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.
19th Century Cigar Cabinet - Napoleon III - Burl Wood - Marquetry Inlay
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant antique French cigar cabinet from the Napoleon III period, dating to the late 19th century. Crafted in richly figured burl wood with fine marquetry inlay and ebonized details...
Fruitwood, Walnut, Burl
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
Large Sculpture in Patinated Bronze by Louis Julien Franceschi, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large sculpture in patinated bronze by Louis Julien Franceschi, 19th century. Bronze sculpture representing fortune by Louis Julien Franceschi, Napoleon III period, 19th century. D...
Bronze
$5,960Sale Price|20% Off
Perfumer Baccarat Perfume Box, Ormolu Mounted, Doré Bronze
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Perfumer Baccarat Perfume Box, Ormolu Mounted, Doré Bronze Presenting a remarkable fusion of artistry and opulence, the perfumer Baccarat's green op...
Ormolu
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
19th Century Napoleon III Letter Rack with Lacquered Panels and Bronze Mounts
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful 19th century letter rack from the French Napoleon III period. The letter rack is made of bronze with wooden panels. The wooden panels are decorated with red traditional lac...
Bronze
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
Picture Frame Green two-tones enamel Guilloche Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
This important Picture Frame Green is in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated 24 carats. It is rectangular shaped photo frame. The surface of this Picture Frame Green is fired enamel...
Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver
Antique Carved Wooden Dog Head Figure with Articulated Mouth
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Hand-Carved Wooden Dog Head with Movable Jaw – Finely crafted from dark hardwood, this antique figural carving features the detailed head of a dog, possibly a French Bul...
Wood
An Exceptional Pair of Champleve Enamel Ormolu Candelabra by Sevin & Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Illuminating Heritage: An Important "Exhibition" Pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis Constant Sevin Champleve Enamel and Ormolu Eight-Light Candelabra / Lamps In the realm of de...
Bronze, 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
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
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
French Napoleon III Ormolu and Porcelain Sided Mantel Clock in Four Glass Form
Located in London, GB
French Napoleon III ormolu and porcelain sided mantel clock in four glass form. The clock has fine jewelled porcelain panels on three sides including the full size dial. The porcelai...
Ormolu
$1,124Sale Price|20% Off
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
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 Napoleon III Period Bronze Floral Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Napoleon III Period Bronze Floral Candelabra are the perfect choice to provide a finishing touch on a mantel, buffet, window sill or any other s...
Bronze
19th Century French Glazed Porcelain Apothecary/Pharmacy Jar - 'EXT: QUINA R:'
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-19th century french glazed porcelain apothecary/pharmaceutical jar with lid - 'EXT: QUINA R:' By: Langlois (in the style of) Material: ceramic, porcelain, paint, enamel Techniqu...
Enamel
Sevres Chateau des Tuilleries Porcelain Bonbonniere
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Sevres Chateau des Tuilleries Porcelain Bonbonniere. It depicts a lidded cobalt blue large bowl cup mounted in gilt bronze. The top side of the lid is hand painted with a y...
Bronze
$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
Meissen 19th Century Porcelain Figure "Gentleman"
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Meissen 19th Century Porcelain Figure "Gentleman" Beautiful porcelain figure representing a man of the time, in white and blue with gold details with a bo...
Porcelain
$15,029 / 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
$2,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19thc Qajar Dynasty Crystal Table Lamps/ Candle Holders by Baccarat 1870
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French for Qajar Dynasty Amber with Hand Painted Floral Enamelled Table Lamps / Candle Holders with Crystal Shades. Manufactured by Baccarat. The amber body is floral deco...
Art Glass
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
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
French Napoleon III Period Brass Inlaid Rosewood and Walnut Lap Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very pretty French Napoleon III period brass inlaid rosewood and kingwood lap desk of fine quality. This portable writing desk is centered by a beautifully painted landscape scene....
Brass
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
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
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
Religious Sculpture in Plaster, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Religious sculpture in plaster, 20th century. 20th century religious sculpture in painted plaster. Dimensions : H: 45cm, W: 32cm, D: 16cm Contact us before ordering to confirm pro...
