx and champleve bronze vase by the size Onyx base surmounted by three cupids holding an openwork cup in en...
Onyx, Bronze
19th-Century French Gilt-Bronze and Marble Figural Inkwell By F. Barbedienne
Located in Dublin, IE
A Fine 19th-Century French Gilt-Bronze and Marble Figural Inkwell By F. Barbedienne, Paris. A richly detailed Napoleon III period gilt-bronze inkwell, the central figure cast and fi...
Marble, Ormolu
After Canova, Dancer And Musician In Bronze, XIXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of bronzes of a dancer and a musician, on a Paris porcelain base, model of sculptures after Canova Restored bases, normal wear to the patina and decoration XIXth century Heig...
Bronze
Pair Of Mercury Eglomisé Glass Vases, 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A pair of mercury glass églomisé vases with their old patina in good condition. Height each 19.5 cm, diameter from the top 10.5 cm.
Glass
2 Frames in gilded stuccoed wood, decorated in imitation of bamboo
Located in Mouscron, WHT
2 Frames in gilded stuccoed wood, decorated in imitation of bamboo Late 19th century. A groove allows them to be used with a painting, an engraving or a mirror The useful dimension o...
Wood
$3,319 / set
Bronze Group Of Putti Blacksmiths, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Bronze group with brown patina, composed of 3 sculptures: 2 blacksmith putti forge their arrows on an anvil. Wear and tear, missing parts (tools) and old restorations (hammer). ...
Bronze
Antique French Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Young Fisher Boy by Carpeaux
By Susse Freres, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
Located in London, GB
This beautiful patinated bronze sculpture was designed by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, and cast by the Susse Frères foundry. The work portrays a young Neapolitan fisherboy, who sits on a naturalistic base, crouched holding a shell to his ear. The work is signed 'J. B. Carpeaux' and has Susse Frères foundry marks, and is set on a veined green marble plinth. This stunning antique French bronze sculpture presents a unique opportunity to collect one of the original models of the young Neapolitan fisherboy by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. The original model for this delicate antique bronze sculpture of a fisher boy...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze Fireguard with Hercules and Lion Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
French Napoleon III bronze fireguard from the 19th century. The fireguard has finely cast and chassed bronze figures of a lioness and cub on the left side with a lion and snake...
Bronze
Small 19th Century Bronze Figure of Allegory of Manufacture
Located in Berlin, DE
Small 19th century patinated female bronze figure of the allegory of manufacture featuring a spindle, a hammer and a gear-wheel. The female figure holding up her light tunic and look...
Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Dore and Patinated Bronze Handled Tazzas w/ Putti
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic pair of French 19th century Napoleon III period patinated and dore bronze tazzas/centerpieces. Each circular tazza top is beautifully patinated and further decorated with...
Bronze
Correspondence Box Napoleon III
Located in Madrid, ES
Correspondence box, Napoleon III period, composed on the top of two flaps. Their facades are embellished with Square and Rectangle Marquetry. In add...
Wood
“The hoop”, subject in regule by Auguste Moreau, France, circa 1880
Located in Paris, FR
Regule subject depicting a naked young boy rolling a hoop, signed Aug. Moreau on the terrace and bearing the inscription “Le cerceau” on the base. Biography Auguste Moreau, born on...
Metal
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.
Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze and Marble Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a console or a mantel with this elegant pair of antique candlesticks. Crafted in France circa 1870, each candelabra stands on scrolled feet over an integral square base with...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Bronze Mantel Clock Paul and Virginia by Charles Cumberworth
Located in Marseille, FR
Rare and spectacular bronze mantel clock taking up the theme of the most famous 18th century novel "Paul and Virginia" written by Henri Bernardin de Saint Pierre and powerfully describes the feelings of love and the nostalgia of paradise lost. The model presented here is a very rare model, it represents a passage from the book, "Le passage du torrent", we find no trace of this model only in Pierre Kjellberg's book "Les Bronzes du XIXème siècle;" Metman points out Le passage du torrent, first cast by Boyer and also edited by SUSSE" There are two Creole slaves as double patina chandeliers...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Potpourri In Athenian Bronze, 19th century
Located in Beaune, FR
Athenian potpourri in bronze resting on a cherry red marble base. Very decorative, this potpourri is in good condition apart from a small lack on the top.
