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.
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
Pair 19th Century Bowls - Chinese Porcelain - Family Rose - Bronze Gilt Mounts
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of Chinese "Family Rose" Bowls, in a French ormolu gilt pedestal mount with side handles. The bronze mounts are made in France, 1870-1880. The pair is in good condition. No c...
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Napoleon III Fire-Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This beautifully detailed Napoleon III fire-gilt bronze figural mantel clock is from France, circa 1860-1880. Featuring a graceful maiden in classical dress seated upon a boulder whi...
Bronze
Fake Book Concealing Two Liqueur Decanters, Napoleon III Style, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Fake book concealing a small liqueur cabinet from the early 20th century, Napoleon III style, comprising two liqueur decanters with four small crystal glasses, one decanter broken at...
Wood
Pair of Paris Porcelain Vases, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Paris porcelain vases, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Pair of 19th century vases in Paris porcelain, Napoleon III period. H: 38cm, W: 23cm, D: 16cm Please contact us b...
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, stan...
Bronze
19th Century, Large French Trivet
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Large 19th century, French Napoleon III period trivet. For heating up a pan or to keep it warm in and in front of the fire. Still in a good working condition.
Wrought Iron
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
Pair of Napoleon III Candelsticks in Ormolu Putti, Bronze, Ormolu Marble France
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind and very Exquisite and refined pair of candelabras or cancelsticks in gilded bronze at the end of the 19th century in France. In each one, a delicate putto or cherub in...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Gilt bronze and silver-plated bust of Diana, 20th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilt bronze and silver plated bust of Diana, 20th century, Napoleon III style Early 20th century gilt bronze and silver-plated bust of Diana, Napoleon III style. Dimensions : h: 37...
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture by Emmanuel Villanis, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture by Emmanuel Villanis, 19th century. Bronze sculpture by Emmanuel Villanis, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Photos:(c)inu.studio_art H: 47cm, W: 18cm, D: 13cm...
Bronze
French Silver Mounted Mother of Pearl Engraved Box, circa 1800
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and fine antique French silver mounted mother of pearl box and with an exquisitely carved ducal with a maiden holding a coronet, elaborate monogram and a rod of Caduce...
Mother-of-Pearl
Exceptional 19th C Parquetry Tea Caddy with Serpentine Sides Marked TAHAN Paris
By Tahan Paris
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An exceptional double chamber tea caddy with geometric parquetry panels with crossbanded edges. Each of the four sides of serpentine form and raised on a conforming plinth base edged...
Brass
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Decorated Fern Stand
Located in Riverdale, NY
Tripod fern Stand of ebonized wood, burl veneer and mahogany in the Napoleon III style, which is the name commonly given to a 19th century style of Renaissance Revival that encompasses a myriad of Revivalist styles including Louis XVI, and Japonism. These are seen in the gilt and bronze putti medallions and gilt bronze Geisha...
Wood
19th Century Napoléon III Gilt Bronze Sculpture with Putti and Champlevé Bowl
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century Napoléon III gilt bronze sculpture of Putti and champlevé bowl with marble base, France By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal, paint, enamel, stone, mar...
Stone, Marble, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Enamel, Tin
19th Century Bronze Sculpture of Napoleon Crossing the Alps
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A LOVELY late 19C Bronze Sculpture of Napoleon Crossing the Alps. 19th Century Bronze of Napoleon on Horseback in Battle, with c...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Pair of Regence Gilt-Bronze Green Glazed porcelain Mounted Celadon Lidded Vases
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Regence gilt-bronze mounted celadon lidded vases, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662-1722), in the manner of Yuan dynasty, and circa 1720. Each turquoise colored lidded vase / urn ...
Bronze
Blue Ceramic Planter, Chinoisant Design, Longwy, Napoleon III Period.
By Faïenceries et Emaux de Longwy
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Blue ceramic planter, Chinoisant design, Longwy, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Longwy planter, 19th century, Napoleon III period, in blue ceramic with Chinoisant decoration. ...
