Have you ever noticed houses with mansard roofs and dormer windows? In case you don’t know what I mean, here’s an example. (You should also take a quick look at these pictures on Old House Online.)

I recently learned that this type of architecture is called Second Empire as it flourished during the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870). This was France’s Second Empire, which came between the Second Republic and the Third Republic.

Napoleon III had much of Paris redesigned following Renaissance styles. The Second Empire architecture then spread to other parts of the world, including Canada. At the time it was known as “French” or “Modern French,” but now it is commonly referred to as Second Empire.

Isn’t it nice to know the names for things? Now when I spot a house or public building with that distinctive roof and windows, I think, “Ah, Second Empire.”