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 French Napoleon III Period Bronze Centerpiece on Marble Base
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional 19th century French Napoleon III period bronze centerpiece on marble base depicts Bacchus and Ariadne in full relief, plus an intriguing dragon's tail handle on each s...
Marble, 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
Pair of 19th Century Gilt-Bronze Four-Light Candelabra
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 19th century gilt-bronze candelabra, each with a tapering reeded stem supporting three foliate cast candle branches and one central branch, raised on lion head and paw, on a ...
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
Porcelain Cachepot from the 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
20th century porcelain dragon cachepot. H: 30cm, D: 42cm Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Porcelain
Painted Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Column Planter, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Painted porcelain and gilt bronze column planter, Napoleon III period, XIXᵉ century. Jardinière with columns, Napoleon III period in painted porcelain and gilt bronze. H: 31cm - D:...
Bronze
French, Sevres Style, Gilt Bronze, Porcelain, Mantle Clock by Vincent & Cie
Located in New York, NY
An antique Napoleon III arched mantle clock, featuring pink porcelain panels with hand painted portraits of Marie Antoinette and courtship. A hinged door p...
Bronze, Enamel, Gold Leaf
Napoleon III Mantel Clock in Bleu de Sèvres Porcelain & Chased Ormolu - 21.2 in
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
A magnificent Napoleon III period mantel clock, dating to around 1865-1875, crafted in deep bleu de Sèvres-style porcelain and richly decorated with finely chased gilt bronze (ormolu...
Bronze
Terracotta Bust 19th-century Naturalist Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This terracotta bust is a production of a XXth-century family portrait. The sculpture displays all the defining features of Napoleon III naturalism: realistic facial modelling, expre...
Terracotta
$2,667Sale 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
$8,088Sale Price / set|20% Off
Elegant Pair of Flowery Valentine Porcelain Vases, France, Circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Charming pair of baluster shaped vases made in Valentine porcelain, with openwork handles enhanced with gold. They are decorated on the front with ...
Porcelain
Painted Porcelain and Gilded Bronze Bowl, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century bowl, Napoleon III period, in painted porcelain and gilded bronze, Louis XV style. Dimensions : H: 29cm, W: 46cm, D: 24cm Contact us before ordering to confirm product...
Bronze
Saint-Louis Bedside Water Carafe & Pair of Bottles
Located in Atlanta, GA
Saint-Louis Bedside Water Carafe comprising of a plate, carafe and glass, with finely chiseled ormolu fittings. Additionally, a pair of matching bottles with faceted crystal stoppers...
Crystal, Bronze
Napoleon III enamel and ormolu urn clock signed in the bronze Eug. Hazard
Located in London, GB
A small French vase clock of the highest quality. The clock is fitted within the body of an enamelled lidded vase. The body of the vase of silvered bronze & enamelled in deep blue. T...
Bronze, Enamel
Pumpkin-Shaped Candy Box in Opaline, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pumpkin-shaped candy box in opaline, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Napoleon III period candy dish, 19th century, in white opaline, forming a pumpkin. Dimensions : H: 16cm, D...
Opaline Glass
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
SÈVRES Manufacture, Pair of Chameleon Vases of the Persian Bottle Model
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
The “Persian bottle vase” model, created at the Sèvres manufactory in 1874 based on a Persian metal prototype, exists in several versions that vary in c...
Porcelain
A 19th Century Bleu Deck Turquoise Vase by Théodore Deck, Large Size, Circa 1867
Located in England, GB
An exceptional example of Théodore Deck’s most iconic work, glazed in his turquoise bleu Deck and conceived in the Chinese manner. An applied lion-mask with a suspended ring enhances...
Ceramic
Pair of Bohemian Crystal Decanters, Early 20th Century, Napoleon III Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Bohemian crystal decanters, early 20th century, Napoleon III style. Pair of Bohemian crystal decanters, silver-plated metal mounts, Napoleon III style, early 20th century. H...
Crystal
Napoleon III Table Clock by Claude Galle, France, Circa 1810
By Claude Galle
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock. circa 1810 clock Napoleonic Empire Bronze Dore. La Liseuse" clock after Reiche, by Claude Galle & Grand Girad. Signed in Paris
Bronze
Large Lapis Lazuli Sphere from Afghanistan on a 19th French Gilded Base
Located in NICE, FR
We are delighted to present you with this incredible polished sphere of Lapis Lazuli, a deep blue metamorphic rock often used in jewelry and decoration. The sphere displays a vibra...
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze
Gilt Bronze Clock, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Clock, Napoleon III period, 19th century in gilt bronze. H: 32cm, W: 36cm, D: 18cm Please contact us before ordering to confirm
Bronze
19th Century Neoclassical Marble and Gilt Bronze Figural Mantle Clock
Located in Dublin 8, IE
A fine 19th century neoclassical statuary white marble and gilt bronze figural mantle clock, the finely cast patinated classical female in seated pose juxtaposed to gilded bronze clo...
