Founded by one-time Parisian wallpaper dealer Ferdinand Barbedienne and engineer Achille Collas, one of the most revered foundries in 19th-century France began with the invention of a revolutionary 1830s-era device that could produce proportional reproductions — large or small — of sculptures. Collas’s machine, which yielded miniature likenesses of antiquities for the interiors of homes the world over, was pivotal to the success of the F. Barbedienne Foundry. The successful firm earned prestigious awards and critical acclaim and created exquisite bronze candleholders, clocks and lamps for a range of wealthy and prominent clients.
The duo first launched their company under the name Société Collas et Barbedienne, and early on, they optimized chemical processes for pigmenting and patinating their bronze statuettes. After Collas died in 1859, Barbedienne forged on alone, and the company’s name changed to simply F. Barbedienne.
Barbedienne employed more than 300 workers at that point, and the Maison created a range of furnishings and decorative objects that featured the integration of marble and ormolu accents. However, with the onset of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the foundry was forced to retrofit its molds, and the production of cannons replaced sculptures, furniture and vases.
When Ferdinand Barbedienne passed away in 1891, his nephew and heir, Gustave Leblanc, took over as president, changing the name to Leblanc-Barbedienne. Leblanc expanded production into Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, carrying on the company's legacy with monumental sculptures, and models and securing production rights for famous statues. Paul-Alexandre Dumas, an Art Nouveau maker and student of Louis Majorelle, succeeded Leblanc until the company's closing in 1952.
Barbedienne pieces had been exhibited regularly in the 19th century and were especially prevalent at Europe’s international expositions and world’s fairs, where they received numerous awards. Today, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris holds dozens of Barbedienne works in its collection, including intricate mirrors, vases and cups created by Louis-Constant Sévin at the foundry. For more than two decades, Sévin created lamps, boxes and more at Maison Barbedienne. Working alongside award-winning chaser Désiré Attarge, Sévin designed Napoleon III-era works that greatly appealed to European nobility.
Other notable artists who collaborated with Barbedienne included Eugene Aizelin, Emmanuel Fremiet, Antonin Mercié, Emile Guillemin, Edouard Lievre, Ferdinand Levillain and Auguste Rodin.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Barbedienne decorative objects, lighting and collectibles.
Pair of red marble and gilt bronze table candelabra by Barbedienne
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in London, GB
Pair of red marble and gilt bronze table candelabra by Barbedienne French, 19th Century Height 57cm, width 17cm, depth 15cm The exceptional candelabra in this pair, by the famed mak...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabra from Barbedienne
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French 19th century patinated bronze candelabra of the finest quality by Barbedienne of Paris, mounted on rouge marble bases, after the original slave sculptures by Michelang...
Bronze
Victorian Double Arm Candelabras by F. Barbedienne, France
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Queens, NY
Pair FIne Barbedienne bronze champleve candelabra PAIR of French Victorian bronze dore and enamel double arm candelabras with butterfly design and a swag chain (signed F. BARBEDIENNE...
Bronze, Enamel
pair of French 19th century Bronze and Ormolu candelabras, signed Barbedienne
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and large scale pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. Rouge Griotte Marble, patinated Bronze and Ormolu candelabras, signed F. Barbedienne. Each nine arm candel...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Porcelain and Doré Bronze Candelabra, Barbedienne, Edouard Lievre
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in New York, NY
A very unusual pair of antique French doré bronze and Chinese Export porcelain, orientalist style, three-light candelabra designed by the outmost renowned French orientalist designer; Edouard Lievre, and finely executed by Ferdinand Barbedienne. Each crafted in rich orientalist design with three very fine hand chiseled ormolu elephant...
Bronze
$2,600 / set
H 16.5 in W 7 in D 3.25 in
Pair of French Charles X Patinated Bronze and Gilt Figurative Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of figurative candelabras in the form of a patinated bronze cherub running with a gilt torchiere in each hand. The cherubs stand on a...
Marble, Bronze
$120Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 7.88 in W 5.71 in D 2.76 in
Contemporary Italian Porcelain Esotica Collection, Snake by Vito Nesta
By Vito Nesta
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Italian porcelain sculpture is part of Grand Tour by Vito Nesta. Made in Capodimonte porcelain with a glossy and iridescent finish. This double candle holder...
Porcelain
$16,800Sale Price|30% Off
H 28.35 in Dm 13.78 in
Amazing Pair of French 19th Century Bronze and Gilt Bronze Candelabras
Located in Rome, IT
A fine pair of French 19th century bronze and gilt bronze candelabras, each with a dark bronze delicious dancing putto figures and parrots holding aloft three scrolled candle-branche...
