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.
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
$19,560Sale Price|20% Off
Large 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock
Located in Tarzana, CA
A fine large 19th century French gilt bronze mantel clock modeled in form of a classical lady wearing a toga sitting amidst broken columns as she is looking up while holding an angel...
Bronze
Pair of porcelain biscuit sculptures of eagles, Napoleon III period
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair biscuit sculptures of eagles. Work from the second half of the 19th century, bearing the incised mark "Mre. Imple. de Sèvres" (not guaranteed). Important pair of porcelain bisc...
Porcelain
Three Solid Mahogany Display Stands, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Three solid mahogany display stands, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Three Napoleon III period solid mahogany display stands, 19th century, 1 large stand plus two others forming ...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Pair of Blue Bresse Enamel Jardinières
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Late 19th century pair of jardinières in blue enamel from Bresse. Multicolored medallions depicting delicate flowers are framed by white and red enamel beads and gilded arabesques. E...
Enamel
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
$24,555 / 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
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
Carved Napoleon III Oak and Velvet Mirror, France, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Large and gorgeous frame, with hand-carved thistles motifs applied to a deep teal blue velvet background. The wood is oak. New mirror.
Velvet
19th Century Blue Porcelain Cup in Sevres Style
By Samson & Cie
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Oval blue porcelain cup with polychromatic decoration composed of a large cartouche with gilt-decorated borders depicting a man and a young woman in a landscape, sitting on the grass...
Porcelain
Fine Gilt Bronze Empire Candelabra Lamp
Located in NYC, NY
A bronze and gilded bronze five-light candelabra, in the Napoleonic Empire style with two-bulb cluster. A Classic lamp with good patina and scale. Ex. Christies Auction...
Ormolu
Bronze Sculpture Femme Aux Colombes by Charles-Alphonse Gumery
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Bronze sculpture with brown patina by Charles-Alphonse Gumery, featuring a smiling young woman with doves. This bronze statuette is signed: Gumery ROME. Charles Gumery most probably ...
Bronze
Fine Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock – French, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant and richly detailed Napoleon III, this exceptional French mantel clock dates to the 19th century and is crafted in finely cast gilt bronze. The composition features a classic...
Bronze
19th Century Ormolu Bronze Antique Candlestick Holders with Putti
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of antique candlestick holders crafted of beautiful ormolu or gilt bronze. They feature a figure of a child standing on a ribbed cylind...
Ormolu, Bronze
Fine Pair of Antique French Opaque White Opaline Glass Vases
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of antique French opaque white opaline glass, baluster shaped vases, finely painted with flowering vine, further decorated with 24-karat gold. Attributed to "Bacca...
19th Century French Onyx Pomp Jug/Vase Bronze Silvered Napoleon III
Located in Berlin, DE
19th century French onyx pomp jug/vase bronze silvered Napoleon III Carcass made of onyx with rich silvered bronze elements. Egg-shaped soffit, retracted neck and round, profiled pe...
Onyx, Brass
19th Century Bronze Candleholders, Greek Female Figures
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century Bronze Candleholders, Greek Female Figures. Grand Tour or Napolean III style/ period
Bronze
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
Napoleon III Clock Garniture Designed by Sévin, Cast by Barbedienne
By Louis-Constant Sevin, F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoleon III gilt-bronze and porcelain mounted clock garniture, designed by Louis-Constant Sévin, cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, The Movement by Japy Frères. Frédéric Japy ...
Ormolu
French gilt bronze ink stand depicting a young man harvesting circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This wonderfully detailed bronze inkstand is of unusably small proportions and was made to compliment a lady's writing table most likely. It is of an oval form with a moulded base which is mounted with a detailed bronze study of a rural scene of a young man harvesting corn with a sickle. The bushels of corn hide the inkpot which hinges back to reveal a white porcelain container...
Bronze
Napoléon III Marble Mantle Clock by James Pradier, France, Circa 1860
By J. Pradier
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoléon III Marble Mantle Clock With A Patinated Bronze Figure of 'Phryné' by James Pradier. France, Circa 1860. Surmounted by a finely cast pa...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
$1,188Sale Price|20% Off
Carved and Gilded Wood Candle Stick, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Carved and gilded wood candle stick, 19th century Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability. Measures: H: 68 cm, W: 18 cm, D: ...