Ceramic
Lyre-Shaped Clock in Marble and Gilt Bronze, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A 19th century Napoleon III period Lyre-shaped clock in white marble and gilt bronze in the Louis XVI style. H: 59cm, W: 28cm, D: 20cm Please contact us before ordering to confirm ...
Marble, 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
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
Picture Frame Silver Enamel with oval laurel in style Napoleon III Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Giorgio Salimbeni Gold-Plated Sterling Silver and Enamel Photo Frame, Florence, 1970 Elegant rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated, and richly decorated wi...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Chest, Box Forming a Cabinet, Orientalist Art, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chest, box forming a cabinet, Orientalist art, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century Napoleon III period wood and bone marquetry cabinet box, Orientalist. Dimensions : ...
Bone, Wood
Napoleonic Patinated and Gilt Bronze Centerpiece by Auguste Delafontaine
By AUGUST MAXIMILIEN DELAFONTAINE
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This extraordinary late 19th-century French patinated and gilt bronze centerpiece in the Napoleonic style, by Auguste Maximilien Delafontaine, is a tour-de-force of sculptural bronze...
Bronze
E Picault, Victoria, Bronze Sculpture, Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Victoria: bronze sculpture with a brown patina of a victorious warrior, on a red marble base This bronze is entitled "Victoria" and is signed by the artist Emile Picault Emile Pica...
Marble, Bronze
$1,389Sale Price|30% Off
NAPOLEON III Antique 1870 French Desk Tray Set In Gray Marble And Gilt Ormolu
By Napoléon III
Located in Miami, FL
A Napoleon III desk set in marble and ormolu. This is a beautiful and flamboyant desk tray set created in Paris France during the Napoleon III per...
Marble, Bronze, Gold, Ormolu
$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
$3,475Sale Price|25% Off
Pair of Terracotta Urnes Vases castle , spain XIXs
Located in La xara, VC
This exceptional Pair of Urnes Vases second parts of the XIXs , Provenance Castle Near the district of Biarritz ! 1. Historical and cultural signifi...
Terracotta
Table box with mechanical musical movement by Swiss company Reuge S.A Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large oval table box with mechanical musical movement by the Swiss company Reuge S.A. in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and on fine ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$3,475Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Terracotta Urnes Vases castle , spain XIXs
Located in La xara, VC
This exceptional Pair of Urnes Vases second parts of the XIXs , Provenance Castle Near the district of Biarritz ! 1. Historical and cultural signifi...
Terracotta
$2,200 / set
Pair of French Napoleon Bronze Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
This listing features a pair of six candle bronze candelabras with hand-carved hanging crystals that originate around the 19th century and are part of the Napoleon III style. Also ...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Roller Vases in Imari Porcelain with Gilt Bronze Mounts, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
This pair of roller vases is crafted in Imari-style porcelain of French manufacture, attributed to Bayeux, and enriched with finely worked gilt bronze mounts. The cylindrical porcela...
Bronze
Pair Miniature Flower Vases, White Porcelain, Bronze, Napoleon III, 1890, France
Located in Wien, AT
Outstanding pair of porcelain vases, so-called miniature vases, made around 1880-1900, late napoleon III, country of origin: France. These nice objects are out of white porcelain wit...
Bronze
Antique Bauche Incombustible Cast Iron Safe from Northeastern France, 1865
Located in Linkebeek, BE
19th century non-combustible cast-iron travel strongbox by Bauche-Fichet, France Antique travel safe in non-combustible cast iron from northeastern France (Gueux, Marne). It is decor...
Iron
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base
Located in New York, NY
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base This oval form jardinière is wrapped with black, white and gold cloisonné enamel, with a shield at the ...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
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
Rocaille Clock In Gilt Bronze, Napoleon III, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Beautiful gilded bronze clock with lively decoration in the rococo style: flowers and foliage, putti Clock which is composed to be seen from all sides; dial with numbers in porcelai...
Bronze
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
Two Framed Sculpted Marble Medallions, Early 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Two profiles or medaillon of young women, sculpted in white marble in bas-relief, with a bronze frame. Some wear to the marble, stains and cracks, wear consistent with age to the...
