Ferdinand Barbedienne Decorative Objects

A Large And Rare Pair of ‘Neo-Grec’ Style Multipatinated Bronze Amphora Vases by Ferdinand Levillain and Ferdinand Barbedienne. Signed to the cast ‘F. Levillain Fecit 1880’ and ‘F. Barbedienne’. This large pair of multipatinated vases are of amphora form modelled in the ‘Neo-Grec’ style with trumpet shaped necks and scrolling handles terminating in masks; the vases are raised on circular spreading bases put down on plinths. Each vase is finely ornamented with laurel leaves and garlands to the neck, the main body with a superb banded frieze cast in low relief depicting the Centauromachy. In the Centauromachy, the Lapiths battle with the Centaurs at the wedding feast of Pirithous. An enduring classical theme linked with the idea of culture versus nature, the Centauromachy was widely depicted in ancient Greece from the Southern Metopes of the Parthenon Freieze to the Temple of Apollo Epikourious at Bassai, it also appears as a subject on numerous Attic vases such as the Ilioupersis krater. A popular theme for artists from the Renaissance onwards it was depicted by amongst others, Michelangelo, Piero di Cosimo, Luca Signorelli, Sebastiano Ricci...

Grand Tour circa 1860s bronze of the Wrestlers. Rich fine dark brown patina. Marked "F. Barbedienne Fondeur." The Wrestlers also known as The Two Wrestlers, The Uffizi Wrestlers or The Pancrastinae...

Sculpture of Cleopatra reclining, bronze sculpture signed Barbedienne, Napoleon III period. Sculpture in patinated bronze, signed by Barbedienne foundryman, representing Cleopatra r...

Enamelled bronze box, signed F. Barbedienne, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Yellow, blue and red enamelled bronze box, signed F. Barbedienne, 19th century, Napoleon III period. ...

Gilt bronze and enamelled cup or cache-pot, signed F. Barbedienne, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A gilt bronze and enamelled floral cache-pot or bowl, signed F. Barbedienne, 19...

A pair of gilt bronze and enamelled goblets or cache-pots, signed F. Barbedienne, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A pair of gilt bronze and enamel...

A stunning and finely detailed set of four French 19th century Belle Epoque period Louis XVI st. Ormolu candlesticks, signed F. Barbedienne. Each wonderful candlestick is raised on i...

Beautiful "Panther of India" sculpture by Antoine Louis Barye mounted atop a green and white veined marble inkwell, Ferdinand Barbedienne edition, France circa 1900. Signed by the ar...

Glorious 19th century gilt bronze low handled urn modelled after the original Borghese vase by Giovanni Zoffoli (c1785-1845) cast by Barbedienne in the third quarter of the 19th cen...

"Diane de Gabies" French sculpture, late 19th century. Patinated bronze with "Ferdinand Barbedienne" foundry marks. Height: 51 cm. Very good condition.

Signed F. Barbedienne & Cie Height : 31,5 cm (12,4 in.) ; Width : 12 cm (4,7 in.) ; Depth : 10,5 cm (4,1 in.) Charming baluster-shaped ewer in gilded bronze decorated with red and blue polychrome cloisonné enamel. Two beaded handles connect the body to the slender neck, ending in a flared pouring spout, and it rests on a circular piedouche. The whole is decorated with abundant engraved decoration of foliage interlacing. Barbedienne and the Cloisonné enamel : Ferdinand Barbedienne continuously innovated and he revived the use of enamel on art works during the second half of the 19th century. The Sèvres Manufacture enamel workshop had ever tried it in 1854-1855, but Barbedienne was the one who succeeded to join enamel to an industrial decorative objects production. From 1858 “At Mr Barbedienne’s, enamels in copper ornaments have got their former prestige back” (Les bronzes de la Maison Barbedienne, C. Simon, in L’Art du XIXe siècle, 1858, n°21, p. 252). The Barbedienne Company had now an enamel workshop where objects ornamented with oriental style or medieval style enamels were made. Four years after, Barbedienne’s cloisonné...

This French 19th Century antique lovely bronze and cloisonnè enamel tazza or cup with handles is an artwork made by Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810–1892). This Napoleon III period little...

A beautifully and high quality pair of French 19th century Louis XV st. Cloisonné and Ormolu candelabras, signed F. Barbedienne. Each six arm candelabra is raised by a square Ormolu ...

