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Napoleon III Decorative 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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Napoleon III
Gilt Framed Herbier Botanical Specimens from the 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Framed and Pressed 19th century "Herbier" Botanical Specimens 14" x 0.75" x 18" each.  Sold as set of 4. Herbier specimens were collected and pressed from plants found around the wo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Napoleon III Silk Embroidery Art Work Horse Race, France 19th Century, Framed
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superbly refined Napoleon III framed embroidery artwork was handcrafted in France in the 19th Century. The beautiful and finely detailed "Fil De Soie" (silk thread) art piece fe...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Silk, Wood

Framed and Pressed French Alguier Specimens from the 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
This is a set of late 19th-century French Alguier (Herbier) specimens of pressed seaweed, mounted and framed. The specimens were collected from oceans and seas around the world and w...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Pair of circa 1850 Régence Style Silvered Bronze Mirrored Sconces from France
Located in Dallas, TX
Period Napoleon III furnishings are typically very versatile items, due to the fact that they incorporate elements from preceding styles, allowing these “Second Empire” pieces to be ...
Category

1850s French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Antique Napoleon III Parisian Giltwood Barometer, "Bodeur a Paris", Circa 1830
Located in Dallas, TX
Napoleon III style, sometimes referred to as The Second Empire style, was greatly influenced by the Neoclassical aspects of the Louis XVI period. This giltwood barometer from Paris w...
Category

1830s French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Glass

19th Century Continental Interior Scene Oil on Canvas Painting by Ritta Boemm
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Continental interior scene oil on canvas painting by Ritta Boemm. This charming interior shot depicts a room with a chair, Persian carpet and vitrine with a collection w...
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas

Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Hand Painted Porcelain and Brass Wall Platters
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a den or game room with this pair of antique oval wall plaques. Crated in France circa 1870, each porcelain composition is set inside a repousse brass frame. The ceramic pla...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Antique, Round Wooden Clock, Napoleon III Wall Décor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round, antique French large dimensional clock face with its original clock made of hand painted wood from the Napoleon III period. In good condition, enhanced by detailed carvings....
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Red and Gold Tole Tray with Marine Scene
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This large mid-19th century French Napoleon III period hand painted metal tole tray features a central marine scene with sailors stranded on a rock and...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

French Napoleon III Period Painted Decorative Panels with Bouquets, circa 1860
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoleon III period painted decorative panels with floral motifs from the mid-19th century, set inside giltwood frames. Each...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

8 French Teaching Posters for Accident Prevention by Les Fils d’Emile Deyrolle
Located in San Francisco, CA
Each with four panels detailing various ways to prevent accidents and lessons learned, including 'Feu, Eau, Contagion, Empoisonnements, and Maison'; based on 19th century original li...
Category

1950s French Vintage Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Pair of Blue and Yellow Neapolitan Tiles
By Riggiole
Located in New York, NY
Pair of blue and yellow Neapolitan tiles. Pair of large equestrian-themed floor tiles of bold blue and yellow design featuring mounted huntsmen, of Italian and Arabic riders with hun...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of French 1850s Aubusson Floral Tapestries with Rinceaux Arabesques
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoleon III period Aubusson tapestries from the mid-19th century depicting rinceaux surrounding a floral decor. Woven in the famous Aubusson Manufacture located in central France during the 1850s, each of this pair of wall tapestries...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Tapestry

French Period Napoleon III Black Painted Tôle Lavabo with Floral Décor, 1870s
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoleon III period painted tôle wall-mounted lavabo from the Ile-de-France region, second half of the 19th century. Born in the later years of the reign of Emperor Napoleon...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Tôle

Elegant Pair of French Napoleon III Carved Giltwood Oval Mirrors
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elegant pair of French Napoleon III carved giltwood oval mirrors; each half-round moulding with floral and foliate carved reserves surrounding a bead...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Large Pressed Botanical Framed under Glass from Sweden
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A handsome large Swedish decorative pressed botanical, circa 1940, featuring six herbal plants mounted to a matted board in a square wooden frame under glass. Dimensions are H 39 ...
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Set of Eleven mid-20th century pressed museum flower specimens
Located in London, GB
Set of Eleven mid-20th century pressed museum flower specimens A collection of eleven framed mid-20th century Bulgarian pressed flower and foliage specimens. Each example is stamped...
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Charles X Giltwood Barometer
Located in Essex, MA
Hexagonal with white and grisaille painted dial set in a gilt wood frame. No working as a barometer.
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Charles X Giltwood Barometer
Charles X Giltwood Barometer
H 23.25 in W 20.5 in D 2.13 in
Mounted Flower Botanical - Herbiers
Located in Napa, CA
Dried and pressed botanical specimens were collected and presented by French students as an educational exercise. Measurements vary. (Price...
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1960s French Vintage Napoleon III Decorative Art

