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Napoleon III Folk Art

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
A group of ten hand carved and painted wooden Napoleonic soldier figures c 1930
Located in Central England, GB
This very rare group of French Napoleonic period soldiers are completely handmade. They have each been finely carved in wood and then hand painted with great detail. Each soldier is portrayed in a different position wearing a full uniform with a backpack, sword and rifle. I have never seen anything remotely similar. This type of model is usually made from cast metal as a production figure and not as an individual one off carved sculpture. These rare figures must have taken many hours of work to produce each one. Together they form a very decorative group which would be a good addition to any military...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Wood

A group of ten hand carved and painted wooden Napoleonic soldier figures c 1930
A group of ten hand carved and painted wooden Napoleonic soldier figures c 1930

A group of ten hand carved and painted wooden Napoleonic soldier figures c 1930

Tropical Tales: Rare 19th-Century French Colonial Carved Coconut Flask
Located in New York, NY
This rare mid-19th-century French Colonial carved coconut bugbear flask is a remarkable artifact that highlights the ingenuity and craftsmanship of sailors, soldiers, or prisoners of...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Coconut

Tropical Tales: Rare 19th-Century French Colonial Carved Coconut Flask
Tropical Tales: Rare 19th-Century French Colonial Carved Coconut Flask

Tropical Tales: Rare 19th-Century French Colonial Carved Coconut Flask

Pair of Empire Sphinx, Bronze and Alabaster, France 19th Century Napoleon III
By Napoléon III
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful pair of Sphinx made of bronze skillfully worked, sealed to a green alabaster base. The sphinxes have an excellent workmanship and are depicted winged. Finely chiseled. In e...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of Empire Sphinx, Bronze and Alabaster, France 19th Century Napoleon III
Pair of Empire Sphinx, Bronze and Alabaster, France 19th Century Napoleon III

Pair of Empire Sphinx, Bronze and Alabaster, France 19th Century Napoleon III

Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase. Very Rare & Excellent Condition. Purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photo or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase
Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase

Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase

19th Century "Woman Admiring a Ring" by F.R. Alison
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century "Woman Admiring a Ring" by F.R. Alison. Beautiful oil on panel piece. See detailed pics. Contact us for more information.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

19th Century "Woman Admiring a Ring" by F.R. Alison
19th Century "Woman Admiring a Ring" by F.R. Alison

19th Century "Woman Admiring a Ring" by F.R. Alison

18th Century Trompe L'Oeil Oil painting, "Le Prisuer"
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18th Century Trompe L'Oeil Oil painting, "Le Prisuer" Framed. See pic for details on piece written in french. Very handsome and fun piece for any unique space. Message us with ques...
Category

18th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

18th Century Trompe L'Oeil Oil painting, "Le Prisuer"
18th Century Trompe L'Oeil Oil painting, "Le Prisuer"

18th Century Trompe L'Oeil Oil painting, "Le Prisuer"

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig. Unique piece purchased from France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions. 
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Duck
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Duck
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Duck

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Duck

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napolean III. Late 19th Century Majolica. Beautiful condition. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig

C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel
C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel

C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

19th Century Painting "Young Boy Reading"
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Painting of Young Boy Reading. Painting is in amazing shape. Gorgeous piece, see detailed pics. Contact us for more information.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

19th Century Painting "Young Boy Reading"
19th Century Painting "Young Boy Reading"

19th Century Painting "Young Boy Reading"

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Painting “Venice by Moonlight” by K. Nufer, Munich Late 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
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Late 19th Century German Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

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Painting “Venice by Moonlight” by K. Nufer, Munich Late 19th Century
Painting “Venice by Moonlight” by K. Nufer, Munich Late 19th Century

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H 23.63 in W 37.8 in D 2.76 in
19th Century Memento Mori Carved Skull & Cross Bones
Located in Lowestoft, GB
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19th Century Memento Mori Carved Skull & Cross Bones
19th Century Memento Mori Carved Skull & Cross Bones

19th Century Memento Mori Carved Skull & Cross Bones

H 5.91 in W 11.82 in D 6.7 in
19th C Signed Framed Horse Litho
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C signed Framed Horse Litho By Olso.
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19th Century American Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Paper

19th C Signed Framed Horse Litho
19th C Signed Framed Horse Litho

19th C Signed Framed Horse Litho

H 12 in W 15.5 in D 1 in
18th/19th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Polychrome Wood Santo Altar Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
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Late 18th Century Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

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18th/19th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Polychrome Wood Santo Altar Sculpture
18th/19th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Polychrome Wood Santo Altar Sculpture

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H 19.5 in W 7.75 in D 7.5 in
Swedish Folk Art Hand-Carved and Painted Wooden Birds on Tree Branch
Located in Kastrup, DK
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Early 20th Century Swedish Napoleon III Folk Art

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Swedish Folk Art Hand-Carved and Painted Wooden Birds on Tree Branch

Swedish Folk Art Hand-Carved and Painted Wooden Birds on Tree Branch

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European Antique Artifact Hand Carved Wooden Foot
Located in Malibu, CA
Antique rare & ancient artifact, a foot, wearing a sandal, the bottom of the foot has been carved with the sandals bottom as well.
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Early 17th Century European Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Wood

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European Antique Artifact Hand Carved Wooden Foot

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H 9 in W 9.5 in D 3.5 in
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1910s American Vintage Napoleon III Folk Art

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Wood

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Nautical Folk Art Hand Carved Wooden Whimsy

Nautical Folk Art Hand Carved Wooden Whimsy

H 1.25 in W 11.25 in D 1.25 in
Previously Available Items
Oil on Canvas from the XIXth Century, Carved Wood Frame.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Oil on canvas from the XIXth Century, Carved Wood Frame. Painting, oil on canvas, French work from the 19th century, Napoleon III period, signed, carved wooden frame, restoration ne...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

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Wood, Canvas

Oil on Canvas from the XIXth Century, Carved Wood Frame.
Oil on Canvas from the XIXth Century, Carved Wood Frame.

