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.
Pair of Late 19th Century Jade Green Opaline and Gilded Brass Vases
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Importante paire de vases balustre en opaline couleur jade et monture en laiton doré, à épaulement orné de guirlandes de lauriers sommées par une galeri...
Bronze
Pair of French Ormolu Candle holders, Napoleon III style
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Antique French Ormalu Pair of Candleholder. Beautiful piece, fine detailing. Must see photos.
Bronze
French Napoléon III Carved Walnut Long Case Clock with Brass Farming Scene
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period carved walnut antique long case clock from the mid-19th century, with bonnet top, farming scene and scrolling motifs. Created in France at the beginning ...
Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Ormolu & White Marble Urns, circa 1850
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique Mid-19th century French Ormolu mounted on white marble urns on green marble bases. CONDITION In Great Condition - No Damage. Size Height: 36cm Width: 15.5cm Depth: ...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Meissen Porcelain Figurines, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Meissen porcelain figurines, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Pair of 19th-century figurines, Napoleon III period, Meissen porcelain. H: 43 cm, D: 25 cm Please contact us ...
Porcelain
19th Century French Cobalt Blue Ceramic Vase with Gilt Bronze Mounts
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant French ceramic vase dating from the 19th century, distinguished by its striking deep cobalt blue and olive green glazed decoration and finely detailed gilt bronze mounts. ...
Bronze
Large Napoleon III Period Bronze Sculpture by Jules Bertin
Located in London, GB
Large Napoleon III period bronze sculpture by Jules Bertin French, 1879 Measures: Height 140cm, width 58cm, depth 58cm This exceptional sculpture is by Jules Bertin, a leading F...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Louis XV Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful pair of French bronze candlesticks dating from the Napoleon III Period, mid-19th century, featuring elegant proportions and finely worked details inspired by the Louis XV...
Bronze
A Pair Of Napoleon III Patrinated-Bronze Figures by Victor Paillard
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair Of Napoleon III Patinated-Bronze Figures, Modelled As Classically Robed Maidens Bearing Urns, by Victor Paillard. The models attributed to Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (French, 1824-1887). Each with oval stamp 'VOR PAILLARD / FANTS DES BRONZE / A PARIS' France, Circa 1865 Victor Paillard (French, 1805-1886) Paillard first exhibited his work at the Exposition des produits de l'industrie in 1839. He had been experimenting with gilt and silvered bronze since...
Bronze
Pair of French Napoleon III Dore Bronze Baroque Style Vases, Att, Denière Paris
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Napoleon III Dore Bronze Baroque Style Vases, Attributed to Denière Paris Each vase is formed with a globular body rising from a flared circular foot into a narrow ne...
Bronze
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
19th Century Yellow Floral Porcelain Trinket Dish, circa 1890
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming late 19th-century porcelain vide-poche, circa 1890, distinguished by its wonderfully vibrant yellow ground and delicate hand-painted floral decoration. The softly squared...
Porcelain, Paint
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
Boulle Marquetry Mantel Clock, Napoleon III, Gilt Bronze, France
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
This small mantel clock features a curved case richly decorated with Boulle marquetry, with decorative brass motifs contrasting against the background. Bronze foliage and female head...
Bronze
Pair of silver and porcelain sevres vases, 19th century
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Pair of silver and porcelain sevres vases, 19th century Beautiful pair of sevres porcelain vases in blue and white with gold floral details, with silver neck, mouth and base. Texture...
Sterling Silver
Mid-19th Century Pair of Valentine Porcelain Vases
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of baluster-shaped?porcelain?vases produced by Valentine Manufactory (1832-1878) in Saint-Gaudens, France. They are decorated on one side with multicolored rural motives in meda...
Porcelain
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
Antique French Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Brass Tortoiseshell Keepsake Box 13
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Napoleon III era French Marquetry Boulle box. Red and black tortoiseshell with foliate brass inlay. Decoration on top includes the monogram LS. Rectangular form ...
