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Napoleon III Centerpieces

NAPOLEON III STYLE

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.

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Style: Napoleon III
Color:  Brown
Exquisite Napoleon III French Ormolu Figural Basket Centerpiece, Circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Napoleon III French ormolu figural basket centerpiece, Circa 1880, Attributed to Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley. Depicting four mercury-gilded bronze ormolu cherubs holding a basket, the base with trophies and scrolling. This monumental centerpiece...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Centerpieces

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Magnificant Large French 19th Century Original Painted Tole Flowers
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of French 19th century painted tole flowers in gilt painted wooden urns. The centers of the tole flowers shows there were small lights at on...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Centerpieces

Materials

Tôle

Orange Opaline vase with Cherub Decor - Napoleon III 19th - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Charming vase on foot in opaline glass, painted and gilded. A medallion is drawn in which is represented a cherub wearing a sheet. The pattern is very fine and delicate. For an elega...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Centerpieces

Materials

Opaline Glass

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Wonderful French Baccarat Dore Bronze Cut Crystal Oval Basket Centerpiece Bowl
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19th Century French Louis XV Bronze Silver Plated Oval Jardinière Center Piece
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Large French 19th Century Patinated Bronze Centerpiece Urn on Marble Base
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Wonderful French Empire Ormolu Bronze Sphinx Oval Cut Crystal Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Roslyn, NY
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Louis Constant Sévin & F. Barbedienne, a Rare Ormolu and Blue Glass Centerpiece
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Antique French Cobalt Blue and Gold Napoleon III Centerpiece, circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
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Napoleon III Giltwood and Jasperware Wedgewood Centerpiece Jardinière
Located in New York, NY
A Napoleon III Giltwood and Jasperware Wedgewood Centerpiece Jardinière, circa 1870. Very fine quality, with craved dragon feet, and rococo scrolls throughout. Mounted with four e...
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Important Engraved Bohemian Crystal Covered Cup, 19th Century, Napoleon III
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Important engraved bohemian crystal covered cup, 19th century, Napoleon III Period Measures: H 53cm, D 24cm.
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Important Engraved Bohemian Crystal Covered Cup, 19th Century, Napoleon III
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Important engraved bohemian crystal covered cup, 19th century, Napoleon III Period Measures: H 53cm, D 24cm.
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Tray in Viennese Porcelain, 19th Century
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Tray in Viennese porcelain, 19th century, representing a scene where a rich elegant is pampered Measures: H 28cm, W 33cm, D 3cm.
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Porcelain Group Representing a Performing Scene From Roman Comedians
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Porcelain group representing a performance scene from Roman comedians, char with panthers, late 19th century, mark on the back part. Measures: W 39 cm, H 30 cm, P 21 cm.
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French Ormolu and Cut-Glass Centerpiece by Baccarat Paris, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
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Large French Cut Crystal and Gilded Bronze Centrepiece Dish or Bowl c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
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19th Century French Hand-Painted Porcelaine de Paris Centrepiece with Gilt
Located in Dallas, TX
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A Fabulous Center Piece of Ribbed Crystal and Gilt Bronze.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
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Napoleon Iii centerpieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III centerpieces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage centerpieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III centerpieces made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original centerpieces, popular names associated with this style include Ferdinand Barbedienne, Mathurin Moreau, and Saint Clément. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for centerpieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $444 and tops out at $100,000 while the average work can sell for $4,500.

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