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 prizes. 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 antique Ferdinand Barbedienne decorative objects, lighting and more.
Pair of 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Barbedienne Candlesticks
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
An unusual pair of mid-19th century French bronze and ormolu candlesticks, having grape and vine nozzles raised on swaged, fluted tapering stems surmounted by classical busts of man ...
Bronze
Pair of Cast Bronze Candelabras in Louis XVI Style Signed Ferdinand Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of cast bronze candelabras in Louis XVI style signed Ferdinand Barbedienne, France, late 19th century.
Bronze
Pair of candelabras in bronze louis XVI styles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Execptional pair of candelabras in gilt bronze louis XVI style, 9 lights ,all the details are remarkable quality and the decoration is very unsual , its why they are execptional orig...
Bronze
19th Century French Pair of Bronze and Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of bronze and gilt bronze candlesticks of well-cast classical women holding a torch which holds the candle. They stand on a triangular plinth base and are supported with tripa...
Bronze
Pair of French 19th c. Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c., France, a pair of Louis XVI style gilt bronze candelabra. The upwardly tapering and chiseled column support rises from ...
Metal
$15,000 / set
H 25 in Dm 8.5 in
Pair of Late 19th Century Napoleon III Candelabra by Levillian and Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Levillain, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Very Fine Pair of Late 19th Century Napoleon III Rouge Griotte Marble and Patinated Bronze Four Light Candelabra By Levillian and Barbedienne Signed F. Levillian and F. Barbedienn...
Marble, Bronze
$6,500 / set
H 27 in W 16 in D 12 in
Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Bronze Eight-Light Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
They are unusual in form, each with curved shaft and mask decoration issuing seven curved candle arms, and topped with one candle arm, all hung with half...
Bronze
Pair Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Crystal Candelabra
Located in Hudson, NY
A very nice pair of gilt bronze 5 light candelabra. The metal work finely gilded and chased. The casting is done with much detail and in...
Crystal, Ormolu
Pair of Bronze Candlesticks, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Bronze candlesticks, 19th century A pair of bronze candlesticks, decorated with Chimeras, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Contact us before ordering to confirm product a...
Bronze
$3,600Sale Price / set|44% Off
H 22 in W 8 in D 5 in
Pair of Louis XVI Style Marble and Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
This pair, are top quality 19th century interpretations of the 18th century originals, and their equal in every way but price. Each vase-shaped body is applied with crisply modelled ...
Marble, Bronze
$2,350 / set
H 10.75 in W 8 in D 4.5 in
A pair of Louis XVI style two-light ormolu & marble candelabra signed Millet
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A fine quality pair of antique French Louis XVI-style ormolu (gilt bronze) and white marble two-arm candelabra by Maison Millet, Paris, circa 1880. Each candelabrum is finely cast, ...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$1,250
H 12.5 in W 7.25 in D 5 in
Pair of 19th Century Victorian Bronze and Ormolu Figural Candlesticks
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of 19th century Victorian bronze and Ormolu figural candlesticks. Period Victorian deeply embossed bronze and ormolu candlesticks. This pair of the most beautiful and elegant English candleholders features an early impression of American Indians. Each holds a spear in the right hand and is dressed in robes with feather...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French gilt bronze candlesticks three-light candleholder. France, 19th century.
Bronze
$12,950Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 28.25 in Dm 10.25 in
Pair of 19th Century Rococo Ormolu & Griotte Marble Candelabra, Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of French 19th century Rococo Revival style gilt bronze and Rouge Griotte marble six-light candelabra attributed to Ferdinand Barbedienne (French, 1810-1892) After a mode...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$4,500 / set
H 10 in W 9.75 in D 5.5 in
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candelabras, Louis XVI Style
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candelabras, Louis XVI Style Candle Holders A stunning and exceptionally crafted pair of 19th Century French Louis XVI style bronze candelabr...
Bronze
$2,750 / set
H 25 in W 14 in D 14 in
Pair of Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Candelabra, Cherub Florentine Form
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze candelabra, Cherub Florentine Form A large and impressive pair of Candelabra, each having a...
Bronze
$1,824Sale Price / set|59% Off
H 23 in W 11 in D 11 in
French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Bronze 7 Arms Candelabra, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
An opulent pair of late 19th century French Louis XVI Ormolu candelabras. Each Candelabra is boasting seven candle arms beautifully designed with scrolls and acanthus motifs and end...
Bronze, Ormolu
Sold
H 12.375 in W 4.875 in D 4.875 in
Antique French Neo-Pompeian Bronze Candlestick Pair Ferdinand Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Forney, TX
A very elegant pair of classic French 19th century Neo-Pompeian style patinated bronze candlesticks by Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) Paris, France, circa 1860, Napoleon III Seco...
Bronze
19th Century F. Barbedienne Bronze Champlevé Enamel Candlesticks
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
A fine pair of champlevé enamel candlesticks in a chinoiserie style by Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810 - 1892), made in Paris ca.1880. Signed "F. Barbedienne" They are an example of the ...
Bronze, Enamel
Antique French Barbedienne Enamel Candlestick Holder
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique French Barbedienne enamel candlestick holder. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this piece showcases the intricate champleve enamel technique, a hallmark of the Barbedienne workshops expertise. The vibrant enamel hues contrast beautifully against the rich tones of the metalwork, creating a harmonious and visually striking spherical composition. The piece is elevated by a sturdy marble base, adding a touch of luxury and stability to its overall aesthetic. Circa the late 19th century. Antique French Enamel Candlesticks...
Enamel
F.Barbedienne a Gilt Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Candlestick
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) A very fine gilt bronze and great quality polychrome cloisonné enamel hand candlestick. Signed F.BARBEDIENNE Circa 1875.
Enamel, Ormolu
Pair of Gilt Bronze and Champleve Enameled Candlesticks by Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of ormolu, or gilt bronze and champleve enameled candlesticks crafted by Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892), one of the finest French...
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Set of French Ferdinand Barbedienne Bronze Snake Candlesticks
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Haarlem, NL
A pair of bronze candlesticks resting on a circular moulded base adorned with snakes crawling upwards. Marked F. Barbedienne on the base. Numbered 46244 underneath and signed. Fe...
Bronze