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.
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 (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
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
French Napoleon III Ormolu and Porcelain Sided Mantel Clock in Four Glass Form
Located in London, GB
French Napoleon III ormolu and porcelain sided mantel clock in four glass form. The clock has fine jewelled porcelain panels on three sides including the full size dial. The porcelai...
Ormolu
Pair of Antique Helena Wolfsohn Marked Covered Vases
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Antique Helena Wolfsohn Marked Covered Vases. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
$10,476Sale Price / set|25% Off
Late 19th Century Pair of Blue Bresse Enamel Jardinières
Located in Paris, FR
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
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
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
19th century bronze study by A E Dubucand "man with his mule" circa 1870 French.
Located in Central England, GB
This exceptional quality bronze study is by the master sculptor Alfred Dubucand (1828 – 1924). It depicts an Egyptian young man simply standing next to his mule, wearing an elaborat...
Bronze
Napoleon III Table Clock by Claude Galle, France, Circa 1810
By Claude Galle
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock. circa 1810 clock Napoleonic Empire Bronze Dore. La Liseuse" clock after Reiche, by Claude Galle & Grand Girad. Signed in Paris
Bronze
$4,976Sale Price|25% Off
Pitcher and Its Opaline Basin on a Gilt Bronze Base, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Large pitcher in pink opaline and its basin, with white and gold enamelled decoration of palmettes, small pearls and floral motifs. Large gold bands u...
Bronze
$960Sale Price / set|25% Off
Mid-19th Century Pair of Valentine Porcelain Vases
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of baluster-shaped?porcelain?vases produced by Valentine Manufactory (1832-1878) in Saint-Gaudens, France. They are decorated on one side with multicolored rural motives in meda...
Porcelain
Massive French Clock of Baccanalian Maiden Lying Naked on Lion's Skin
Located in London, GB
French patinated bronze and Sienna marble mantel clock of massive proportions. The subject being of a naked maiden lying down on a lion's pelt and leaning against the clock. The subj...
Siena Marble, Bronze
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
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
$1,676Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
$2,444Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
$4,365Sale Price|25% Off
Inkwell in red marble with "Allegory of writing" in gilt bronze, signed H.CHAPU
By Henri Chapu
Located in Paris, FR
Inkwell in red Griotte marble and gilt bronze representing an allegory of writing by Henri Chapu (1833-1891). This old 19th century inkstand is ...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Pair Antique French Napoleon III "Jeweled" Porcelain & Gold Bronze Urns, Ca 1875
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Napoleon III gold bronze and "jeweled" porcelain urns, circa 1865-1885.
Bronze
Pair of silver and porcelain sevres vases, 19th century
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Pair of silver and porcelain sevres vases, 19th century Beautiful pair of sevres porcelain vases in blue and white with gold floral details, with silver neck, mouth and base. Texture...
Sterling Silver
French Napoleon III Period Walnut Planter with Tin Interior and Cabriole Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoleon III period walnut planter from the mid-19th century, with tin-lined interior and cabriole legs. Born in France during the early years of Emperor Napoleon III's reig...
Tin
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
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
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
French Ormolu and Blue Porcelain Four Seasons Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French ormolu and blue porcelain mantel clock. The blue porcelain with blue ground and decorated with baskets of flowers, fruit and doves, ...
Ormolu
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
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
$3,928Sale Price|25% Off
Bronze Inkwell Sculpture "Les Moutons à L'abreuvoir" by Jules Moigniez
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze inkwell sculpture with nuanced brown patination. Two ink pots are cleverly hidden at either end of the sculpture: One in the stump of the tree and the other under a rock. Moig...
Brass, Bronze
$1,129Sale Price / set|25% Off
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
French Bronze Owl Candle Sticks, Napoleon III Style, 1850
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
French Pair of Bronze Owl Candle Sticks. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Bronze
Large Napoleon III Period Bronze Sculpture by Jules Bertin
Located in London, GB
Large Napoleon III period bronze sculpture by Jules Bertin French, 1879 Measures: Height 140cm, width 58cm, depth 58cm This exceptional sculpture is by Jules Bertin, a leading F...
Marble, Bronze
$1,210Sale 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 Small Ewers Decorative Gilt Bronze
Located in Marseille, FR
Pair of small ewers decorative gilt bronze.
$2,008Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Ormolu Candlesticks with Palmettes and Flowers
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of candlesticks in gilded and sculpted bronze. The stem is adorned with a frieze of Greek waves that separate the upper, polished part from the lower part that is richly decorat...
Bronze
$785Sale Price / set|25% Off
19th Century Ormolu Bronze Antique Candlestick Holders with Putti
Located in Paris, FR
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
Cut Crystal Cup or Small Vase
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A cut crystal cup or small vase, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Measures: H: 18 cm, D: 11 cm. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Crystal
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
Crystal Element, 19th Century, Cups and Bouquetière
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Crystal element, 19th century, Goblets and Bouquetière, Napoleon III Pair of cups: W 27cm, D 22cm, H 7cm Flower girl: H 17cm, D 17cm. Contact us before ordering to confirm product ...
Crystal
19th Century Pair of Large Cassolettes with Mascarons in Violet Breccia Marble
Located in NICE, FR
We present you with this exquisite pair of cassolettes crafted from violet breccia marble, dating back to the Napoleon III era. They feature highly decorative bronze embellishments s...
Breccia Marble, Bronze
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
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
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
19th Century French Parquetry Ebonized Domed Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed by maker on lock. Paris, France. Bronze/brass mounted.
Brass, 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
Pair of French 19th Century Napoleon III St. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Tazzas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and charming true pair of French 19th century Napoleon III st. patinated bronze and ormolu tazzas. Each tazza is raised by a square ormolu base with concave corners and a...
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century Bronze Candleholders, Greek Female Figures
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Bronze Candleholders, Greek Female Figures. Grand Tour or Napolean III style/ period
Bronze
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
Pair of 19th Century French Neo-Greco Gilded and Tole Iron Candelabra
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine and interesting pair of candelabra are from the late 19th century and are most likely French made from iron, the three light pair show both classical Greek design as well as Assyrian and Roman elements. Unusual styles were considered all the rage in France during the Napoleon III period. The gilding is all original and the tole is an interesting addition giving the pair a great presence when seen in candlelight. Each reeded stem with draped scarf supporting oil lamp shaped arms centering satyr headed candle...
Iron
$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
Pair of French Ormolu Candle holders, Napoleon III style
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique French Ormalu Pair of Candleholder. Beautiful piece, fine detailing. Must see photos.
Bronze
French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Marble, Ormolu and Bronze Garniture Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French 19th century Napoleon III period black Belgian marble, ormolu and patinated bronze garniture set. The three pi...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
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
Regulate Pocket Tray , XIXth century
Located in Beaune, FR
Regulate pocket tray supported by pierrot, harlequin and polichinelle. Good condition. Dimensions Height 15cm Width 24cm Depth 12cm
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
Pair of Restoration Period Gilt-Bronze Allegorical Groups. French, circa 1830
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An exceptional pair of restoration period gilt-bronze allegorical groups depicting music and wine. Each group is set on a naturalistically modelled base and finely modelled and ch...
Bronze
Napoleon III Style Clock Made Out of Porcelain and Gilded Bronze
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful clock was made out of porcelain and gilded bronze during Napoleon III period. The porcelain dial indicates the hours with Roman numerals. It is decorated with gilded r...
Bronze
Napoleon III, Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock, 19th Century
Located in Beaune, FR
Imposing and magnificent fireplace gilded bronze and blue porcelain vases. The clock is decorated with putti representing the 4 seasons. It is su...
Bronze