The reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870) is often referred to as the Second Empire style, characterized by an eclectic mixture of Neoclassic and contemporary elements. The style was ornate, decorative, opulent and  considered very luxurious. “More is more” would be a phrase used to encapsulate Napoleon III designs.

 

The Sèvres porcelain factory was established in the town bearing its name in 1738.  Sèvres was an innovative firm, first to use hard paste porcelain made from a mixture of kaolin feldspar and quartz that produced a beautiful thin and delicate body.  The glaze is often a translucent pale blue or soft pink and has a glossy finish.  Sèvres porcelain often features paintings of landscapes and flowers and is also decorated with silver and gold.