Bronze
$2,400
H 9 in Dm 4.5 in
Antique French Porcelain "Veilleuse" or Tea Warmer Night Light, Circa 1880-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th century French emerald green porcelain "Veilleuse," or tea warmer & night light, Circa 1880-1890. Beautiful hand-painted landscape scene. Candle base on the bottom with...
Porcelain
$2,800
H 7.5 in Dm 4.5 in
Antique French Porcelain "Veilleuse" or Tea Warmer Night Light, Circa 1880-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th century French multi-colored porcelain "Veilleuse," or tea warmer & night light, Circa 1880-1890. Candle base on the bottom with a beautiful t...
Porcelain
$16,500 / set
H 27 in W 13 in D 12 in
Pair of Regency Gilt and Patinated Bronze Atlas Figural Candelabra
By Messenger & Phipson
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Regency or William IV figural candelabra in form of Atlas and a globe. Six arms issuing from top. Patinated bronze, gilded bronze and bronze. A truly rare from. Attributed to...
Bronze
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.35 in Dm 13.78 in
Amazing Pair of French 19th Century Bronze and Gilt Bronze Candelabras
Located in Rome, IT
A fine pair of French 19th century bronze and gilt bronze candelabras, each with a dark bronze delicious dancing putto figures and parrots holding aloft three scrolled candle-branche...
Bronze
$150Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 11.82 in Dm 3.35 in
Contemporary Italian Porcelain Esotica Collection, Toucan by Vito Nesta
By Vito Nesta
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Italian porcelain sculpture is part of Grand Tour by Vito Nesta. Made in Capodimonte porcelain with a glossy and iridescent finish. this double candle holder...
Porcelain
French 1940's large gilt iron five arm candelabra
Located in New York City, NY
Large French hammered iron gold leafed candle holder. Five arms or candle branches with four arched leg base, twisted arms and scroll details. Can b...
A fine pair of 19th century bronze and ormolu 4 light candelabra
Located in London, GB
An attractive pair of early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu 4 light Candelabra with removeable flame finial to centre light, supported on scrolled arms above tapering stems raised on ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$6,165
H 27.96 in Dm 5.91 in
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Patinated Bronze Figural Candelabra
Located in Nottingham, GB
An exceptional pair of French Empire style gilt bronze and patinated bronze candelabra, modelled in the grand Neoclassical tradition of the early 19th century. Each candelabrum feat...
Bronze
A pair of 19th century gilt bronze French candelabra
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A very pretty pair of gilt bronze French candelabra in the style of Louis XV. Each with two candle light. Decorated with foliate motifs and acanthus leaves.
Bronze
Bronze and Porcelain Jardiniere
Located in Delft, NL
A bronze and porcelain jardiniere A bronze porcelain jardiniere with the foot made of broze and the bowl of porcelain with at the front a scen...
Bronze
$11,646
H 24.49 in W 9.49 in D 9.49 in
Fine Antique Pair of Barbedienne Bronze and Ormolu Candelabra, circa 1880
Located in Nottingham, GB
An exceptional true pair of large 19th-century five-light candelabra, finely cast in patinated bronze and contrasting gilt bronze, or ormolu, and displaying remarkable sculptural det...
Bronze, Ormolu
$8,500
H 34 in W 18.5 in D 10 in
Pair of French Empire Patinated and Gilt Bronze Candelabra, 19th Century
Located in El Monte, CA
This impressive pair of gilt and patinated bronze candelabra is a quintessential example of the French empire style. Drawing from Greco-Roman influence, each candelabra features a ce...
Porphyry, Bronze
Sold
H 29.53 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
A Large Pair of Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Candelabra, Signed Barbedienne.
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An important pair of Louis XV style gilt bronze candelabra, signed Barbedienne, 19th century. A pair of Louis XV style 7-branch candelabra in chased and gilt bronze, signed Ferdinan...
Bronze
Sold
H 35 in W 15 in D 8 in
Ferdinand Barbedienne, a Large Pair of French Gilt Patinated Bronze Candelabras
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne: A large pair of French gilt and patinated bronze Grand Tour candelabras on rouge marble bases. "The Dying Slaves" after the models by Michelangelo circa 18...
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 35 in W 15 in D 8 in
Ferdinand Barbedienne, a Large Pair of French Gilt Patinated Bronze Candelabras
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne: A large pair of French gilt and patinated bronze candelabras on rouge marble bases. "The Dying Slaves" after the models by Michelangelo circa 1900. The fi...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of French Japonisme Ormolu and Onyx Candelabra Signed F. Barbedienne
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Pair of French Japonisme two-light ormolu and onyx candelabra. Signed F. Barbedienne. Late 19th century. 16" high 10" wide Very good condition.
Onyx, Bronze