Plaster
E Cornu & G. Viot et Cie, Orientalist Planter, France, circa 1870
By Eugène Cornu
Located in PARIS, FR
Fine Orientalist planter of rectangular form in Algerian onyx and finely chiselled and gilded bronze. The upper section, shaped in an arabesque profile, is accentuated by a frieze of...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
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
Table Box floral miniature fire-enameled on guilloche vertical stripes Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fired enamels, with “paillons” in pure gold on the upper circle, fine fired enamelled miniature with hand-painted floral ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Planter with column in blue glazed earthenware St Amand, France circa 1880/1900
By Saint Amand
Located in Paris, FR
Rare planter with three clawed feet on its column, decorated with Chinese motifs of dragons, gadroons, acanthus leaves and bamboo in the taste of Minton, very fashionable under Napol...
Earthenware
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
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
French Victorian Boule Brass Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian Boulle-style square tortoise shell and brass inlaid inkwell with crystal well.
Crystal, Brass
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Napoleon III Period Bronze Ewer
Located in Dallas, TX
A Napoleon III period large ewer in bronze. This is a large vase in gilded bronze, finely decorated in every detail with handle, cherubs and drunken satyr Bacchus figures in relief and further embellished with two winged cherubs on the side holding a shield with relief head of a lion...
Bronze
$2,755Sale 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
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
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
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Ormolu Candlesticks Griotte Marble Bowls
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of antique French candlesticks, made of gilded bronze. At the center a bowl made of red "Griotte" marble. Under the marble bowl foliage around the stem. Made in France, at the...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
18th Century Dutch Longcase Grandfather Clock by Rutgerus van Meurs
Located in New York, NY
Antique (late 18th century) longcase clock by the Dutch firm, Rutgerus van Meurs (1738–1800) with a beautiful burr walnut veneer with fruitwood string inlay, and gilt bronze mounts i...
Brass
$2,082Sale 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
Napoleon III Amphora Shaped Porcelain Sèvre Vase with Bronze Parts
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Napoleon III Amphora shaped porcelain in the style of Sèvre vase with bronze parts.
Gold Plate, Bronze
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Nine-Light Candelabra, Emblematic of Hunting
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair of Large Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Nine-Light Candelabra, Emblematic of Hunting. Each conceived in the Louis XV style with rocaille stem supporting assymetrically modelled sc...
Ormolu
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
$2,603 / 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
Antique Saint-Clément Majolica Jardinière with Pink and Green Floral Motif
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This charming French majolica cache pot by Saint-Clément beautifully captures the exuberance and craftsmanship of late 19th-century ceramic design. Dating from the Napoleon III perio...
Majolica, Ceramic, Paint
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
19th Century French Pair Napolean III Paris Porcelain Vases
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Pair Napolean III Paris Porcelain Vases Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
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
Large French Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock, signed Marquis à Paris, c. 1860–1880
Located in Tarzana, CA
A magnificent gilt-bronze mantel clock of monumental form, richly cast and finely chased in the Rococo-revival style. The case is surmounted by a celestial globe above a pierced flor...
Bronze, Ormolu
Figurative Bronze Sculpture by Mathurin Moreau, Circa 1870
Located in MADRID, ES
Exceptional French sculpture in finely patinated lost-wax cast bronze, raised on a rouge griotte marble pedestal with mercury-gilt bronze mounts, dating from the 19th century, circa ...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Bohemian Crystal Overlay Bowl, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian crystal Overlay bowl, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Napoleon III period crystal bowl, 19th century, in red and white Bohemian Overlay crystal. H: 24.5cm. D: 23.5cm
Crystal
19th Century Vieille Garde Sculpture on Inkstand by A. Le Véel and Susse Frères
By Armand LeVeel 1, Susse Freres
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
Emperor Napoleon on Horseback, Cast by Susse Frères, Paris
By Susse Freres
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Emperor Napoleon on Horseback, Cast by Susse Frères, Paris, From the Model By Alfred Émilien O'Hara, Comte de Nieuwerkerke (1811-1892). Dark br...
Bronze
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
$2,177Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Small Vases in Sevres Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of small vases in Sevres Porcelain Pair of Small Vases in Sèvres Porcelain and Gilded Bronze, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century, Original gilding. Contact us before ordering t...
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