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 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
French Porcelain and Ormolu Mantel Clock Stamped in Bronze H. Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
French Ormolu and porcelain mantel clock of Classical design dating from the mid-19th century stamped in the mint and original Ormolu H. Picard. Numbered in the bronze, 1297. The original ormolu is in quite pristine and totally original condition. The case inset with painted porcelain panels with fruit and floral decoration in the classical style. The clock surmounted by a Bacchanalian mask and two handled vase with grapes, standing on six vase shaped feet on a velvet plinth...
Ormolu
Fine Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Porcelain Clock Garniture, circa 1870
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoléon III gilt-bronze mounted porcelain clock garniture. French, circa 1870. The movement stamped with the 'Japy Frères ' cachet. This fine porcelain clock set is...
Bronze
Napoléon III Sèvres Style Clock Garniture, Gilt-Bronze & Porcelain
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoléon III gilt-bronze and sèvres style cobalt blue ground 'Jewelled' Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Garniture Comprising a mantel clock and a pair of five-light vase candel...
Ormolu
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
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
Baccarat Mounted Vases, Crystal and Bronze, Napoleon III Style, 1878
By Baccarat
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Founded under Louis XV, the French crystal factory Baccarat demonstrated its excellence at Universal Exhibitions throughout the 19th century. This pair of vases, with an elegant fl...
Crystal, Bronze
$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 19th century bronze study of the French poet Joachim de Bellay by L Adolphe
Located in Central England, GB
A large 19th century bronze study of the sixteenth century French poet Joachim de Bellay by the sculptor Leofanti Adolphe. This stunning large bronze study ...
Bronze
Gilt-Bronze Clock with Enamel Numerals Attributed to Henri Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Gilt-bronze clock with enamel numerals attributed to Henri Picard French, circa 1860 Measures: Height 73cm, width 45cm, depth 23cm The elaborate case of this beautiful mantel clock has a large central circular dial with enamel Roman numerals for the hours and engraved on the edge with Arabic numbers for the minutes. The surmount is a gilt bronze group of Father Time, depicted as an elderly male figure seated on a circular globe. The quality throughout is exceptional, demonstrating the very best of 19th century craftsmanship. This clock is after a design by André-Charles Boulle (French, 1642-1732) and similar to examples of equally fine quality and casting known to have been made by 19th Century bronzier Henri Picard (French, fl. 1831-1864), therefore we can attribute the case to Picard. The movement is stamped for Parisian clock...
Ormolu, Bronze
Pair of French Ormolu Candle holders, Napoleon III style
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique French Ormalu Pair of Candleholder. Beautiful piece, fine detailing. Must see photos.
Bronze
Exquisite 19th Century Opaline Glass Vase Handpainted, Attributed to Baccarat or
By Cristalleries De Baccarat, St. Louis Crystal, Baccarat
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
$2,572Sale Price|25% Off
19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
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
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
A French 19th Century Giltwood Eagle
Located in London, GB
A finely carved C19th French Napoleonic giltwood eagle, modelled with outstretched wings, sitting on a carved circular painted base.
Giltwood
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
$1,088Sale Price / set|50% Off
Antique French Bronze and Marble Mantel Set Clock Cherub Putti Napoleon III
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III French clock named "The hour will ring" (visible inscription) signed by the sculptor Lorenzo Vergnano with stamp and number 553 on the back. It represents a building p...
Metal
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 color pallet emphasizes the...
Porcelain
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
French Ormolu Candle Holders 'Grape Pickers', Bronze, Napoleon III
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair French Ormolu Candle Holders "Grape Pickers". Beautiful set, must see photos.
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
$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
$55,000 / set
Huge pair of torcheres figurative, bronze and marble
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magnificent pair of antiques torcheres with cherubs in gilt bronze , period Napoleon III, each torchere features finely sculpted winged cherub supporting the light arms, in an elegan...
Marble, Bronze
A Large and Rare French Napoleon lll Tobacco / Cigar Humidor, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Large and Rare French Napoleon lll Tobacco / Cigar Humidor, 19th Century Description: Fully hand carved with floral decorations and wood carvings with ebonized details and removab...
Wood
Napoleon III Clock Garniture Designed by Sévin, Cast by Barbedienne
By F. Barbedienne Foundry, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoleon III gilt-bronze and porcelain mounted clock garniture, designed by Louis-Constant Sévin, cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, The Movement by Japy Frères. Frédéric Japy ...
Ormolu
Tahan Paris Collector's Box, precious woods and floral brass marquetry
By Tahan Paris
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding and highly refined Tahan Paris collector's box, crafted from ebony and rosewood with floral brass marquetry. Originally a glove box, this collector's box can now serve an...
Brass, Bronze
Sculpture, Group in Meissen Porcelain, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, group in Meissen porcelain, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Meissen porcelain sculpture of children playing colin maillard, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimen...
Porcelain
MONBRO Aîné Son & JACQUIER - Bronze and Marble Clock with Puttis, XIXth century
Located in Beaune, FR
Superb clock in white marble and chiseled gilt bronze signed on the enamel dial "MONBRO Aîné Fils & Jacquier Horloger". In the center, the white dial with Roman numerals is represent...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Pair of Sèvres porcelain vases mounted in gilt bronze painted by J. Machereau
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Charles Labarre
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful pair of covered vases made of porcelain originally comes from the Manufacture of Sèvres where the white pieces were bought in 1869, decorated then mounted in gilt bron...
Bronze
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
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
$15,080Sale Price|35% Off
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
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. A 19th century Napoleon III period Sèvres porcelain box, Chateau des Tuilleries, gilt brass mounting. Dimensions : H: 12cm,...
