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.
$5,684Sale Price|25% Off
Bresse enamel box, Napoléon III
Located in Paris, FR
Square box of Bresse-blue enamel with gilt bronze mounts. The five sides are composed of convex plates that are decorated with intricate golden arabesques and flower seeds. Enameled ...
Enamel
Picture Frame Pocket for 2 photo Sterling Silver Enamel Napoleon III Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Pocket photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated with two-tone translucent fired enamels on guilloché, with hand-engraved edge. Napoleon III Empire style. Hinged octagona...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
A superb 19th century eight day grande sonnerie carriage clock, circa 1870.
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A superb nineteenth century eight day grande sonnerie carriage clock of typical size, c. 1870. The gilt-brass gorge case has glass panel...
Brass
Antique Female Sculpture In Alabaster, Giuseppe Gambogi Italian Sculptor, 19th.
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
Sèvres Porcelain Casket, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain casket, Napoleon III period, 19th century. 19th century casket, Napoleon III period, Sèvres porcelain and gilt brass mount. Dime...
Porcelain
Pair of French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Sevres Style Cassolettes
Located in Antwerp, BE
A striking and highly decorative pair of large French Napoleon III cassolettes, crafted in the late 19th century. Each piece features finely cast and chiseled ormolu (gilt bronze) m...
Bronze, Ormolu
$3,533Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Ewers
Located in Paris, FR
Important pair of Napoleon III ewers in chased gilt bronze with rich decoration in relief of stylized foliage, friezes of palmettes, and vine branches framing a frieze of putti reali...
Bronze
C19th French Napoleon 111 Liquor Cellar
Located in London, GB
Magnificent French Liquor Cabinet This cabinet opens to Reveal decanters and Crystal Glasses Baccarat Style set within burr Wood Case C1880s
Amboyna
GUICHE Palais Royal - Gilt Bronze Clock with Puttis
Located in Beaune, FR
Very pretty model for this gilded bronze clock from the Napoleon III period in Louis XV rocaille style dating from the 19th century. Very good quality of gilding and entirely origina...
Bronze
$1,249Sale Price / set|58% Off
Pair of Vases in Black Marble and Parts in Polished Brass Napoleon III France
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of vases in black marble and parts in polished brass Napoleon III France Base cm.12x12.
Marble, Brass
Pair Antique French Bronze Marble Putti Dancing Musicians Statues Sculpture 1860
Located in Portland, OR
A fine pair of 19th century antique French bronze cherub statues/sculptures on marble plinths, circa 1860. Each sculpture is very finely c...
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Repoussé Brass Fireplace Wood Box on Casters
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring character and function to your hearth with this antique French firewood box crafted circa 1920. Built with a wooden carcass clad in richly patinated repoussé brass panels, the coffer is decorated on all sides with lively tavern scenes in the manner of David Teniers, depicting peasants gathered around tables in moments of music, drink, and conversation. The detailed relief work adds depth and narrative, making the piece as decorative as it is practical. The slanted hinged lid, fitted with an interior chain support, opens to reveal ample storage for kindling or firewood. Raised on discreet rolling casters, the box is easy to move and ideal for placement beside a fireplace, while also working beautifully as a small accent chest...
Brass
$4,104Sale Price / set|25% Off
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
A Large Sèvres Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Bowl, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A large Sèvres porcelain and gilt bronze bowl, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Sèvres porcelain and ormolu bowl, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 31cm, W: 42...
Bronze
$1,661Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Mantel Clock or Console 180s Black Marble and Solid Brass Sculpture
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Napoleon III Mantel Clock or Console 180s Black Marble and Solid Brass Sculpture
Marble, Brass
Louis-Constant SÉVIN, Ferdinand BARBEDIENNE, Pair of Ornamental Vases
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This exceptional pair of vases is the result of the collaboration between Louis Constant Sevin, drawer and designer, and Ferdinand Barbedienne, bronze maker and founder of the famous...
Bronze, Enamel
A Napoleon III Period Sèvres Style Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Garniture
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large and Exceptional Napoleon III Period Gilt-Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Garniture. By Denière, Paris. Comprising a mantle clock and pair of eight-light...
Enamel, Ormolu
Pill box enamel “pastoral”miniature on sterling silver gold plated Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco 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
Jewelry Box in Marquetry of the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jewelry box in Marquetry of the 19th century Jewelry box in wood Marquetry, Napoleon III period, 19th century Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability. Dimensions...