Brass
Napoleon III Jewelry Box Onyx Gilt Bronze Champlevé Enamel France 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Exquisite antique jewelry box dating to circa 1900, originating in France and executed in the highly decorative Napoleon III style. This exceptional piece combines richly veined onyx...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
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
19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
19th century malachite inkwell. The circular plate for resting a fountain pen houses a crystal inkpot in its center. The plate and the inkpot's stopper are embellished with a gilt bronze cross...
Crystal, Malachite
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
Burlwood & Hand Painted French Napolean III Style Cigar Humidor
Located in Incline Village, NV
Beautiful condition and highly attractive mid 20th century French Napolean III style burlwood and hand painted humidor for cigars or possibly tea leaves. Shaped in a square with a ro...
Burl
Fine Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1880 The ormolu case mounted with fine painted porcelain scenes of a courting couple. This unusual mauve colour pallet emphasizes the...
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Style Ceramic Pharmacy Jar
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century French Ceramic Pharmacy Jar Beautiful piece purchased in France, age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Ceramic
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III period neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze clock set by Picard French, late 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 72cm, width 46cm, depth 27cm Candelabra: Height 78...
Malachite, Ormolu
Bronze and Porcelain Box, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze and porcelain box, Napoleon III period, 19th century. A 19th century Napoleon III period gilt bronze and Sèvres porcelain box, decorated with garlands and flowers. Dimension...
Bronze
$2,726Sale Price|20% Off
French Champlevé Enamel Inkwell, Napoleon III, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A French Champlevé enamel inkwell from the 19th century, created in the opulent Napoleon III style. Crafted from gilded bronze with finely detailed polychrome enamel in shades of t...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Napoleon III Fire-Gilt Fireplace Clock
Located in Berlin, DE
Fire-gilt fireplace clock, Rokokodekor sign. Ansonia New York, 19th century. Bronze-gilt. Four-sided glazed housing on base with reliefed seed beads, leaves and flowers. Approved roof trim. Digits sheet email with Arabic numerals. Brocothemia. Steel filled, formerly mercury pendulum...
Bronze
19th Century French Wedding Globe with Gilt Metal & Beveled Mirrors
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exceptional French 19th-century wedding globe (globe de mariée), beautifully preserved beneath its original hand-blown glass dome and presented on a classic ebonized wooden base. ...
Metal
19th Century French Ripple-Frame Wall Clock with Mother-of-Pearl Detail
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring charm and artistry to a hallway or living room with this vibrant 19th century French wall clock, crafted in France circa 1870. The...
Mother-of-Pearl, Porcelain, Wood
Fine Sevres and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1870. A fine late 19th century ormolu and porcelain mounted mantel clock, the painted dial above a courting couple scene, the whole mounted with a Krater vase and ra...
Ormolu
19th-century Fireplace Set In Porcelain And Gilded Pewter, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th-century fireplace set in porcelain and gilded pewter, Napoleon III period. 19th-century fireplace set, Napoleon III period, in porcelain and gilded pewter. Clock: H: 46 cm, W: ...
Pewter
19th-Century Pendulum Clock Movement.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th-century pendulum clock movement. 19th-century pendulum clock movement with dial, in need of servicing. Diameter: 15.5 cm, Depth: 10 cm P...
Metal
19th Century, Napoleon III Style Bronze Pendulum Chimney Clock
Located in Berlin, DE
Great empire pendulum / chimney clock, circa 1830-1840 bronze. Bronze, fire-gilt partially dark brown patinated. Staggered rectangular base on elaborat...
Bronze
Pair of Napoleon III Style Boulle Inlaid Miniature Picture Frames, c. 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine pair of small decorative tabletop or wall hanging picture frames in the Napoleon III or late Victorian Boulle revival taste, each with a ...
