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.
French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Marble and Ormolu urn, circa 1850
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Napoleon III Period Brocatelle D'Espagne, Rouge Languedoc Marble and Ormolu centerpiece/urn, circa 1850. Th...
Brocatelle Marble, Ormolu
Picture frame Squared Empire style ornaments Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
quare table frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with edges and ornaments in French Empire Napoleon III style. External cm. 18 x 2...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of Antique French Bronze Candelabra, Mercury Gilded, Circa 1860
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of three-flame candelabra Cast bronze, chiselled and mercury gilded France, third quarter of the nineteenth century Height 14.96 in (38 cm) X 12.59 (32 cm) Weight 11.46 lb ...
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
$2,201Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century French Bronze Allegorical Sculpture of Cherub Painter
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th Century French Bronze Allegorical Sculpture of Cherub Painter with Mirror Signed S.Kinsburger French artist, (1855–1935) An exquisite and rare late 19th-century French bronze f...
Marble, Ormolu
Antique French Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Brass Tortoiseshell Keepsake Box 13
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Napoleon III era French Marquetry Boulle box. Red and black tortoiseshell with foliate brass inlay. Decoration on top includes the monogram LS. Rectangular form ...
Brass
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Footed Shell Dish/ Vide-Poche
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Footed Shell Dish/Vide-Poche France, circa 1870s An exquisite Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Footed Shell Dish/Vide-Poche from France, circa the 1870s. This...
Ormolu
A 19th C. French Baccarat Opaline Crystal Vase w/ Enameled Putti Decoration
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A Very Large 19th Century French Baccarat Opaline Crystal Vase with Enameled Putti and Floral Decoration. The amphora form vase is beautifully hand-enam...
Crystal
French Ormolu Mounted Pink Sevres Style Lidded Vase, 19th Century
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Lisbon, PT
A beautiful antique decorative pink porcelain Sèvres Style urn with a hand-painted background of a guitar musician and his lady. A Serenata scene. In the back a lake scene with a ca...
Bronze
French Napoléon III Black Lacquer Box with Boulle-Style Cartouche
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite French Napoléon III black lacquer box is a fine 19th-century desk accessory distinguished by its elegant proportions and Boulle-style decorative cartouche. Crafted wit...
Brass
19th Century Decorative Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Clock
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A striking and highly decorative French Napoleon III mantel clock, dating from circa 1870, featuring a finely cast patinated metal figure of a young scholar or noble youth seated abo...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French sculpture features a young drummer, captured in a moment of intense focus and energy. Rendered in rich patinas of bronze, the figure is dressed in historical...
Bronze
After Christophe Fratin (Signed), Grooming 12 Point Stag in Patinated Bronze
Located in Morristown, NJ
After Christophe Fratin (French 1801-1864), a majestic 12 point stag in brown patinated cast bronze, modeled with head turned to towards hind, inscribed "FRATIN", and mounted to a re...
Marble, Bronze
$3,820Sale Price|20% Off
1890 French Antique Napoleon III Signed Baccarat Candelabrum/Candle Holder Large
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Grand Scale c1890's French Napoleon III Baccarat Crystal 3 Light Candelabra. Massive piece! Hand painted floral decor with 24K shades. Floral painted bells. Please look closely at pi...
Crystal
Large Napoleon III Frame In Wood And Gilded Stucco
Located in BARSAC, FR
Large Napoleon III frame in wood and gilded stucco with rich and generous decoration of foliage and flowers. Very thick and solid. French work from the second half of the 19t...
Stucco, Wood
19th Century French Brass Jardinière or Planter
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French brass Jardinière or planter. Lovely antique French Napoleon III heavy weight brass jardiniere, planter or cachepot. This fantastic French planter is beautifully d...
Brass
French Limoges Hand Painted Gold Trim Trinket Jewelry Box or Candy Dish
By Limoges
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Limoges handcrafted and hand painted gold trimmed trinket, jewelry box or candy dish, circa 1930. Signed, Jammet Seignolles Limoges (history of this maker below). Glazed. Measures: 4 3/8" Diameter x 2 1/4" high. Very good antique condition, no cracks or chips. In 1825, François BAIGNOL moved to LA FABRIQUE, on the edge of the Brigueuil forest and founded...
Porcelain
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
19th Century Burr Amboyna Glove Box by Paul Sormani, 114 Rue du Temple, Paris
By Paul Sormani
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A fine Napoleon III burled amboyna wood glove box with rounded walnut edges and mounted with incised pewter straps with fleur-de-lis terminals, the corners ...
Pewter
$1,978Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th Century French Japy Frères Sunburst Wall Clock
By Japy Frères
Located in England, GB
A magnificent French giltwood sunburst wall clock dating from around 1890, fitted with a Japy Frères movement, one of France’s most renowned clock manufacturers. This impressive deco...