Marble
PERFUME BOX WITH LID French Napoleon III 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PERFUME BOX WITH LID French Napoleon III 19th Century in ebonised wood, tortoiseshell and gilded metal. Interior with three golden glass bottles. Defects of age Dim.: (box) 11 x 1...
Wood
Elegant pair of Sèvres-style porcelain vases
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Elegant pair of Sèvres-style porcelain vases, crafted in France circa 1900, Napoleon III These vases are finely hand-painted with detailed gallant scenes on the front and landscapes ...
Enamel
Antique 19th Century French Black Forest Rose Carved Walnut Box & Perfume Bottle
Located in England, GB
A rare and beautifully detailed Black Forest carved antique walnut box dating to the late 19th century (circa 1870–1890) together with scent bottl...
Glass, Walnut
$6,160Sale Price|30% Off
19th Century Bronze Statue of a Nymph by A. Carrier
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A very fine cast and chased bronze showing a beautiful standing nude nymph, parting and emerging from between tall bull rushes at the edge of a stream. At her feet is a water jug. Th...
Bronze
Lot of 9 original opaline vases from the Napoleon III period
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Lot of 9 original opaline vases from the Napoleon III period, height from 11.42" to 13" (29 to 33 cm)
Opaline Glass
Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock with Mythological Decor, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marble and gilt bronze clock with mythological decor, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century Napoleon III period clock in marble and gilt bronze with a mythological theme...
Marble, 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
Bronze Bas-relief – Lion From The July Column At The Bastille By Barye
Located in BARSAC, FR
Antoine-Louis Barye (1795–1875) A superb bas-relief depicting the “Lion of the July Column”(or “Zodiac Lion”). Architect Jean-Louis Duc commissioned Barye to sculpt thisbronze lion...
Bronze
Napoleon III Period Bronze Floral Candelabra, France, Circa 1850s
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
French Louis XV1 Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Pen Tray
Located in Montreal, QC
This luxurious encrier de bureau is raised on scrolling and leafy feet mounting a malachite-finished base. The tray itself is modelled as a shell rising to a spring-loaded pen holder...
Malachite, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French "Chinoiserie" Porcelain Vases
By Jacob Petite
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of French campana shaped urns with chinoiserie painted and gilded figurative and floral decoration, that was very popular in the mid-19th ce...
Porcelain
Italian Napoleon III Style Pedestal Clock with Ormolu Mounts and Marquetry Inlay
Located in BŘECLAV, CZ
A striking Italian pedestal clock in the Napoleon III style, crafted around the turn of the 20th century. The piece features a tall, elegant form with a richly decorated case, combin...
Wood
$870Sale Price|49% Off
19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful walnut desktop box which opens into a writing slope. Decorated on the outside with 2 decorative inlaid tunbridge ware bands. Box opens out to a beige fabric writing slo...
Brass
$180,000Sale Price / set|23% Off
Important Cercles Tournants Rotary Clock set by Deniere
Located in Tarzana, CA
Very Large Important and Rare Napoleon III Period Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Sculptural rotary 3-piece clock set ("Pendule A Cercles Tournants") compr...
Bronze
Bronze Grecian Woman Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Bronze bust of Grecian woman wearing helmet on square shaped base (French 19th Cent)
Bronze
Antique German Heubach Brothers Porcelain Boy Cellist Figurine Vase, circa 1900
Located in Lisbon, PT
An enchanting antique German porcelain figurine vase depicting a young male cello musician, attributed to the Heubach Brothers (Gebrüder Heubach) manufactory in Lichte, Thuringia, Germany, dating to the early 20th century. Beautifully modeled and hand-painted, the charming young musician wears an elaborate pastel blue jacket with gilded cuffs, a finely detailed ivory ruffled collar, and a distinctive lavender-blue hat embellished with pink floral accents and gilt edging. His delicately painted facial features, softly blushed cheeks, and expressive pose lend the figure a captivating sense of character. The musician holds an oversized cello-shaped instrument, decorated with delicate pink outlines, sculpted porcelain roses, and gracefully modeled foliage in muted green and gold tones. The combination of intricate floral ornamentation, soft pastel colors, and sculptural detailing reflects the romantic decorative character of antique European porcelain. Designed as both an ornamental figurine and a decorative vase, the piece features an unusual combination of musical imagery and functional porcelain design, making it an appealing addition to a curated collection of antique ceramics. The porcelain displays visible age-related character, including areas of wear and losses to the original painted and gilded decoration, particularly on the instrument. These details contribute to its authentic antique appearance. The underside bears a DEP mark, together with additional marks and numbers, as reported for this piece. A distinctive decorative object for collectors of antique German porcelain, musical figurines...
