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.
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
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
$805Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of French Porcelain and Bronze Candle Holders Napoleon III
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of candlesticks in French Sevres style porcelain and hand-painted bronze, made in the second part of the 19th century. Two little cracks are present, as shown in the pictures. ...
Bronze
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
Pair Antique Paris Porcelain Botanical Dishes Hand Painted Flowers Circa 1850
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Paris porcelain botanical dishes is hand-painted with finely observed flowering plants rendered in soft purple-pink tones with fresh gree...
Porcelain
Pair Of Large Louis XVI Style Cassolettes In Belgian Royal Marble And Gilt Bronz
Located in BARSAC, FR
Superb pair of large cassolettes in Belgian royal marble, featuring a striking gilt and chased bronze ornament depicting intertwined serpents. A very elegant and high-quality pie...
Marble, Bronze
$395Sale Price|20% Off
Limoges Porcelain Lidded Candy Dish Trinket or Antique French Jewelry Box
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful hand painted Limoges porcelain candy dish, trinket, or jewelry box. This gorgeous French jewelry box is adorned with traditional decor...
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Bust of Marianne - Ormolu Gilt Bronze
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant and finely cast ormolu gilt bronze sculpture of Marianne, the enduring symbol of the French Republic. This 19th-century piece was made circa 1870 in France and features Maria...
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
Jules Moigniez Bronze Sculpture of Three Sheep and a Lamb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bronze grouping of sheep with a nuanced brown patination. Moigniez' intricate work on the surface of the piece created a true-to-life rendering of the sheep's fleece. The group is se...
Bronze
Antique Napoleon III Game box with Brass and Burl Wood Marquetry
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique game box from the French Napoleon III period. The box is made of various types of wood marquetry inlaid with brass trims. This box s...
Copper
Table Cigarette Box like lapis lazuli stone enamel on guilloche Salimbeni.
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular with rounded corners table box for cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent enamels on a radial guilloché an...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
French Napoleon III Boulle Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Single Tea Caddy Compartment From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to bring to market this Antique French Boulle Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy o...
Bronze, Ormolu
Napoleon III Period Gilt Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Mantel Clock
By Miroy Frères
Located in London, GB
This sophisticated gilt bronze mantel clock is an elegant piece of mid-19th century design, beautifully cast and gilded and set with two delicate Sèvres style porcelain panels. The clock case's finest feature is the charmingly naturalistic scene at its top, showing a full-length sculpture of a female figure sitting with a basket and two doves. They are displayed on a naturalistic, oval-shaped plinth, which is decorated all around its exterior with painstakingly intricate foliate motifs. Either side of the plinth there are two Sevres style porcelain panels, each of which shows a winged putto. One putto is shown writing, while the other is shown holding a dove. Each is set inside a turquoise blue border decorated with delicate gilt scrolls. In the centre of the plinth sits the clock dial, which is enamelled and contains Roman numerals. It is signed 'Prize Medal 1851 / Miroy Fres Brevetes / Paris' after the clock's maker, Miroy Freres...
Ormolu, Bronze
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
$2,621Sale Price|25% Off
Gilt & Patinated Bronze Jockey On Horse, Equestrian Statue, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A French Jockey à Cheval tabletop sculpture from the Napoleon III period crafted in gilt and patinated bronze, depicting a jockey and his faithful horse in fine detail. The piece re...
Marble, Metal, Brass, 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
Pair Of Baccarat Opaline Vases, Golden Decor, 1880
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, a magnificent pair of Baccarat opaline vases of very high quality, gold decoration, very beautiful pieces. Napoleon III period 19th century. Dimensions: Vase H...
Crystal
Exquisite 19th Century Opaline Glass Vase Handpainted, Attributed to Baccarat or
By Baccarat, Cristalleries De Baccarat, St. Louis Crystal
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This breathtaking 19th-century opaline glass vase is a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship, likely attributed to renowned French glassmakers Baccarat or Saint-Louis. The piece features...