Wood
Antique Silver-Plated Vase, Art Nouveau, Signed Lelièvre, France, 1910s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique vase by the french sculptor Eugène Lelièvre (March 13th 1856 - January 24th 1945). Exceptional silver plated bronze work. Th...
Bronze
Magnificent Pair of Napoleon III Period Porcelain Covered Vases/ 19th Century.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent pair of antique covered vases, dating back to the 19th century during the Napoleon III period, showcases the elegance and artistry characteristic of this iconic era....
Porcelain
Pair Antique French Napoleon III Bronze D' Ore & Green Marble Cassoulets Ca 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Napoleon III bronze d' ore & green marble cassoulets, circa 1880.
Marble, Bronze
Large Pair of Baccarat Blue and White Overlay Opaline Vases, circa 1860
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
very large pair of french baccarat double overlay white over blue opaline vases,, cut diamond design, decorated with hand painted 24k gold decoration Large Pair of Baccarat Blue and...
Gold
Antique Female Sculpture In Alabaster, Giuseppe Gambogi Italian Sculptor, 19th.
By Giuseppe Gambogi
Located in Breganze, VI
The category Antique Alabaster Sculptures, features a refined Female Sculpture, a Young Woman leaning against a classical column and peering expectantly, the work created is made of alabaster, a lustrous and elegant material used by the artists to sculpt their works of art. The age of the ancient sculpture is from the late 1800s, 19th century. The ancient female Statue in alabaster, bears a signature G. Gambogi, Italian sculptor. Giuseppe Gambogi (1862-1938), was born in Pisa but worked in Florence where he had his studio-atelier together with his children. He uses various materials in marble, alabaster and bronze for his works. Sculptor with Romantic and Orientalist taste. Many works created by the sculptor were made for the foreign market and some of them are preserved in the Dantesco Museum in Ravenna. The sculpture is in excellent condition although it has undergone minor restoration. Sculture...
Alabaster
19th Century French Napoleon III Jardinière or Cachepot
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, with inlaid veneers of mahogany and walnut and burled elm. Bronze mounted with two handles, gallery and tr...
Bronze, Zinc
19th Century French Napoleon III Jardinière or Cachepot
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière with inlaid veneers of mahogany and exotic woods, in a lattice pattern. Bronze mounted with two handles, gallery and trim...
Bronze, Zinc
Antique French Walnut Sewing Set Case, Napoleon III Étui, Needle Case
Located in Greven, DE
This dainty yet highly detailed sewing set was crafted in the late 19th century by skilled French artisans. The case, also known as an étui, is made from walnut and has a tapering r...
Walnut
Inkwell In Gilt Bronze And Crystal, 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Inkwell in gilded bronze and crystal from the second half of the 19th century Original gilding in perfect condition 19th century, Napoleon III 8.2 x 10.6 cm, total height 8.2 cm
Crystal, Bronze
Maison Marnyhac, "African Venus" , Planter France, Circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptional planter by Maison Marnyhac in chiseled and gilded bronze and Algerian onyx representing a young African woman kneeling, carrying an oval bowl decorated with foliage. She is dressed with a loincloth, wearing an egret and adorned with many jewels. It rests on a square base decorated with gilded bronze. A model of a similar African Venus...
Onyx, Bronze
French Napoleon III Bronze Bacchus Putto Clock, Antique, 1870s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Napoleon III Bronze Bacchus Putti Mantel Clock, 1870s. Charming French Napoleon III bronze mantel clock dating from the 1870s, featuring a delightful Bacchus putto motif insp...
Bronze
19th Century Napoleon III Pendulum Clock Regulateur De Parquet
Located in Berlin, DE
Museale Pendulum clock "Regulateur de parquet" after Jean-Henri Riesener Napoleon III, Paris, circa 1850-1880. A model by Jean-Henri Riesener ...
Bronze
$2,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19thc Antique French Napoleon III Amber Formed Glass w/ Crystal Candlestick
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Napoleon III Candlesticks by Baccarat France. Moulded glass in an amber tone. Enamel floral work. This color is scarce. Baccarat Medallion...
Crystal
$2,327Sale Price|20% Off
Champlevé Enamel Inkwell on Tray, Napoleon III, 19th Century, France
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 19th century French inkwell in Champlevé enamel and bronze, mounted on an integrated tray with pen holders, in the Napoleon III style. This elegant desk accessory showcases the cr...
Bronze
Napoleon III Floral Globe de Mariée under Original Glass Dome
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exceptional Napoleon III Globe de Mariée, dating from the second half of the 19th-century (circa 1860–1880), preserved beneath its original hand-blown glass dome. These romantic F...
Metal
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Inkwell from France, C. 1840
Located in Dallas, TX
This piece of nineteenth-century French elegance is sure to be the envy of any collector. The Napoleon III gilt bronze inkwell is a prized find, crafted in circa 1840 France with int...