Porcelain
Antique German Heubach Brothers Porcelain Girl Cellist Figurine Vase, circa 1900
Located in Lisbon, PT
An exquisite antique German porcelain figurine vase depicting a young female cello musician, attributed to the Heubach Brothers (Gebrüder Heubach) porcelain manufactory in Lichte, Thuringia, Germany, dating to the early 20th century. Elegantly modeled and beautifully hand-painted, this delightful figure portrays a young musician wearing an oversized pale yellow bonnet with finely textured detailing, a charming pink bow at the neckline, and a softly colored lavender dress with delicate ruffles and ornamental accents. Her pink-striped stockings, powder-blue shoes, and expressive hand-painted facial features bring a whimsical elegance to the composition, demonstrating the attention to sculptural detail characteristic of antique German decorative porcelain. The young musician holds a large cello-shaped instrument adorned with raised porcelain roses, sculpted leaves, and graceful pink decorative outlines. The ivory-colored instrument, with its naturally aged painted and gilded details, creates a harmonious contrast with the figure's delicate pastel costume. Combining sculptural artistry with the practical function of a decorative vase, this unusual porcelain piece captures the romantic charm of European musical figurines...
Porcelain
19th century French gilt and marble inkwell circa 1870
Located in Central England, GB
This fine quality inkwell was produced in France and dates to circa 1870. It is made from figured Carrara marble, which has been turned to produce the foot and body with gilt bronze ...
Marble
19th Century Ormolu Figural Clock by Monbro Aine, Jacquier & Henri Picard
Located in Tarzana, CA
Imposing 19th century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze striking Mantel clock. Flanked by two sitting cherubs and another two cherubs on top, this is another example of a fine French m...
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
Napoleon III Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock, France, 1870
By Napoléon III
Located in Astoria, NY
Napoleon III Gilt and Patinated Bronze and White Marble Clock, circa 1870, of rounded rectangular form, the circular white enamel dial signed "Gros A Lyon", the movement strike on be...
Marble, 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
$2,688
Card Box, Napoléon III
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Napoleon III-period papier-mâché and wood marquetry card box with original key. The lid is richly decorated with a polychromatic bunch of flowers in a central medallion with gilt fra...
Paper
Pair Musicians Porcelain Figures Vases by Heubach Brothers, Early 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
An antique pair of porcelain figurines vases of a couple of musicians cellists in pink and blue - in neutral timeless palette. Pieces by Heubach brothers from Lichte, in Thüringen G...
Porcelain
Monumental 19th Century French Turquoise Opaline Glass Centerpiece Urn with Hand
Located in London, GB
A spectacular and monumental mid-to-late 19th-century antique French turquoise opaline glass centerpiece urn, measuring an impressive 45 cm in height and 18 cm in diameter. Crafted f...
Opaline Glass
$1,040Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III card holder
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Napoleon III card holder (card fray) Gilt bronze and enamel Origin France Circa 1900 Gilt bronze and Cloissone enamel with hand-painted Sevres porcelain plate signed by E. Horche Per...
Bronze, Enamel
Napoleon III Writing Slope or Box, Marquetry, France, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Napoleon III box. Marquetry. France, 19th century. Rectangular wooden box with a flat top and supported on circular legs that presents a front opening with a key lock and a hinged ...
Other
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
Gilt and Patinated Bronze Antique French Clock Set by Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Comprising a central clock and a pair of flanking candelabra, the central circular dial surrounded by a laurel wreath and bow ormolu mount, with plaques depicting biblical scenes in relief on either side, surmounted by a large patinated bronze group, the pair of ten light candelabra similarly decorated with patinated bronze male...
Marble, Bronze
$3,446Sale Price|40% Off
19th-Century Napoleon III Candelabras, Bronze & Brass, Set of Two
Located in Opole, PL
Two 19th-Century Bronze Four-Armed Candelabras Two 19th-century four-armed candelabras with putti from the period of 1840-1850 in the Napoleon III style. Putti made of bronze, other...
Brass, Bronze
$10,197Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Porcelain Figurines Guitar Player & Singer, 19th Century, France
By Jean Gille
Located in Lisbon, PT
A large pair of French polychrome and gilt painted biscuit figurines of a mandolin player and a singer. The woman is wearing a green sack-back gown with white flowery etched inner dr...
Porcelain
$1,746Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of French Napoleon III Candlesticks Bronze & Bronze Firegilt by A. Daubrée
Located in Salzburg, AT
Pair of French Napoleon III candlesticks in bronze and bronze fire gilt designed, manufactured and signed by Alfred Daubrée, Nancy. The cast bronze body...
Bronze
A Sèvres Style Porcelain Covered Bowl, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A Sèvres style porcelain covered bowl, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Sèvres style porcelain covered bowl decorated with a gallant scene, gilt bronze mounting, 19th century, N...
Bronze
Pair of Small Black and Grey Marble Obelisks, Napoleon III Style, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of small black and grey marble obelisks in the Napoleon III style, 20th century. Pair of small Napoleon III style obelisks, 20th century, in black and grey marble. Dimensions ...
Marble
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
Calligraphy Box, XXth century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Calligraphy Box, XXth century. Calligraphy box with 2 brushes, dry ink, ink plate and small porcelain container with spoon in the original box. Dimensions : H: 4 cm, W: 17 cm, D: 1...
Textile
Pair 19th Century French Gilt Spelter Vases on Marble Bases with Vine Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a mantel or a wine room with this elegant pair of antique vases related to vine and grapes. Crafted in France circa 1880 and made of spelter (or white metal), the vases stan...
Marble, Spelter