Enamel
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
Pair of Antique French Neoclassical Gilt Tole Cachepots Jardinieres
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely pair of antique French black and gold jardinieres or cachepots. No maker's mark. These gorgeous planters have a fine hand painted laurel wreath garland with gilt ring handle...
Metal
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
19th Century Napoleon III Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock Table Garniture
Located in MADRID, ES
Magnífica Guarnición de Chimenea Francesa Estilo Napoleón III – "Alegoría de las Artes y las Ciencias" Fecha: Circa 1860-1880 Origen: París, Francia Materiales: Bronce dorado al merc...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
$1,533Sale Price|20% Off
Chased Bronze Jewellery Box, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chased bronze jewellery box, 19th century Chased bronze jewellery box, red silk inside, Napoleon III period, 19th century Contact us before ordering ...
Bronze
$9,211 / set
4 green serpentine marble columns, circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
4 columns in green serpentine marble, around 1880 measure to request
Marble
Exquisite Napoleon III French Ormolu Figural Basket Centerpiece, Circa 1880
By Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An exquisite Napoleon III French ormolu figural basket centerpiece, Circa 1880, Attributed to Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley. Depicting four mercury-gilded bronze ormolu cherubs holding a basket, the base with trophies and scrolling. This monumental centerpiece...
Ormolu
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
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
A 19th Century French Gild Bronze Lily Candelabra Pair - 19th Century Ormolu
Located in England, GB
An exceptional pair of 19th-century French bronze ormolu candelabra, each masterfully crafted as a lily flower bouquet emerging from elegant two-handled urns. These stunning five-lig...
Bronze, Ormolu
A Napoléon III Silvered-Bronze Clock Garniture by Charpentier, Paris
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large and Important Napoléon III Gilt and Silvered-Bronze Sculptural Three-Piece Clock Garniture, By Charpentier, Paris. Comprising a mantle clock and a pair of figural vases. The...
Bronze
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
$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
$5,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19th C. Christofle Silvered Bronze Putti & Crystal Centerpieces
By Christofle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair 19th C. Christofle Silvered Bronze Putti and Crystal Centerpieces France, circa 1875 Highlighting the extraordinary skill of Christofle’s makers, this exquisite pair of 19th-ce...
Crystal, Bronze
Napoleon III Black Gutta Percha Inkstand, Late 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The black inkstand with a molded lion decoration with a shell pen tray. The two glass inkwells on either end.
Rubber
French Napoleon III Jewelry Box in Black Lacquer with Asian Decor, 19th Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
A striking example of 19th-century French craftsmanship, Napoleon III period jewelry box showcases the era’s fascination with Chinoiserie and refined decorative arts. France, Napoleo...
Wood, Lacquer
Contenot, Joan Of Arc, Signed Bronze, Late 19th-early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Patinated bronze sculpture representing Joan of Arc in armor, brandishing her sword Sculpture signed Contenot on the base (Henri Daniel) Joan is a young French woman of peasant...
Bronze
19th Century French Silver Plated over Bronze Jewelry Box with Repousse Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant, antique Napoleon III silverplated box in your master bath to keep your jewelry safe and organized. Crafted in France circa 1870, and built of bronze, the rectangular casket with raised top, sits on small scrolled feet, and is dressed with lion face handles on both sides. All sides including the top are decorated with detailed repousse floral and leaf motifs in high relief throughout; the top is decorated with a oval medallion featuring Poseidon, one of the Twelve Olympians in ancient Greek religion and mythology...
Silver Plate, Bronze
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
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
$2,660Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Cut Crystal Candelabra attributed to Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful 19thc French Napoleon III Crystal Candelabra/ Centerpiece. Incredible work on this piece. Shades included. Attrib. Baccarat.
Crystal
Sèvres Porcelain Box, Gilt Brass Mounting, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, gilt brass mounting, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Napoleon III period box, 19th century, Sèvres porcelain and gilt brass mount. Dimensions : H: 14cm, ...