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French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Directoire Wall Barometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century French Louis XVI style gilt and painted wood barometer. While not in working order, barometer has that wonderful old 'chippy' peeling patina. The carved wood frame and g...
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Pair of Italian Hand-Carved Gilt Sconces with Black Shades
Located in Asheville, NC
These elegant wall sconces were hand-carved in Italy. They have been wired to serve as lamps and feature sumptuously hand painted shades. The whole is composted of intricately carved...
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18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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19TH Century Framed French Fan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fabulous quality with exquisitely delicate lace work accented with a hand painted center panel of Venus and cupid. The stem mother-of-pearl framework is finely and dramatically dec...
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19TH Century Framed French Fan
19TH Century Framed French Fan
H 12.25 in W 21.25 in D 1.75 in
19th Century Heavily Decorated Gilt Painting Frame in Excellent State
Located in Leuven , BE
This heavily decorated painting or picture frame has been traditionally made and in good state.
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California Oil on Canvas Painting, 19th Century
Located in Cypress, CA
California oil on canvas landscape painting, "Evening Glow" - Otto Robert Gaensslen (1876-1915; American) Late 19th-early 20th century. Artist Bio: ...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Canvas

Custom Framed Antique Herbarium Botanical Specimens - Set of Four
Located in Pearland, TX
Beautiful custom framed antique herbarium floral specimens, collected in Sweden, circa 1900. Handwritten Latin scientific and common names in lovely script. Specimens include raphani...
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Early 20th Century Swedish Napoleon III Decorative Art

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French 19th Century Gilt Barometer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A delightful 19th Century French gold-gilt barometer circa 1850. This early instrument of meteorology has been adorned with a molded and decoratively trimmed octagonal frame dotted ...
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French 19th Century Gilt Barometer
French 19th Century Gilt Barometer
H 34 in W 16.75 in D 1.88 in
Previously Available Items
Gilt Framed Herbier Botanical Specimens from the 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Framed and Pressed 19th century "Herbier" Botanical Specimens 14" x 0.75" x 18" each.  Sold as set of 4. Herbier specimens were collected and pressed from plants found around the wo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Gilt Framed Herbier Botanical Specimens from the 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Framed and Pressed 19th century "Herbier" Botanical Specimens 14" x 0.75" x 18" each.  Sold as set of 4. Herbier specimens were collected and pressed from plants found around the wo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Pressed French 'Herbier' "Pressed Plant" Specimens in Ebonized Frame
Located in New York, NY
Four framed and pressed plants from a collection of botanical pressings purchased in France. In the late 19th century collecting and pressing...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Glass, Paper

Pressed French 'Herbier' "Pressed Plant" Specimens in Ebonized Frame
Located in New York, NY
Four framed and pressed plants from a collection of botanical pressings purchased in France. In the late 19th century collecting and pressing...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Faux Bamboo, Glass, Paper

Pair of French Napoleon III Bronze Oval Wall Plaques, Circa 1860
Located in Dallas, TX
The period of Napoleon III (sometimes called “The Second Empire”) was an amalgamation of motifs from preceding French periods. One unique creation which originated during the period were medallion shaped wall plaques, such as this pair of bronze trophy elements, both surrounded by a gilded grape leaf border. Both plaques have a dark, almost black patination and wonderful detail throughout. One of the plaques features a game-inspired display, with a seated hunting dog surrounded by a rifle, felled birds and caught fish. A large fishing net is displayed in the background, with a hunting horn, an axe, and a wicker basket ensnared in the mesh. The other plaque depicts a farming theme with a goat in place of the dog. The animal is surrounded by buckets filled with fruit and flowers and various farming implements, such as a floral watering can, reaping tools, and a shovel. There is a bundle of wheat under the goat’s hooves and a crinkled ribbon bow at the top with ivy emanating from it. Our pair of French Napoleon III bronze oval wall plaques...
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1860s French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Bronze

Framed and Pressed French 'Herbier' "Pressed Plant" Specimens
Located in New York, NY
Four framed and pressed plants from a collection of botanical pressings purchased in France. In the late 19th century collecting and pressing plants was ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Faux Bamboo, Glass, Paper

Pressed French 'Herbier' "Pressed Plant" Specimens in Ebonized Frame
Located in New York, NY
Four framed and pressed plants from a collection of botanical pressings purchased in France. In the late 19th century collecting and pressing...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Faux Bamboo, Glass, Paper

Framed and Pressed French 'Herbier' "Pressed Plant" Specimens
Located in New York, NY
Four framed and pressed plants from a collection of botanical pressings purchased in France. In the late 19th century collecting and pressing plants was ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Faux Bamboo, Glass, Paper

Framed and Pressed French 'Herbier' "Pressed Plant" Specimens
Located in New York, NY
Four framed and pressed plants from a collection of botanical pressings purchased in France. In the late 19th century collecting and pressing plants was ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Faux Bamboo, Glass, Paper

Framed and Pressed French 'Herbier' "Pressed Plant" Specimens
Located in New York, NY
Four framed and pressed plants from a collection of botanical pressings purchased in France. In the late 19th century collecting and pressing plants was ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Faux Bamboo, Glass, Paper

Framed and Pressed French 'Herbier' "Pressed Plant" Specimens
Located in New York, NY
Four framed and pressed plants from a collection of botanical pressings purchased in France. In the late 19th century collecting and pressing plants was ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Faux Bamboo, Glass, Paper

Framed and Pressed French 'Herbier' "Pressed Plant" Specimens
Located in New York, NY
Four framed and pressed plants from a collection of botanical pressings purchased in France. In the late 19th century collecting and pressing plants was ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Decorative Art

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Faux Bamboo, Glass, Paper

Napoleon Iii decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III decorative 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 decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III decorative art made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Belgium pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative art, popular names associated with this style include Deyrolle, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Riggiole, and Royal Manufacture of Aubusson. 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 decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $112 and tops out at $82,590 while the average work can sell for $2,963.

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