Wood
$1,371Sale Price|25% 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 pendulum clock with a portico-style frame featuring twisted columns. 1800
Located in Torino, IT
Pendulum Clock NAPOLEON III portico structure with twisted columns, made of ebonized wood and inlaid. France, Late 19th Century ORIGIN France PERIOD Second 19th century MATERIALS ...
Metal, Brass
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
Monumental Antique French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mantel Clock by Maison Marquis
Located in New York, NY
A very unusual and quite monumental antique French Louis XVI style Napoleon III ormolu mantel clock by Maison Marquis, the Movement by Languereau, Paris, 1860: surmounted by an urn i...
Enamel, Bronze
Table cigarette box Silver Sterling Enamel two-tone striped guilloché Salimbeni.
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Exceptional table cigar or cigarette box in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated, and decorated with translucent two-tone striped fired enamels over guilloché engraving. Finely hand...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Gilded Bronze and Turquoise Enameled Earthenware Inkstand By Theodore Deck.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilded bronze and turquoise enameled earthenware inkstand by Theodore Deck from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. Inkwell by Theodore Deck, from the Napoleon III period, 19th c...
Bronze
Sèvres Porcelain Box, Enamelled and Gilded, 20th Century, Napoleon III Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, enamelled and gilded, 20th century, Napoleon III style. A 20th century Napoleon III style Sèvres porcelain enamelled and gilt box with gilt brass mounting. Di...
Porcelain
$2,769Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Mantel clock in Black marble and bronce philosopher sculture
By Paris Studio
Located in Valladolid, ES
Napoleon III Mantel clock in Black marble clock surmounted by a patinated bronze representing a Greek writer or philosopher holding the a manuscript on his knees One of a kind an...
Marble, Bronze
A Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock, By Jean-François Denière
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock, 'Pendule à Cercles Tournants', By Jean-François Denière, Paris. Of imposing scale, surrounded by four winged putti and garlands of flowers in clouds enveloping a bleu celeste tole star-studded sphere. On a shaped base with a wreath and courting doves. The square-plated movement with Brocot escapement and outside count wheel striking on a bell. Stamped to the backplate ‘Deniere A Paris’ and numbered ‘2385’. France, Circa 1860. This clock, magnificent of scale and conception, numbers amongst Denière's most impressive creations. Denière delivered clocks to the Emperor at the château du Fontainebleau in 1857 and 1861. Both are modelled with playful cherubs pulling foliate garlands which show the same designer as those to the present clock. They can be attributed to the sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824 –1887) who from the 1850s produced for Denière models for candelabra, clocks, jardinieres and fireplace ornaments. Inspired by the Louis XVI style, the present clock with celestial sphere enclosing a complex rotating clock...
Bronze
A Sèvres Porcelain Box, Gilt Brass Mounting, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A Sèvres porcelain case, gilt brass mounting, 19th century, Napoleon III period. An important Sèvres porcelain box, 19th century, Napoleon III period, gilt brass mounting. Dimensio...
Brass
A Napoleon III Gilt and Silvered Bronze, Onyx and Enamel Figural Clock Set
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoleon III Gilt and Silvered Bronze, Onyx and Champlevé Enamel Figural Three-Piece Clock Garniture. By Eugène Cornu for the Société des Marbres Onyx d'Algerie, the figure cast fr...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
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
$316Sale Price|31% Off
Green Glass Basket Center Piece or Empty Pocket, French circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
French green molded glass basket, to be used as a center piece or empty pocket. Decorated with vegetal and floral motifs on imitation wickerwork. Good condition Shipping: 10 ...
Glass
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
Important Early 19th Century Bronze Figural Mantle Clock of Recumbent Cleopatra
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Important Early 19th Century Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Mantle Clock By Andre-Antoine Ravrio and Mesnil Modeled with a large and beautiful gilt bronze figure of recumbent...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Napoleon III Empire Vases Brass, France, 1860
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Original pair of Napoleon III Empire vases brass, France, 1860. Original condition. Nice applications.
Brass
Antique French Napoleon III Spelter Candlestick, late 19th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French Napoleon III period candlestick made of bronzed spelter, late 19th Century. This antique candleholder features a design draped with chains and is supported by a three-...
Spelter
Large Napoleon III Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Set, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large Napoleon III period gilt bronze mantel set, cloisonné with red and pink enamel, 19th century. Napoleon III period mantel set, 19th century, in gilt bronze, cloisonné with red ...
Bronze
Marvelous 19th Century French Antique Jewelry Box Napoleon III in Burl Wood
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Marvelous Napoleon III 19th century antique Jewelry box in Burl wood from France. Impressive wood grain with slight curved edge on t...