Wood
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
Fine and Small Antique Bronze of a Packhorse by T. Gechner
Located in London, GB
A fine mid-19th century brown patinated cast bronze animalier figure of a work horse in harness. Very fine detail and a beautiful quality bronze. Signed in the bronze T. Gechter for ...
Bronze
19th Century Pair of French Napoleon III Paris Porcelain Pedestal Vases
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century Pair Paris Porcelain Pedestal Vases. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
Fine Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Porcelain Clock Garniture, circa 1870
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoléon III gilt-bronze mounted porcelain clock garniture. French, circa 1870. The movement stamped with the 'Japy Frères ' cachet. This fine porcelain clock set is...
Bronze
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
Antique French 19th Century Napoleon III Vases, White and Pink Rhodochrosite
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair White and Pink Rhodochrosite Vases Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Crystal
19th Century (early) Pair Japanese Imari Porcelain Jars Ormolu Mounts
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century (early) Pair Japanese Imari Porcelain Jars Ormolu Mounts Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
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
19th Century French Parquetry Ebonized Domed Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed by maker on lock. Paris, France. Bronze/brass mounted.
Brass, Bronze
Carlsbad Bohemian Hardstone Inlaid Rosewood and White Metal Casket Box
Located in London, by appointment only
Bohemia, circa 1870. This exceptional 19th century antique casket originates from Carlsbad, a spa town in the west Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. The town is officially known as Karlovy Vary and gained fame as a destination during the 19th century. Its piping hot springs drew tourists from across Europe to 'take the waters' and their health benefits. The highly figured stones used on this exceptional box were locally sourced and are specific to the hot mineral rich springs of Carlsbad. Close inspection will reveal layer on layer of fine mineral...
Agate, Marble
French Ormolu and Porcelain Mantel Clock by Wilson & Gander, London
By Wilson & Gandar
Located in Norwich, GB
French gilded ormolu mantel clock with blue hand painted floral porcelain panels (the panels all separately signed ‘Creilliet Montereai, Medaillon D’or, ...
Ormolu
Neo-Renaissance Brass Ewer, Napoleon III Style, Hand-Crafted in France
Located in PARIS, FR
BRASS AND BRONZE AIGUIERE IN THE SPIRIT OF THE FRENCH RENAISSANCE Napoleon III period.
Copper
A pair of French 19th century bronze figurative double candlesticks circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This highly decorative pair of mid 19th century bronze double candlesticks are beautifully cast in solid bronze. They have very good detail and are each in the form of a medieval wa...
Bronze
19th Century Pair of Small Old Sèvres Blue Porcelain Vases
Located in Marseille, FR
19th century pair of small old Sèvres blue porcelain vases 19th century gilt bronze frame.
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
DENIERES à Paris - Napoleon III Fireplace Surround
Located in Beaune, FR
Gilt bronze fittings from the Napoleon III period dating from the 19th century. Very beautiful clock with enamel frame with Arabic numerals signed Denières decorated with garlands of...
Bronze
19th Century Pair of French Opaline Hand Painted Trumpet Vases
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century Pair of French Opaline Hand Painted Trumpet Vases - Attributed Baccarat. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with...
Opaline Glass
Bronze Figure of Young Psyche by Paul Duboy
By Paul Duboy
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
This brown and gold patinated bronze figure was crafted by the French sculptor Paul Duboy. It features a little girl, psyche, standing on a naturalistic base. The bronze sculpture is set upon a round marble plinth...
Marble, Bronze
Antique Bronze Dog Figure by Pierre-Jules Mene
Located in London, GB
Pierre-Jules Mene (1810-1879) was one of the foremost animalier sculptors of the 19th Century, and achieved high distinction in the art of making small bron...
Bronze
A Patinated Bronze Sculptural Inkwell By Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Unusual Patinated Bronze Sculptural Inkwell By Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827–1875). Modelled as a fountain with pedestal surmounted by a bust of ‘Rieur napolitain’ (The Laughing N...
Bronze
French 19th century Napoleon III Period Wood, Porcelain and Ormolu planter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Napoleon III Period Louis XVI st. Tulipwood, Kingwood, Sévres Porcelain and Ormolu Jardinière planter. This impressive three section j...