Oil on Canvas from the XIXth Century, Carved Wood Frame.

H 86.62 in W 55.12 in D 3.94 in
19th century french gusseted glove box or case
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Late 19th century French glove box or case, probably made by Louis Ducat, successor to the Smal firm. This firm was located on the Place du Palais Roy...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Brass

19th century french gusseted glove box or case
19th century french gusseted glove box or case

19th century french gusseted glove box or case

H 2.17 in W 3.55 in D 10.63 in
Napoleonic Prisoner of War boat model
Located in London, GB
Napoleonic Prisoner of War boat model An exceptional example of a Napoleonic prisoner of war (POW) unfinished ship model. The nice thing about this piece of work is that the questio...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Napoleonic Prisoner of War boat model
Napoleonic Prisoner of War boat model

Napoleonic Prisoner of War boat model

H 3 in W 11 in D 3 in
19th Century Original Oil Painting of Dog in gilted frame
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Original Oil Painting of Dog in gilted frame. French.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Paint

19th Century Original Oil Painting of Dog in gilted frame
19th Century Original Oil Painting of Dog in gilted frame

19th Century Original Oil Painting of Dog in gilted frame

H 16 in W 17 in D 3 in
Fine Napoleon III circa 1860 Antique French Embroidered Tapestry Rail Type Fit
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Napoleon III circa 1860 hand made in France, Embroidered Tapestry depicting a lovely detailing summer fishing scene which is very roman...
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1860s French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

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Fabric

Fine Napoleon III circa 1860 Antique French Embroidered Tapestry Rail Type Fit
Fine Napoleon III circa 1860 Antique French Embroidered Tapestry Rail Type Fit

Fine Napoleon III circa 1860 Antique French Embroidered Tapestry Rail Type Fit

H 30.71 in W 37.21 in D 0.2 in
19th Century French Drawings, Set of Three
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Set of three 1860s french drawings representing everydays noble life. Beautiful signs of time. good conditions. Vertical drawing:
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1860s French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Glass, Paper

19th Century French Drawings, Set of Three
19th Century French Drawings, Set of Three

19th Century French Drawings, Set of Three

H 11.03 in W 7.88 in D 0.4 in
19th Century French Fan, Mother of Pearl, Painting Silk
By French House & Garden
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous French fan, made at the end of the 19th century, Napoleón III. Exquisite craftsmanship and extraordinary quality of materials used. The linkage is ...
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1890s French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Fan, Mother of Pearl, Painting Silk
19th Century French Fan, Mother of Pearl, Painting Silk

19th Century French Fan, Mother of Pearl, Painting Silk

H 51 in W 80 in D 7 in
Napoleon III photo frame
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Napoleon III photo frame original old photo frame Cloissone technique and gilding Circa 1900 Origin France perfect condition Natural wear of the time T...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Napoleon III photo frame
Napoleon III photo frame

Napoleon III photo frame

H 9.06 in W 6.3 in D 5.52 in
Napoleon Bonaparte Circular Plaque
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Napoleon Bonaparte circular plaque Circa 1900 Origin France Ormolu Illegible signature perfect condition.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon Bonaparte Circular Plaque
Napoleon Bonaparte Circular Plaque

Napoleon Bonaparte Circular Plaque

H 6.89 in W 6.89 in D 0.79 in
Late 19th Century Grisaille Oil on Canvas Painting of a Young Lady in Profile
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A small 19th century oil painting of a girl, probably French or Belgium. Painting was bought recently last week in Belgium.
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Late 19th Century Grisaille Oil on Canvas Painting of a Young Lady in Profile
Late 19th Century Grisaille Oil on Canvas Painting of a Young Lady in Profile

Late 19th Century Grisaille Oil on Canvas Painting of a Young Lady in Profile

H 8.67 in W 8.47 in D 0.67 in
Large Scale Floral Still Life Oil Painting on Canvas of Flowers in Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Large fine art painting of floral still life on canvas. This gorgeous piece is a statement piece. Its large scale will make anyone swoon walking into a room. The piece depicts a vase...
Category

20th Century American Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Large Scale Floral Still Life Oil Painting on Canvas of Flowers in Vase
Large Scale Floral Still Life Oil Painting on Canvas of Flowers in Vase

Large Scale Floral Still Life Oil Painting on Canvas of Flowers in Vase

H 27.5 in W 23.5 in D 0.001 in
Collection of 12 Antique French Pétanque Boules
Located in Sheffield, MA
Boules are the balls used in the French game, boules or Pétanque. Boules is also a collective name for a wide range of games similar to bowls and Italian bocce game in which the obje...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Folk Art

Materials

Walnut

Collection of 12 Antique French Pétanque Boules
Collection of 12 Antique French Pétanque Boules

Collection of 12 Antique French Pétanque Boules

H 4.5 in Dm 4.5 in

Napoleon Iii folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III folk art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include and Napoléon III. 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 folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $312 and tops out at $15,239 while the average work can sell for $1,703.

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