Wood, Burl
$2,094Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Black Rosewood Liquor Case, 1890s, Set of 11
Located in Opole, PL
Antique Black Rosewood Liquor Case, 1890s, Set of 11 Step into the opulence of 19th-century France with this stunning Napoleon III-style liquor case, a tr...
Glass, Rosewood
Table clock blue enamel Swiss mechanical skeletal movement. Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Table clock in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fire enamel on guilloché and fine hand engravings. The clock has a base of cm. 4 x 10 and is rectangular cm. 8 x...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Opaline Glass Vase
By Cristalleries De Baccarat, Baccarat
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
An opulent hand hand-painted opaline glass vase probably made by Baccarat. Delightful handpainted with a rich flower bouquet of wild roses and forgot-me-not flowers, gilt lines and a...
Enamel
Shell-Shaped Catchall or fruit bowl – France - Napoleon III Era
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A superb boiled cardboard catchall or fruit bowl from the Napoleon III era. Its refined scallop shell shape, adorned with delicate golden tile motifs on a black background, perfectly...
Other
Pair of F. Barbedienne Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Vases w/ Griffin Heads, Paris
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century, Napoleon III, French F. Barbedienne Signed Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Tri-Footed Vases, with Mythical Beast/Dragon Heads Each vase is formed with a flared t...
Bronze, Enamel
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Classic flower vase, metal fire-gilded enamel painting, Napoleon III 1870 France
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning flower vase, made out of metal, elaborately hand enamel painted, the base is firegilt, a French masterpiece, made around 1870 at the time of Napoleon III. This vase is a tr...
Metal, Enamel
Napoleon III French Gilt Bronze & Patinated Three-Piece Clock Garniture
Located in Houston, TX
Exquisite set by Vincent &Cie Medaille d’ Argent circa 1855 clock works- the Medallion in the center en verso. It is in great working condition with Orig...
Bronze
Exquisite 19th Century Mantel Clock – Planchon Paris
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Exquisite 19th Century Mantel Clock – Planchon Paris This exceptional mantel clock, crafted by the renowned Planchon manufactory in Paris during the second half of the 19th century,...
Bronze
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
Table clock Sterling Silver fired Enamel on a sunburst Guilloché Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Table clock in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on a sunburst guilloché, with various ornaments in Napoleon III Empire style, late 19th century. The...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate
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
Baccarat Opaline Vases, Art Nouveau, Pink Accents, 19th Century Pair
By Baccarat
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This stunning pair of Baccarat Style opaline vases is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Art Nouveau period. Dating back to the end of 19th century, these vases are a...
Opaline Glass
Picture Frame Oval Emerald Green enamel and hand-carved Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent emerald green fired enamel on guilloché and with ornaments in the French Empire Napoleon III style. External...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
Napoleon III Bridal Cushion Under Glass Dome, Late 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exceptionally decorative late 19th-century French Napoleon III bridal cushion displayed beneath its original blown glass dome. This charming ceremonial piece was traditionally cre...
Metal
Pair of Guinea Fowl Figurines in Paris Porcelain, Samson, 19th Century, Napoleon
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of guinea fowl figurines in Paris porcelain, Samson, 19th century, Napoleon III period. 19th-century sculpture depicting guinea fowl, Napoleon III period, Paris porcelain, Sams...
Porcelain
19th Century French Napoleon III Burl Walnut Marquetry and Bronze Plant Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a room with this elegant antique jardinière. Created in France circa 1870, and oval in shape, the planter stands on cabriole legs decorated with acanthus leaf motifs at the ...
Bronze
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
Antique Pair French Blue Opaline Gilded Enamel Glass Perfume Bottles Flacon 1850
Located in Portland, OR
A very elegant pair of antique French Napoleon III blue enameled & gilded Opaline glass glass scent bottles or falcons, circa 1850. This lovely pair of blue Opaline glass scent bottl...
Enamel
Late 19th Century French Black Marble Mantel Clock
Located in Greven, DE
French Mantel Clock Paris, circa 1870 Black marble with gilt bronze mounts Dimensions: H × W × D: 41 x 23 x 12 cm Description: Case in black marble with richly chased and gilt bro...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
French Napoleon III Bronze Peacock Mantel Clock Viot & Cie, 19th C.
Located in BARCELONA, ES
An exceptional French mantel clock by Viot & Cie, dating to the Napoleon III period, circa 1860–1880. The sculptural composition features a finely cast peacock supporting the circul...
Marble, Bronze
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Gilt Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a wonderful Napoleon III ormolu mantle clock from the estate of a Los Angeles collector from around 1860. There is a zaftig little boy perched at the top of the clock, and f...
Brass