Metal, Bronze
F. Barbedienne, A Suite of Three French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, An Exquisite Suite of Three French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres / Garniture C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. Comprising of t...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Cornets, Baccarat Crystal Vases, Gilded Bronze, 19th Century, Napoleon III-era.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cornets, Baccarat crystal vases and gilded bronze, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Baccarat crystal vases, gilded bronze and crystal cornets, Napoleon III period, 19th century. H...
Crystal, Bronze
$5,274 / set
Mid-19th Century Pair of Green Opaline Flasks
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
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
Pill box enamel “pastoral”miniature on sterling silver gold plated Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular pill box with 2 slightly rounded sides, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with a miniature hand-painted by the painter Romano Buccioni depicting a “pastoral” scene ...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Exceptional Pair of French Ormolu Candlesticks by Millet, After Martincourt
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Exceptional Pair of French Ormolu and Black-Patinated Bronze Candlesticks by Millet, After Étienne Martincourt, Circa 1880 An exceptional and highly important pair of 19th-century F...
Ormolu
Antique French Black Gutta-Percha Photo Frame, Napoleon III Period, circa 1870
Located in Paris, FR
Antique French photo frame in Gutta-Percha, stylized decorations Napoleon III period, circa 1870. Antique frame width: 5 cm / 1.96 in. Antique glass...
Other
Pair of French Napoleon III Porcelain Vases with Gilt Decoration, 19th C.
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant and highly decorative pair of 19th-century French porcelain vases dating from the Napoleon III period, displaying the rich and eclectic ornamentation so characteristic of ...
Porcelain, Paint
Paris Porcelain Pair of Vases "The Flowering", France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of white porcelain vases richly decorated with beautiful polychrome floral compositions and butterflies enhanced with gold on a blue background, framed by golden porce...
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century Hand Painted Dutch Blue & White Delft Covered Vases ~ Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
Grand pair of 19th century Dutch Delft covered vases, featuring ample proportions, beautifully rounded forms and matching domed lids. Their classic blue and white palette is enriched...
Porcelain, Paint
French Skeleton Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French Skeleton clock with Gothic style brass frame standing on a marquetry inlaid rosewood base with bun feet. Cherubs head pendulum bob, enamel dia...
Brass
Pair of Paris Porcelain Vases, France, circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Lovely pair of amphora vases in Paris porcelain, with polychrome rotating decoration of lilacs, roses, clematis, fuchsias and other natural flowers, on a white background. The foot a...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Carriage Clock With Deer And Candlesticks In Gilt Bronze
Located in BÉTERA, ES
An elegant carriage clock set with complementary candlesticks, known as a "garniture," is characteristic of the Napoleon III or Second Empire style of France, circa early 20th centur...
Marble
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
19th Century French Amphora by François Moreau - Napoleon III Style
Located in Lisbon, PT
A decorative 19th century French metal amphora featuring women's embossing, designed in the Napoleon III style. Signed "F. Moreau" and complemented by a wood base.
Metal, Zinc
Bronze Study by Charles Virion a Figural Study of a Pheasant Family and a Snail
By Charles Louis Eugène Virion
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Study in Bronze of a family of pheasants surrounding a snail, signed with foundry mark. Charles Louis Eugène Virion (1865-1946) was a no...
Bronze
Pair of French Baluster Shaped Opaline Glass Vases Attributed to "Baccarat"
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique French baluster shaped green opaline glass vases, finely modeled with repose leaves and flowers, attributed to "Baccarat" French, circa 1860.
Opaline Glass
$400Sale Price|36% Off
19th Century French Porcelain Vase, Gilt Floral Design, Napoleon III
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite vase, dating from the late 19th in France, showcases a stunning floral design embellished with luxurious gold accents. The intricate craftsmanship highlights the elega...
Porcelain
Picture Frame Silver Enamel Red on guilloche convex shaped upper side Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular frame with a convex shaped upper side in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver and translucent fired enamel on guilloché, with external and internal borders in the French ...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Larges Sculptures Boreas abducting Orithya -The Rape of Proserpina France c 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Bores and Orithya - Height: 100 cm (39,4 in.) ; Width : 43 cm (16,9 in.) ; Depth : 45 cm (17,7 in.) Height with base : 175 cm (68,9 in.) Bronze Base Square : 40 (15,8 in.) x 38 (15 i...
Bronze
$512Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Antique Porcelaine de Paris Handpainted Wedding Vase
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A wonderful antique Porcelain de Paris wedding vase (or Vase d'Eglise de Mariée), dating from the 19th century and featuring an exquisite handpainted design of wildflowers, set again...
Porcelain
Pair of Gilded Bronze Frames, Napoleon III Style, Early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of gilded bronze frames, Napoleon III style, early 20th century. Pair of Napoleon III-style frames, early 20th century, in gilded bronze. H: 27 cm, W: 17 cm, D: 3.5 cm Please ...
Bronze
Porcelain de Paris Pair of Hand Painted Vases Napoleon III, France
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Pair ...
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
Ferdinand Barbedienne, a French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu