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.
Bronze with Brown Patina from the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze with brown patina from the 19th century, mounted as a lamp, Napoleon III period Contact us before ordering to confirm product availabi...
Bronze
Pair 19th Century French Verdigris Spelter Vases on Marble Bases Signed Moreau
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a mantel, console or buffet with this elegant pair of antique vases. Crafted in France circa 1880 and made of spelter (or white metal), the vases stand on a square red marbl...
Marble, Spelter
AMAZING GARNITURE SÉVRES 19th Century Napoleon III
Located in Madrid, ES
GARNITURE SÉVRES 19th Century Napoleon III French, composed of a clock and a pair of seven-light candelabra, in cobalt blue Sévres style pocella. C...
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Painted Porcelain Vase with Bird and Butterfly
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique vase was created in France circa 1880 by "Porcelaine de Paris". Made of porcelain and round in shape with a thick and wide neck, the colorful vessel is decorated with hand painted bird, butterfly and floral motifs. The decor is further embellished with gilt accents throughout, including around the base. This large fluted vase is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, and adorns soft and pastel colors in the green, blue, and cream palette, with gilt accents. The flower pot would make a nice addition on a table, mantle, or a console. Porcelaine de Paris is a French porcelain manufacturing company, founded by Jean-Marx Clauss theApril 11, 1822. Jean-Marx Clauss wanted to draw inspiration from the great Parisian porcelain...
Porcelain
19 Century French Clock Featuring an Oriental Warrior Archer on Horseback
By Feuchere
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A fine quality Napoleon III mantle clock with a case of gilded, silvered, and patinated bronze. The base of the clock is in chased gilded bronze with elaborate moldings. The patinate...
Bronze
Important Napoleon III Lion Inkwell, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Office inkwell in Siena yellow marble and bronze Napoleon III 19th century 34cm x 20cm Very good condition.
Marble
$15,179 / set
Large Pair of Porcelain Vases
Located in Paris, FR
Large pair of vases with green background called «green garden» in porcelain resting on a base with gold flutings. The shape of the vase is architectured with handles decorated with stylized leafy garlands, ribbons and cords in white porcelain. The body of each vase contains a cartel with a pastoral scene, one of which represents a couple of young shepherds according to Jean-François Boucher...
Porcelain
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
Napoleon III Style Gilt Bronze Sconce By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
In this Napoleon III Style Gilt Bronze Sconce By Gherardo Degli Albizzi You can appreciate both hunting and vegetal motifs in the form of a boar and oak leaves that create a sinuous ...
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
$1,859Sale 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
$905Sale Price|49% Off
19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful walnut desktop box which opens into a writing slope. Decorated on the outside with 2 decorative inlaid tunbridge ware bands. Box opens out to a beige fabric writing slo...
Brass
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 French Parquetry Ebonized Domed Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed by maker on lock. Paris, France. Bronze/brass mounted.
Brass, Bronze
Napoleon III circular enamel box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Napoleon III circular enamel box Material bronze and Cloisonne enamel Origin France Circa 1870 19th century Excellent quality and excellent condition Natural wear on its patina Its i...
Bronze, Enamel
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
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock
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
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
Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture of Child with Dog by Auguste Joseph Peiffer
Located in Middleburg, VA
Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture of Child with Dog by Auguste Joseph Peiffer This sculpture of a child holding a dog in front of partridge was created in the late 19th century. Pe...
Bronze
Good Pair of Gilded and Patinated Bronze, 19th Century Mantel Urns
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine pair of decorative mantel ewers or urns are French and were made, circa 1870. Cast in bronze the pair has been carefully patinated all-over then gilded in decorative areas ...
Slate, Bronze
19th Century Italian Carved Marble Figure of a Young Girl by Caroni
By Emanuele Caroni
Located in Tarzana, CA
A lovely 19th century carved Carrara marble figure of a young girl waving her right hand as a dove rests on her dress, she is standing aside a basket with a ball of string and a gar...
Carrara Marble
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
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Bronze Centerpiece on Marble Base
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional 19th century French Napoleon III period bronze centerpiece on marble base depicts Bacchus and Ariadne in full relief, plus an intriguing dragon's tail handle on each s...
Marble, Bronze
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Clock of a Victorious Crusader Knight in Battle
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A finely cast gilt bronze figurative clock showing knight crusader stranding on rocky terrain after battle. The knight has a spear in one hand, a battle axe in the other, his helmet ...