Ormolu
Column and Vase in Gold Cobalt Blue Ceramic and Decals, 1920s, Set of 2
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Vase with glazed ceramic column and pure gold decoration. The base and vase are designed together and feature a classic, elegant and sinuous design. The decoration starts from bottom...
Gold
Pair of Small Ewers Decorative Gilt Bronze
Located in Marseille, FR
Pair of small ewers decorative gilt bronze.
Napoleon III Cut Crystal and Ormolu Vase
Located in New York, NY
In the early 19th century the typical, but fine flower vase was made of porcelain. The better ones were mounted in gilt bronze. But the most fashionable were of cut crystal and gilt ...
Crystal
Bronze Statue, Young Boy Fishing
Located in Beaune, FR
Bronze with brown patina representing a young barefoot boy in the water engaged in fishing. Good condition, circa 1950.
Bronze
Important Bather On A Rock, Large White Marble (155cm), Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Imposing white marble sculpture of a nude bather sitting on a rock, looking to the sky or the horizon, in a posture that is both gentle or meditative The base, which has remained r...
Marble
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
Napoleon III Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
Napoleon III Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Clock, 19th century, of triangular form, the pink marble top surmounted by seated child, below the circular enameled dial with cherub s...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Sèvres porcelain vases mounted in gilt bronze painted by J. Machereau
By Charles Labarre, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful pair of covered vases made of porcelain originally comes from the Manufacture of Sèvres where the white pieces were bought in 1869, decorated then mounted in gilt bron...
Bronze
Fine Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1880. The ormolu case mounted with fine painted porcelain scenes of a courting couple. This unusual mauve color pallet emphasizes the...
Porcelain
Sèvres Style Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock by Kreisser
Located in London, GB
This gilt bronze mounted mantel clock is formed about a beautiful sky-blue, parcel gilt Sèvres style porcelain vase. The enamel dial is mounted within a gilt bronze drum that is drap...
Ormolu, Bronze
$22,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Monumental French Napoleon III Style Patinated Thirteen-Light Torchères
Located in Tarzana, CA
A pair of large French Napoleon III style metal thirteen-light figural torchières.depicting two winged cherubs holding up a thirteen-light torchère, standing on bases with gold highl...
Metal
Napoleon III Period Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer, Attributed to Raingo Frères
Located in London, GB
This stunning gilt bronze clock and barometer pair was created in circa 1860 in France. The two have been attributed to Raingo Frères, the prestigious, ...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
$52,000Sale Price|20% Off
A Large French Rouge Marble Gilt Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock by A. Beurdeley
By Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley
Located in Tarzana, CA
A French Napoleon III Period Rouge Marble Gilt & Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley Movement marked: J. Lefebvre Fils Paris & Numbered1938 Movement stamped: Medaille De Bronze J. Marti & Cie & Numbered 92 Dial signed: A. Beurdeley Fila, Paris France, Circa 1875 Dimensions: Height: 24" (61cm), Width: 22" (56cm) Depth: 11" (28cm) Excellent Working Condition Biography French — Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley was a Parisian cabinetmaker who specialized in the manufacture of luxurious French furnishings...
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
$9,500Sale Price / set|24% Off
Pair of Magnificant Large French 19th Century Original Painted Tole Flowers
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of French 19th century painted tole flowers in gilt painted wooden urns. The centers of the tole flowers shows there were small lights at on...
Tôle
French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Boulle Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking high quality French 19th century Napoleon III period ormolu, tortoiseshell, and brass inlaid Boulle clock. The clock is raised by handsome ormolu paw feet with acanthus le...
Brass, Ormolu
Christophe FRATIN (1801-1864) rare Asian elephant clock, in gilded and patinated
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
France, circa 1870 Gilded and patinated bronze, modern marble base. Signed « Fratin » on the bronze base This beautiful elephant clock was made in the 19th century by the Animalier ...
Bronze
Pair of porcelain vases mounted in gilt bronze, circa 1890
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Charles Labarre
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This very beautiful pair of ovoid and covered vases was made of Sèvres porcelaine and mounted in gilt bronze. The two vases depicts a painted decor b...
Bronze