First of all, this style is associated with eclectic triumph. In the homes of nobility shamelessly mixed, seemingly incompatible styles. The Renaissance (especially in the dining rooms), Louis XV (in the living rooms) and Louis XVI (in the bedrooms) are very popular.

Passing the gallery

Materials prepared: Julia Sakharova

Magazine: N (87) 2004

In 1852, the monarchy was restored in France and the Second Empire was proclaimed. The shortest. And the most fruitful on the subjects of frank luxury. The style of Napoleon III can be described in just three words: copy, black, gold First of all, Napoleon III is associated with eclectic triumph. In the homes of nobility shamelessly mixed, seemingly incompatible styles. The Renaissance (especially in the canteens), the magnificent boules style, Louis XV (in the drawing rooms) and Louis XVI (in the bedrooms) are very popular. However, with all his love for imitation, the style of Napoleon III is not devoid of originality. A black painted tree is in fashion, usually a pear tree. The decoration in this case is gilding, painting with the image of birds and bright bouquets of flowers or polychrome inlay (mother of pearl, tortoise shell, copper, tin and ornamental stones). The love of eclecticism is combined with a passion for exotic, in particular, for the art of the Far East. Furniture is now made from unconventional materials: resinous pine, bamboo and its imitations, willow, rattan and even from papier-mache. Whatever style the furniture legs imitate, small wheels are sometimes added to them - for reasons of convenience. One of the innovations of this era of comfort is upholstered furniture with a long, hiding leg fringe. From the upholstery fashionable crimson velvet. The aristocrats of that time are sitting in wide “toad” chairs, on corner or S-shaped sofas, and also on poufs. They eat at tables consisting of a series of tables moving in each other, put books on rotating book shelves, sit on circular sofas with a back-jardinier in the middle (from which a palm or fern leaf can grow). From all this eclectic splendor we inherited work rooms, libraries and dressers. The combination of black with gold and crimson still makes a strong impression on everyone. And while arguing about tastes, Napoleon III is really worthy of a special place in every home.Return to the Library of Styles