Brass, Ormolu
Large French Art Nouveau Polychrome Terracotta Water Carrier Sculpture by Dupond
By Dupond
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Large Art Nouveau polychrome terracotta sculpture depicting a water carrier, created by Dupond in France circa 1890. This elegant female figure perfectly embodies the refined aesthet...
Terracotta
Napoleon III Style Gilt Bronze Sconce By Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
In this Napoleon III Style Gilt Bronze Sconce By Gherardo Degli Albizzi You can appreciate both hunting and vegetal motifs in the form of a boar and oak leaves that create a sinuous ...
Bronze
Second Empire Period Patinated and Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This three-piece mantel clock set contains a clock and two candelabra. The set was produced circa 1860, during the Napoleon III period, and demonstrates the eclecticism typical to de...
Ormolu, Bronze
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
Victor Evrard French Bronze “Femme à l’Antique” with Gilt-Brown Patina, c. 1860
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Elegant 19th-century French bronze sculpture titled Femme à l’Antique, created by French sculptor Victor Evrard (1807-1877), circa 1860. The sculpture depicts a standing female figu...
Bronze
Antique Rare Pair Off 2x Cachepot In Copper And Angels Aside Ca 1880
Located in Tilburg, NL
Rare pair of antique french repousse brass cachepots or jardinieres. Dated late 19th century. Napoleon 3 era. Classical, Victorian, and Neo- Gotic revival elements to find in this d...
Copper, Brass
Picture Frame emerald enamel for two photo Empire Style 925 Silver Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on a guilloche pattern and laurel ornaments around the two photos, French Empire Napole...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
A Large Pair of Vienna Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Candelabras, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An important pair of Vienna porcelain and gilt bronze candelabras, 19th century. A pair of 19th-century candelabras, Napoleon III period, made of Vienna porcelain and gilt bronze. ...
Bronze
$20,790Sale Price|30% Off
19th Century Pair of French Bronze Candlesticks Lamps Signed Clodion
Located in IT
Pair of important candlesticks in gilt and patinated bronze, lamp mounted. Depicting Bacchanal of Satyrs and Signed Clodion. France 19th Century Measures h only candlesticks 65 x p 27 cm; h with lampshade 86 cm This pair of important two lights candlesticks was made in the 19th century, in France, on the style of the great sculptor Clodion. Each candlestick consists of a body with a sculptural group in patinated bronze inspired by the famous bronzes of the master. The base is circular, in gilt bronze finely chiselled with geometric decoration and foliate motifs near the four feet, of feline shape. From the sculptural groups depart two graceful arms in gilded and chiselled bronze, composed of ramage and phytomorphic elements that culminate in the two candle holders. In a candlestick the bacchanal consists of a female faun figure, that is half a woman and half a goat, playing with small fauns and putti, offering a bunch of grapes. In the other candlestick one observes the satyr Pan...
Bronze
French Ormolu and Blue Porcelain Four Seasons Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
French ormolu and blue porcelain mantel clock. The blue porcelain with blue ground and decorated with baskets of flowers, fruit and doves, ...
Ormolu
$1,552Sale Price / set|38% Off
19th Century Pair of Hand-Painted Paris Porcelain Urns
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine pair of antique French urns in 'Porcelain de Paris', and dating from the early 19th century. These sensational vases are decorated w...
Porcelain, Paint
A Carrier, "nymph, And Satyr" H 49 Cm, Signed Bronze, 19th Century
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large bronze group with a brown patina, depicting a young bacchante crowned with vine leaves and holding a water jug, accompanied by a young child at the foot of a tree trunk. The ...
Bronze
Georges Bareau, Gilt Bronze Figural Group 'Diana on the Eagle', F. Barbedienne
Located in New York, NY
Georges Bareau, Gilt Bronze Figural Group ‘Dianne Chasseresse Chevauchant un Aigle - Diana on the Eagle’, George Marie Valentin Bareau, Stamped Foundry Mark ‘F. Barbedienne Fondeur’...