Bronze
Late 19th Century Cupid Bronze Patinated Gilded
By Falconnet
Located in Marseille, FR
Late 19th century cupid bronze patinated gilded dimension: 27 cm high by 15 cm by 12 cm. Founder Richaud et Cie in Marseille. Model after Falconet.
Bronze
Pair of French Porcelain Napoleon III Pink ad White Cashepots on Stands
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful pair of French porcelain Napoleon III cashpots on stands. The pink and white jardinieres / planters have a black and gold trim on the base and ring of the pots and are ...
Porcelain
Table Cigarette Box hand painted in tempera on a vegetable ivory Salimbeni.
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Square table box for cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché also on the sides. In the center beautiful miniature hand painted i...
Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver
Pair of French Ormolu Mounted White Marble Vases, Circa 1900
Located in Tarzana, CA
Pair of French Ormolu Mounted White Marble Vases, Circa 1900 Having ormolu mounts with rams head on either side if each urn shaped vase.
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Rosewood Travel Vanity Box with Secret Drawer
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautifully crafted antique French travel vanity box combines exquisite craftsmanship with clever storage features. Crafted in France circa 1870, the rectangular case is veneere...
Silver Plate
$1,758Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Louis XVI portal clock, Paris, circa 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique French Louis XVI portal clock, Paris, circa 1880 White and black marble, bronze, gilt. On gyratory feet and a recessed base, two angular baluster columns crowned with vases a...
Alabaster, Marble, Bronze
French Napoleonic Revival Gilt Bronze Armorial Dolphin Finial on Marble Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A sculptural bronze and marble object of symbolic and decorative intent, this French piece from the late 19th century is cast in the Napoleonic Revival style and takes the form of a ...
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Fireplace Surround in Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Neo-Classical
Located in Marseille, FR
Neo-classical fireplace surround in gilt bronze and black marble. Work in the style of Ferdinand Barbedienne
Marble
Napolean iii French White Marble and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Stunning Napolean III French Ormolu and white marble clock with gilded Baccanalian frieze decoration to the base and seated a classical lady standing on six gilded button feet. Enam...
Marble
Pair of columns in wood painted to imitate marble. 1880s.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of fluted columns made of wood painted in a beige shade with gray veining, imitating marble. Gray accents on the cornice and capital, and dark green accents on the square base. ...
Wood
Bronze Cup Foot, With Elephant Heads, XIXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Support / Foot for cup or centerpiece, bronze with brown patina, with elephant heads harnessed with a beautiful adornment Usual wear to the patina 19th century H18.5cm 17x17cm Dia...
Bronze
French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Ebony, Ormolu, and Brass Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant French 19th century Napoleon III period ebony, ormolu, and brass box. The box is raised by fine ormolu ball feet below a lovely wrap around mottled band. Each ebony si...
Brass, Ormolu
Large Bust In Carrara Marble Representing A General, Signed By D.trentacoste
Located in Charmes, FR
Bust of a general in Carrara marble signed by Domenico Trentacoste (Palermo 1859 - Florence 1933) dated 1873 The bust was outside so has some stains, to be cleaned Of Sicilian origin...
Carrara Marble
Napoleon III enamelled cast-iron planter, Japanese decor, France, circa 1880
Located in Paris, FR
Rare planter with base in brown enameled cast iron, decorated with palms in relief. This palm decoration and the shape of the handles, as well as the saddle, give way to the Japonism...
Iron
Antique French Napoleon III Kingwood Jewel Box with Sevres Porcelain Plaques.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III finest quality kingwood jewel box with Sevres porcelain plaques, circa 1860.
Porcelain, Kingwood
Gilt Bronze and Marble Figural Clock by Beurdeley
Located in New York, NY
The mantel clock with a seated putto and birdcage. Maker: Alfred-Emmanuel Beurdeley (French, 1847-1919) Origin: French Date: 19th century Dimension: 26 in. x 13 1/2 in.
Bronze
Griotte Marble Mantel Clock with Bronze Bust After James Pradier, 1880
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A finely cast gilt bronze clock base mounted with of a classical patinated bronze bust of a maiden after a model by James Pradier. The maiden has her curly haired head turned demurely to one side resting on her bare shoulders, and hands clasped across her partly exposed breasts...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Early 20th C. French Repoussé Brass and Wood Slant Lid Box with Sailboat Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a desk, library table, or console with this charming antique French decorative box, crafted circa 1920. The rectangular coffer features a slant lid clad in repoussé brass, b...