Brass
French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Boulle Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking high quality French 19th century Napoleon III period ormolu, tortoiseshell, and brass inlaid Boulle clock. The clock is raised by handsome ormolu paw feet with acanthus le...
Brass, Ormolu
A Large Bronze Sculpture, a Marble Base, signed by Clodion, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A large bronze sculpture on a marble base, signed by Clodion, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Bronze sculpture with a patina by Clodion, marble base, Napoleon III period, 19th ce...
Marble, Bronze
Table Box Sterling Silver Paillons in Pure Gold and Miniature Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fired enamel, with “paillons” in pure gold on the upper circle, fine miniature fired enamelled with an image of “fox hunti...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair Of Lidded Vases In Sèvres Blue Porcelain, Gilded Bronze, Napoleon III-era.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of lidded vases in Sèvres blue porcelain and gilded bronze, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Pair of lidded vases from the Napoleon III period, 19th century, in gilded bronze...
Bronze
Pair of Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Three-Light Candelabra by Henri Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair of Napoleon III Neo-Etruscan Style Gilt-Bronze three-light candelabra by Henri Picard. Stamped to the underside of one foot 'H. PICARD'. Each candelabrum having a finely cast amphora-shaped body with angular supports,oval portrait masks of a maiden, and a baluster stem issuing three candle arms with circular drip trays and sconces embellished with suspended chains, surmounted by playful amorini and raised on tripod bases terminating in hoof feet. French, Circa 1870. Henri Picard The important fondeur and doreur Henri Picard worked in Paris from 1831 to 1884, most notably for the Emperor Napoléon III. He was based in Paris at 6 rue Jarente from 1831 to 1839, before moving to 10 rue de la Perle...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Carriage Clock With Deer And Candlesticks In Gilt Bronze
Located in BÉTERA, ES
An elegant carriage clock set with complementary candlesticks, known as a "garniture," is characteristic of the Napoleon III or Second Empire style of France, circa early 20th centur...
Marble
$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
Gaulish Chef On Horseback, sculpture In Bronze, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Bronze with a brown patina representing a Gallic chief on horseback, pulling a woman taken prisoner This bronze is not signed, yet great care has been taken with the details, numero...
Bronze
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
Antique Female Marble Sculpture, Bust Of Young Woman With Curls Late 19th.
Located in Breganze, VI
The category Antique Marble and Alabaster Sculptures, features a beautiful and refined Female Sculpture, depicting a Bust of a Woman, a young girl with ringlets. The work has its O...
Marble
Handpainted Pink Opaline Glass Vase with Daisies, 19th Century
By St. Louis Crystal, Baccarat, Cristalleries De Baccarat
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
$463Sale Price|20% Off
French Boarding Student Suit Case Napoleon III Style Pine, circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
French pupil suitcase in pine. This kind of suit case was used by the boarding students to transport their school equipment. In the style of Napoleon III Shipping: L 39,5 P17 ...
Metal
$1,381Sale Price / set|20% Off
Porcelain De Paris Napoleon III Pair of French Hand Painted Vases
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. Beau...
Porcelain
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
Circa 1870, French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture by Japy Frères.
By Japy Frères
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
An exceptionally elaborate French three-piece mantel clock garniture dating to the second half of the 19th century, circa 1870, comprising a monumental mantel clock and its original ...
Bronze
Table Box Clock Swiss mechanical skeletal movement on the lid Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large hexagonal table box with clock on the lid, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with hand-painted fire enamel like lapis lazuli stone, with engravings and decorations hand-e...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Picture Frame Oval Ruby Red enamel and hand-carved Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent ruby red fired enamel on guilloché and with ornaments in the French Empire Napoleon III style. External size...
Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver
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
$3,250Sale Price / set|50% Off
French Empire Brass Candle Sconce Pair with Swan Motif, 1820s
Located in Savannah, GA
French Empire three light brass candle sconce pair with swan motif, circa 1820s . Features include incredible detail and great old patina. See measurements below.
Brass
Pair Of Lidded Vases Made Of Painted Porcelain, 19th Century, Napoleon III.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of lidded vases made of painted porcelain, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Pair of lidded vases from the 19th century, Napoleon III period, made of porcelain with painted de...
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
French Sèvres Amphore by Château des Tuileries, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
This Sevres vase from the 19th century features a delicate light blue porcelain body adorned with beautifully etched friezes and foliages. The golden painting adds a touch of elega...
Porcelain
$3,360Sale Price|30% Off
Auguste J Peiffer (French 1832-1886), Vestal Virgin, Bronze Sculpture on Marble
Located in Germantown, MD
Auguste Joseph Peiffer (French 1832-1886), Vestal Virgin, Bronze Sculpture on Rouge Marble Plinth. Marble Plinth is 11"W x 9"D x 2.5"H. Bronze is 8.5" W x 7"D x 20"H Overall measure...
Marble, Bronze
19th-Century Meissen Porcelain Sculpture Depicting A Blacksmith Of Love.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th-century Meissen porcelain sculpture depicting a blacksmith of Love. 19th-century sculpture from the Napoleon III era, made of Meissen porcelain, depicting a blacksmith forging ...
Porcelain
Large Clock Representing Diana the Huntress with a Putto, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large clock representing Diana the Huntress with a putto, 19th century, Napoleon III. 19th century clock, Napoleon III period, gilded and patinated bronze representing Diana the Hun...
Bronze
Majestic 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candelabras and Clock Garniture
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Wonderful imperial antique french gilt bronze garniture with clock and a pair of candelabras very finely hand worked with nice floral design and beautiful angels, very decorative for...
Bronze