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.
A French Ormolu, Bronze and frosted Crystal centerpiece signed Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and high quality French 19th century Renaissance st. Ormolu, patinated Bronze and frosted Crystal centerpiece, signed Barbedienne. This striking circular centerpiece is r...
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Lovely Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Centerpiece by Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Lovely Quality Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Centerpiece by Barbedienne Ferdinand Barbedienne The wonderful floral etched crystal vase inserted...
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
A Pair of Unique Ferdinand Barbedienne Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in New York, NY
A pair of extremely unique ormolu and champlevé enamel jardinieres by Ferdinand Barbedienne. Each jardiniere is of rounded form, mounted on an elaborate ormolu tripod stand. The enam...
Bronze, Enamel
$14,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ferdinand Barbedienne Pair of Marble & Ormolu Urn Low Tables
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of French Louis XV style Ormolu Mounted Rouge Griotte marble urns by Ferdinand Barbedienne (French, 1810-1892), now converted to low side tables with glass tops. The ovoi...
Marble, Ormolu
Imposing 19th Century Bronze Mounted Rouge Marble Jardiniere by Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY
An imposing late 19th century Napoleon III gilt bronze mounted rouge griotte marble jardiniere by Barbedienne Ferdinand Barbedienne The oval waisted neck with gadrooned surround mo...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$3,250
H 5.25 in W 18.5 in D 7 in
Wonderful French Baccarat Diamond Cut Crystal Ormolu Bronze Lion Paw Centerpiece
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Baccarat style diamond cut crystal ormolu bronze lion paw large oval centerpiece Dimensions: H 5.25" x D 18.5".
Crystal, Bronze
$1,850
H 4 in W 6.5 in D 8 in
Wonderful French Doré Bronze Cherub Fluted Oval Crystal Gilt Ormolu Centerpiece
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful French dore´ bronze bow and swag footed Cherub Plaques centerpiece with fluted oval crystal insert. In the manner of Baccarat. Measures: 8" W x 6.5" W x 4" H.
Crystal, Bronze
Giltwood Low Round Table
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
Hand-carved, giltwood round low end table. we can supply a marble top on quotation if required. gilded with 23.75K gold
Giltwood
$1,250
H 4.13 in Dm 7.75 in
Wonderful Ormolu Cut Crystal and Finely Chased Dore Bronze Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Roslyn, NY
A fine French cut crystal and doré bronze centerpiece bowl.
Crystal, Bronze
$2,400
H 9.65 in Dm 11.82 in
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Empire Gilt Bronze Putti and Marble Centerpiece
Located in Berlin, DE
Late 19th Century French Empire gilt bronze putti and marble centerpiece The centerpiece stands on a triangular, fluted base with arched feet; on th...
Marble, Bronze
$77,500
H 70 in W 22 in D 22 in
A 19th C. French Ormolu Mounted & Rouge Marble Figural Cupid Jardiniere, ROBERT
By Robert Freres, Susse Freres
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental and Exceptionally High Quality 19th Century French Ormolu Mounted and Rouge Marble Jardiniere, attributed to ROBERT FRÈRES. The urn is of baluster form with ormolu saty...
Marble, Ormolu
$23,800 / set
H 29.5 in W 12.75 in D 16.75 in
Pair Of French Late 19th Century Louis XV St. Mahogany And Ormolu Side Tables
By Mercier Freres
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and very high quality pair of French late 19th century Louis XV st. Mahogany and ormolu side tables by Mercier Frères. Each rectangular table, after a model by François Li...
Ormolu
Pair of 1950s, Italian Carved Wood Urn Side Tables
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of 1950s, Italian carved wood urn side tables. Glass tops have an etched painted trim.
$3,950
H 9 in W 18.5 in D 9.75 in
Wonderful French Empire Ormolu Bronze Sphinx Oval Cut Crystal Centerpiece Bowl
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire Baccarat style centerpiece with cut crystal central bowl supported on bronze basket stamped Baccarat France And Flanked by two female Sphinx...
Crystal, Bronze
$1,750
H 7 in W 9.5 in D 6.5 in
Wonderful French Doré Bronze Cherub Oval Diamond Crystal Ormolu Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Doré Bronze Cherub Swag Oval Diamond Crystal Ormolu Centerpiece Bowl With Two Handles
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
$4,850
H 7.75 in W 13.5 in D 5.5 in
Beautiful French Hand Diamond Cut Crystal & Ormolu-Mounted Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
Cut Crystal and Ormolu-Mounted Centerpiece This centerpiece features an oval cut-crystal bowl mounted in gilt bronze, combining clarity and structure with refined metalwork. The bod...
Crystal, Bronze
French Art Deco Low Table/Pair Of Side Tables
By Michel Dufet
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Art Deco side tables in rosewood and Carpathian elm, put them together to create one long low table or split them up for use as side tables, note excellent quality of wood an...
Rosewood, Maple
$37,900 / set
H 27.5 in W 29 in D 29 in
Pair of French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu and Marble Guéridon Side Tables
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and high quality pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Black Belgium marble Guéridon side tables. Each table is raised by handsome and detailed hoof feet adorned with large acanthus leaves. Each leg is joined by triangular stretchers with concave sides and fine central rosettes. The elegant cabriole legs support central Black Belgium marble tiers...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Marble top Drum Tables
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of late 20th century marble top drum tables . Marble top rests on chrome finials allowing stone to float over the drum base . Nice condition . Minor touched up chips or scuffs t...
Marble
$2,450
H 17 in Dm 7.5 in
Wonderful French Empire Neoclassical Cut Crystal Bronze Ormolu Urn Centerpiece
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical cut crystal and bronze ormolu mounted urn with lady figure handles centerpiece.
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Louis Constant Sévin & F. Barbedienne, a Rare Ormolu and Blue Glass Centerpiece
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Louis Constant Sévin & F. Barbedienne, a rare ormolu and blue glass centerpiece, circa 1880. This fantastic quality centerpiece vase is made with the...
Ormolu
Large “Dionysos” Display Dish by F. Levillain and F. Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Ferdinand Levillain
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb large Greek-style display dish made with two patina bronze signed F. Levillain and F. Barbedienne. Decorated in the middle of a scene depicting an ancient man, a thyrsus in hi...
Bronze
Sold
H 8.5 in W 22.5 in D 12 in
Ormolu Cloisonné Champleve Enamel Onyx Jardiniere Centerpiece, F. Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ormolu Cloisonne´ Champleve Enamel Onyx Jardiniere Centerpiece, F. Barbedienne Ferdinand Barbedienne, French, 1810-1892. A large Ne´o-Grec ormolu and cloisonne´ champleve enamel decorated onyx jardinie`re centerpiece. Most possibly designed by Louis-Constant Se´vin and Edouard Lievre / Lie`vre. Applied on both sides with a shield with mirror cypher DH for King Henri II and Diane de Poitiers...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
Sold
H 5.91 in Dm 3.15 in
19th Century Neo-Greek Style Ormolu Cups by Ferdinand Levillain and Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Ferdinand Levillain
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of cylindrical ormolu, or gilt bronze, cups depicting hunting and picking fruits scenes in Classical style. Each neo-Greek cup is decorated with vine le...
Bronze