Bronze
Old Paris Porcelain Jewelry Box Casket Bisque Parian Sculpture Rare
By Old Paris
Located in Austin, TX
Amazing Old Paris porcelain box with figural parian sculpture group on the top. The box features a mix of hand painted and transferred gold detaili...
Porcelain
19th Century Napoleanic Cachepot
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Napoleanic Cachepot. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Ceramic
Griotte Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock Mounted by a Classical Female Bronze Bust
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
$1,716Sale Price|20% Off
Unusual Architected Marble Bronze and Crystal Inkwell, Italy, 1890
Located in Brussels, BE
A cut crystal inkwell inserted in a massive architectural beige marble base. Probably Italy around 1890.
Marble, Crystal, Bronze
19th Century French Burl Elm Inlaid Jewelry Box with Drawer & Inside Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a coffee table or a shelf with this elegant antique box. Created in France circa 1880, the rectangular cabinet is decorated with an elegant floral inlaid star motif on the t...
Mercury Glass, Elm, Burl
Carved Marble Figure of Napoleon Bonaparte with hand in waste coat
Located in Tarzana, CA
A white carved marble figure of Napoleon Bonaparte standing with one hand in his jacket, raised on a gilt bronze mounted white marble pedestal. Overall height: 75" Sculpture height...
Marble
$1,830Sale 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
Antique French Napoleon III Rosewood Jewel Box with Silver Inlay Circa 1860-1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III rosewood jewel box with fabulous silver inlay, circa 1860-1870.
Silver
$4,400 / set
Pair White and Pink Rhodochrosite Vases
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair White and Pink Rhodochrosite Vases Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Crystal
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
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
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 Porcelaine de Paris Hand Painted Swan Motif Vase
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a console, mantel, or center table with this elegant antique porcelain vase crafted in France circa 1880 by Porcelaine de Paris. The baluster-form body rises to a tall, flared neck, creating a refined and balanced silhouette typical of fine Parisian porcelain...
Porcelain
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
Empire Style Set in Painted Sheet Metal, Comprising a Candlestick and a Cup.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Desk set comprising an Empire style candlestick and cup in painted sheet metal, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Cup: H: 16cm, W: 10cm, D: 10cm Candlestick: H: 19cm, W: 24cm, D: 1...
Sheet Metal
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 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
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
$5,498 / set
Mid-19th Century Pair of Green Opaline Flasks
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of green opaline perfume flasks with pointed stoppers and flower-shaped saucers. The stoppers and flasks are decorated with diamond-shaped patterns that have gilded stripes outl...
Opaline Glass
Antique French Portico Clock, Rosewood & Satinwood, Mid-19th Century
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Antique and elegant French clock, with bronze details and fine inlaid wood, perfectly working. Perfect in a studio room. It's the typical clock of European noble houses...
Wood
Inkwell FRENCH MANUFACTURING OF THE EARLY 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Inkwell FRENCH MANUFACTURING OF THE EARLY 1900s Empire style inkwell in yellow Siena marble with gilded bronze inkwells and sphinx. 48 x 23 cm Height 20.
Marble
19th Century Napoleon III Fire-Gilt Fireplace Clock
Located in Berlin, DE
Fire-gilt fireplace clock, Rokokodekor sign. Ansonia New York, 19th century. Bronze-gilt. Four-sided glazed housing on base with reliefed seed beads, leaves and flowers. Approved roof trim. Digits sheet email with Arabic numerals. Brocothemia. Steel filled, formerly mercury pendulum...
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
Lot of 9 original opaline vases from the Napoleon III period, height from 11.42"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Lot of 9 original opaline vases from the Napoleon III period, height from 11.42" to 13" (29 to 33 cm)
Opaline Glass
French Porcelain and Bisque Mantel Clock by Miroy Freres, Paris
By Miroy Frères
Located in Norwich, GB
French Porcelain and Bisque pottery mantel clock with floral decoration and gilded garlands supporting a French Nobleman and his mistress. Beautifully decorated with an enamel dial and Roman numerals to the French eight day movement with outside countwheel strike signed ‘Miroy Freres...
Porcelain
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III Period neoclassical style three-piece clock set. French, 19th century Dimensions: Height 58cm, width 47cm, depth 19cm Comprised of a mantel clock and two flanking c...
Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu
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
Pair of porcelain biscuit sculptures of eagles, Napoleon III period
Located in Paris, FR
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
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
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
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 Late 19th Century Jade Green Opaline and Gilded Brass Vases
Located in Paris, FR
Importante paire de vases balustre en opaline couleur jade et monture en laiton doré, à épaulement orné de guirlandes de lauriers sommées par une galeri...
Bronze