Brass
19th Century Bronze Statue: Bacchante
Located in Paris, FR
This statue featuring a Bacchante is crafted of patinated bronze. In Roman mythology, Bacchae, or Bacchantes, were the female followers of Bacchus. They were often depicted in the co...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
19th Century Napoleon III Marquetry Jardiniere or Planter
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, made with inlaid veneers of burled walnut with mother of pearl inlay and ebonized trim. Bronze mounted wit...
Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut
Bohemian Cut Crystal Box, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian cut crystal box, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Bohemian cut crystal box, brass mounting, late 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 15cm, W: 19cm, D: 11c...
Crystal, Brass
Porcelain De Paris Napoleon III Style Pair of Shaped Vases Hand Decorated
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. Part...
Porcelain
Sculpture in Patinated Bronze Signed Antonin Mercié, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture in patinated bronze signed Antonin Mercié, 19th century. A 19th century patinated bronze sculpture by Antonin Mercié, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 69cm, W: 30cm, ...
Bronze
H. Picard, Pair of "Cupids" Jardinieres, France, circa 1860
By Henri Picard
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed H. Picard Fine pair of oval jardinieres in chiselled and gilded bronze, with inner liners. They are adorned in relief and enhanced by a subtle interplay of burnished and matt...
Bronze
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
$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
Gilded Bronze and Sèvres Porcelain Mantel Set, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century Napoleon III period gilt bronze and Sèvres gilt and enamelled porcelain mantel set, Central clock and two candelabras, 19th century. Clock: H: 60cm, W: 31cm, D: 20cm Ca...
Bronze
19th Century Napoleon III Game Box with Burl Wood and Brass
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique game box from the French Napoleon III period. The box is made of book veneer match, inlaid with brass trims. This box shows the fine craftsmanship of the ebenist wh...
Brass
19th C. Pair of French Porcelain Lidded Apothecary Jars
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful pair of antique 19th-century French porcelain lidded apothecary or pharmacy jars, with elegant hand-painted decoration and lettering, and maker's mark on the base. A depiction of the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is emblazoned on the front of each, together with images of the iconic serpent that is so often associated with apothecaries, in homage to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine...
Porcelain
BARBEDIENNE - Pair of 19th Century Bronze Torchières by DUBOIS & FALGUIERE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This pair of bronze torchieres with double brown and gold patina is represented by two women in an antique draped dress, one in the left arm and the other in the right arm a seven-li...
Bronze
19th Century French Repousse Silver Plated on Copper Jewelry Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant, antique Napoleon III copper box in your master bath to keep your jewelry safe and organized. Crafted in France circa 1880, the ornate ...
Silver Plate, Copper
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Vase, C. 1870
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Vase, C. 1870 In the Islamic / Alhambra taste. The two handled vase in Alhambra form, enameled in rich yellow throughout ...
Enamel, Bronze, Ormolu
Bronze sculpture of Mercury by Bouret, France, Napoleon III
Located in Valladolid, ES
An extraordinary and large patinated bronze sculpture representing the Roman god Mercury, seated on a rocky base. The work is by the French sculptor Eutrope Bouret (1833-1906), reno...
Bronze
A Fine Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze Three Piece Clock Garniture
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Fine Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze Three Piece Clock Garniture Comprising a mantel clock and a pair of seven-light figural candelabra. Designed as a celebration of music and lyric poe...
Enamel, Ormolu
C Anfrie - She Snores, Signed Bronze, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Beautiful bronze sculpture with a brown patina, depicting a young boy holding a spinning top. The bronze is titled "She's Snoring," referring to the sound of the top spinning, an...
Bronze
Fireplace Set in Patinated and Ormolu, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Fireplace set in patinated and ormolu, Napoleon III period, 19th century. A Napoleon III period ormolu mantel set in the 19th century, composed of a central clock and two candelabra...
Bronze
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Exotic Burlwood Jewelry/ Table Box, France, Circa 1870s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Exotic Burlwood Jewelry/Table Box France, circa 1870s A stunning Napoleon III exotic burlwood jewelry/table box from France, circa 1870s. This exquisite 19th-century wo...
Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Opaline Glass Vase
By Baccarat, Cristalleries De 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