Brass
$1,785Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Louis XVI portal clock, Paris, circa 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique French Louis XVI portal clock, Paris, circa 1880 White marble, bronze, and gilt. Two square baluster columns, crowned with a sloping roof, support ball feet and a recessed ba...
Marble, Bronze
$1,295 / set
Pair of 19th Century Opaline Vases
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of cylindrical opaline glass vases from France with lovely borders of a warm rust coloring surrounding lovely hand painted pansies and leaves on the front of the vases. There is...
Opaline Glass
Pair of Porcelain Portrait, 19th Century Gilded Bronze Frame Signed A.Giroux
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of porcelain and enamelled portraits featuring a man and a woman of the 17th century. It is most likely a portrait of Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Austria. The two porcelain m...
Bronze, Enamel
Pair of Vases in Glazed Terra Cotta, Samson, 19th Century or Early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of vases in glazed terra cotta, Samson, 19th century or early 20th century. Pair of vases in glazed terra cotta in the Asian Arts style, 19th century or early 20th century, Sam...
Terracotta
19th Century French Mantel Clock, by 'Monbro Aine, Paris'
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality, large French 19th century gilded ormolu and white marble mantel clock, signed; 'Monbro Aine, Paris'. Having an urn of grapes with semi...
Marble, Ormolu
French gilt bronze and marble inkstand of a majestic lioness, circa 1850
Located in Central England, GB
This highly decorative mid 19th century desk inkstand is in the form of a recumbent lioness. She is very finely detailed and is cast in solid bronze with a hand chased and gilt finis...
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Decorative Box, Napoleon III Style, Late 19th Century
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
French wooden casket, covered with colored and impressed paper with ancient processing system - Suitable for Your photos hanging around waiting to be fix...
Parchment Paper, Wood
$25,000 / set
Pair of french bronze figural candelabra six lights
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of finely chased bronze candelabra depicting two draped female figures in the antiques style standing on decorative bases. Each women gracefully supports a bouquetof six richl...
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
19th Century French Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted of brilliant doré bronze and fine brocatelle marble, this wonderful Napoleon III-period inkwell is as functional as it is beautiful. In a style reminiscent of Louis XV Rococo...
Marble, Bronze
Game Box in Wood and Glit Brass, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Game box in lacquered wood marquetry and gilt brass, with tokens inside. Gilding on the extremities of the spiral shape box. Work realized under Napoleon III (1852-1870).
Brass
Royal Vienna Porcelain Jeweled Iridescent Portrait Vase
Located in Tarzana, CA
A beautiful antique Royal Vienna hand painted "Jeweled" porcelain portrait vase. The vase is painted with a portrait of a young lady wearing flowers in her hair. The iridescent red ...
Porcelain
French 19th century Napoleon III Period Louis XVI st. Ormolu planter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and finely detailed French 19th century Napoleon III Period Louis XVI st. Ormolu planter. This impressive planter is raised on three slender acanthus leaf decorated 'C'...
Ormolu
A ceremonial cigar display stand in honor of the Imperial Prince Napoleon IV
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This exceptional cigar display stand, crafted from mahogany-stained wood, is richly carved and composed of three distinct elements. Taking the form of a ...
Wood, Elm
$1,295Sale Price|21% Off
19th Century French Paris Porcelain Compote
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century French Paris porcelain compote of bold form. Blue and gilt Rococo decoration. Good large scale centerpiece, circa 1860.
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Glazed Biscuit Porcelain Figural Vases
Located in London, GB
Each of trumpet shape with applied allegorical figures of Napoleon III. These beautiful porcelain vases are distinctive for their bright, fresh color palette and trumpet shaped ne...
Porcelain
19th Century Napoleon III Paris Porcelain Pirate Urns, Antique Pair
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century Pair of Paris Porcelain Pirate Urns Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
Whismical pair of vases limoges porcelain
By Limoges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A whismical pair of vases 19 th century by limoges , sign on the base of the vases, the design of the vases is very unsual
Porcelain
Pair of Gilt Bronze Vase Tops, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of gilt bronze vase tops, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Pair of gilt bronze vase tops, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Dimensions : H: 7cm, D: 23cm Contact us before o...
Bronze
Beautiful Pair of Early 20th Century French Red Marble Cassolettes
Located in Madrid, ES
Beautiful Pair of Early 20th Century Red Marble Cassolettes (H+/- 31 cm.) good condition
Marble