Bronze
$594Sale Price|20% Off
Handpainted Pink Opaline Glass Vase with Daisies, 19th Century
By Cristalleries De Baccarat, Baccarat, St. Louis Crystal
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant 19th-century pink opaline glass vase, attributed to Baccarat, is a true example of refined craftsmanship. The vase features a charming handpainted floral design with whi...
Enamel
French Alabaster Monkey Sculpture, Napoleon III Style, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
A charming French alabaster sculpture created in France during the late 19th century, this delightful work depicts a monkey quietly smoking a pipe, blending humor, craftsmanship, and remarkable naturalism. Animalier subjects enjoyed great popularity during the Belle Époque, and this sculpture perfectly captures the era's fascination with expressive animals rendered with lifelike detail and refined artistic quality. Expertly carved from fine alabaster, the sculpture features beautifully modeled fur, expressive facial features, and a relaxed pose that gives the monkey an unmistakable sense of personality. The realistic glass eyes bring the figure to life, creating an engaging focal point that reflects the exceptional attention to detail characteristic of French sculptors of the period. The warm tones and translucent quality of the alabaster further enhance the elegance and sculptural depth of the composition. Measuring 9.8 inches high (25 cm), 6.7 inches wide (17 cm), and 4.4 inches deep (11.2 cm), this sculpture is perfectly sized for display on a desk, library shelf, mantel, or cabinet. It remains in good antique condition, with only minor scratches and small chips to the base that are consistent with its age and do not detract from its overall beauty or decorative appeal. Whimsical animal sculptures...
Alabaster
$3,822Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Napoleon III Patinated Bronze Patina 5-Light Candelabra, France C 1870s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Napoleon III Patinated Bronze Patina 5-Light Candelabra France Circa 1870s A exquisite pair of Napoleon III patinated bronze candelabra, crafted in France during the 1870s. Standing at an impressive 30 inches tall, these candelabra are a true testament to the opulence and craftsmanship of the era. Each candelabrum features a central figural sculpture of a bird holding a serpent, perched upon a tortoise. This intricate sculpture showcases the attention to detail and artistic skill of the bronze sculptor. Above the sculpture, a five-light bobeche candelabrum adds a touch of grandeur and elegance to the piece. Supported on a fluted column, the candelabra rest on triparte acanthus leaf and lion caryatids with paw feet. These decorative elements add a regal and classical aesthetic, reflecting the influence of the Neoclassical style during the Napoleon III period. In their recent use, the candelabra were adapted as lamps, and as a result, the bird finials are now removable. They were previously used as lamp finials...
Bronze
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
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
19th century bronze study by A E Dubucand "man with his mule" circa 1870 French.
Located in Central England, GB
This exceptional quality bronze study is by the master sculptor Alfred Dubucand (1828 – 1924). It depicts an Egyptian young man simply standing next to his mule, wearing an elaborat...
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
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
Pair of Napoleon III Moroccan Burr Thoya Wood Urns
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A pair of Napoleon III Moroccan burr thoya wood urns, turned from the solid, each in the form of a slender urn and cover on a shaped base, with an ormolu flame finial, beading and la...
Wood
Edme Anthony NOEL French Art Deco Bronze Retiary Sculpture, 1875
By Edme Anthony Paul Noel
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French 19th-Century Bronze Sculpture of a Retiarius by Edmé-Anthony-Paul Noël (Tony Noël), France, circa 1875. This powerful and finely modeled French bronze sculpture depicts a Ret...
Bronze
$14,813Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century French Sèvres Cobalt Blue Porcelain and Ormolu Vase
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Lisbon, PT
An exquisite 19th-century French Sèvres porcelain vase, featuring a magnificent cobalt blue ground, delicate hand-painted polychrome decoration, and richly ornamented gilt bronze mou...
Brass
$2,010Sale 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