Marble, Bronze
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
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
Sèvres Porcelain Box, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Box, Sèvres porcelain box, gilt brass mount, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 7 cm, W: 15 cm, D: 10 cm Co...
Brass
Museum Quality French White Marble Roundel Relief of Emperor Napoleon III, 1860
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A museum quality French white marble roundel relief of Emperor Napoleon III, circa 1860. The quality of this marble sculpture of Napoleon III is trul...
Marble
Napoleon III, Pair of French Cachepots in Hand-Painted Porcelain de Paris
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly invite you to read the entire description, as we strive to provide you with detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items. This eleg...
Porcelain
French 19th Century Boulle-Inlay Table Clock Under Glass Dome
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An absolutely stunning antique French boulle-work table clock on a domed Stand, circa 1840s. In the manner of André Charles Boulle, it is ebonized and inlaid with mother of pearl, et...
Brass
Stunning Little Antique Box with Decorated and Gilt Perfume Bottles Napoleon III
Located in Lisse, NL
If you are looking for the perfect gift for a lady. . .look no further. This magnificent, 19th century box is made of beautiful and mint condition boxwood and it comes with the original, gilt perfume...
Crystal
Large Bronze and Silver Chest, 19th Century Orientalist Work.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large bronze and silver chest, 19th century Orientalist work. Large 19th century Orientalist bronze and silver box, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 15,5cm, W: 23cm, D: 18cm C...
Silver, Bronze
19th C. French Rosewood Vanity Case by Perret with Silver Fittings Dated 1855
Located in Dallas, TX
Travel in style with this exceptional French antique vanity case, crafted in Paris circa 1855 by the esteemed maker Perret, a renowned goldsmith, cabinetmaker, and leather specialist...
Silver
Amendola, Bronze Sculpture Of An Antique Woman, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large bronze sculpture with a brown patina, representing a naked woman, sitting in an armchair, a pencil in one hand, a vase in the other, surrounded by antiques. Signature of the...
Bronze
$2,636 / item
Vase – White Marble
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Vase is a sculptural decorative object made from solid white marble. This elegant marble vase features clean lines and a classical silhouette, offering a timeless presence for c...
Marble
French Antique Napoleon III Style Glove Box or Jewelry Box Marquetry
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 19th-century French antique Napoleon III style glove box or jewelry box, typically crafted from burl wood veneer and featuring intricate brass and mother-of...
Wood
$1,700
Jewelry box Napoleon III
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Jewelry box Napoleon III Materials gilt bronze and ceramics Origin France Circa 1880 No Restorations Excellent condition Materials gilt bronze and ceramics ALL CERAMIC PLATES ARE PER...
Bronze
Monumental French Patinated Bronze Bust of William Shakespeare, After Houdon
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A monumental French patinated bronze bust of William Shakespeare, after Houdon, by F. Barbedienne Foundry, circa 1870. Masterfully and realistically sculpted in solid bronze, this...
Bronze
A Napoleon III Three Piece Figural Clock Garniture
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoleon III Gilt and Patinated Bronze Three Pieces Figural Clock Garniture. By Charpentier & Cie., Paris. Comprising a mantle clock modelled with playful cherubs with white enam...
Bronze
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
Pair of Monumental Sea Green Marble and Gilded Bronze Cassolettes
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This pair of monumental cassolettes from the nineteenth century is an exceptional example of French decorative arts from the Napoleon III period. These impressive incense burners are...
Marble, Bronze
$2,782Sale 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
Antique 19th Century Porcelain Apothecary Jar 'Ong: Egyptiac' Palm Trees Snakes
Located in Munich, DE
This elegant apothecary lidded jar is made out of porcelain and was made in France in 1870 ca. The apothecary jar is hand painted and hand gilt. It is decorated with two palm trees b...
Porcelain
19th Century Vieille Garde Sculpture on Inkstand by A. Le Véel and Susse Frères
By Susse Freres, Armand LeVeel 1
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century Napoleon III 'Vieille Garde' sculpture with inkwells and marble base inkstand by Armand Le Véel and Susse Frères, France By: Armand Le Véel, Susse Frères Material:...
Stone, Marble, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin
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