19th Century Barbedienne French Champleve Enamel and Gilt bronze clock set A fine 19th Century French three piece clock garniture set. Comprising of a clock and pair of candelabra, ...

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 ...

Signed F. Barbedienne A pair of charming trumpet-shaped vases in gilt bronze with a polychrome cloisonné enamel decoration, one blue and the other green and red. They feature two annular handles and stand on four feet surmounted by a stylized palm. The vases are ornated with a Byzantine decoration. The high quality of the enamel is typical of Barbedienne’s production. It enhances this pair of vases especially with the wide range of colours used to create the decoration. The enamel is smooth and shiny and shows many shades to form the Byzantine decoration. The partitioned cloisonné is finely engraved and contributes to the decoration by adopting vegetal and foliage shapes. The Model These two vases can be linked to a vase presented by Ferdinand Barbedienne at the 1862 London Universal Exhibition and purchased at this time by the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Inv. 8026-1862). This vase has on its belly a polychrome cloisonné enamel decoration standing out against a turquoise background as show these vases. This decoration, called Byzantine, covers all the vase with coloured arabesques and scrolls. It rests on four claw feet with lion heads from a design near of our vases. Barbedienne and the Cloisonné Enamel Ferdinand Barbedienne continously innovated and he revived the use of enamel on art works during the second half of the 19th century. The Sèvres Manufacture enamel workshop had ever tried it in 1854-1855, but Barbedienne was the one who succeeded to join enamel to an industrial decorative objects production. From 1858 “At Mr Barbedienne’s, enamels in copper ornaments have got their former prestige back” (Les bronzes de la Maison Barbedienne, C. Simon, in L’Art du XIXe siècle, 1858, n°21, p. 252). The Barbedienne Company had now an enamel workshop where objects ornamented with oriental style or medieval style enamels were made. Four years after, Barbedienne’s cloisonné...

Illuminating Heritage: An Important "Exhibition" Pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis Constant Sevin Champleve Enamel and Ormolu Eight-Light Candelabra / Lamps In the realm of de...

This is a Ferdinand Barbedienne set of gilt bronze-mounted champleve onyx garniture. It consist of two urns and one large oval vase/jardiniere. The vase...

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...

A Patinated Bronze Figural Group of ‘Gloria Victis’ (‘Glory to the Vanquished’), Cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne from the Model by Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié (French, 1845-1916). ‘Gloria Victis’ (‘Glory to the Vanquished’). Bronze, gilt and dark brown patina. Signed 'A. Mercié', with foundry inscription 'F. BARBEDIENNE, Fondeur. Paris.' and A. Collas reduction cachet. The integral base titled 'GLORIA VICTIS'. This cast is part of a limited edition by the Barbedienne Foundry. France. Circa 1880. ‘Gloria Victis’ is one of the most recognisable and important works of sculpture of the nineteenth century and a definitive image of France’s historic national identity. The figure of glory, winged and wearing armour, carries a dying young warrior heavenwards towards fame and immortality. The compositional daring of the group must be admired for balancing two figures on the minimal support of one foot, wings spread in the moment before taking flight. Mercié was a student at the French Academy of Rome when the Prussians invaded France in 1870. Shortly after the war had begun, he executed a group depicting the figure of Fame supporting a victorious soldier. When news reached Mercié in Rome that the French had surrendered, he decided to alter his group, replacing the victorious soldier with a defeated casualty, thus transforming an allegory of ‘Glory to the Victors’ into one of ‘Glory to the Vanquished’. Completed in 1872, a year after the defeat of French soldiers against the Prussian army, the statue personifies a defeated but heroic France. The title is also a reversal of the famous formula, ‘Vae Victis’ (Death to the Vanquished), which the Gallic general Brennus exclaimed upon defeating the Romans in 390 BC. The figure of the fallen soldier was thought to represent Henri Regnault, a fellow sculptor of Mercié who was killed on the last day of fighting. Measuring 317 cm. high the original group of ‘Gloria Victis’ was unveiled in plaster at the Salon of 1872. It was bought by the City of Paris for the sum of twelve thousand francs and then cast in bronze by Victor Thiébaut for eight thousand five hundred francs. The bronze was exhibited at the Salon in 1875 and first placed in Montholon Square in the 8th arrondissement. In 1884 it was transferred to the courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville and in 1930, it entered the collection of the Musée du Petit Palais, where it can be seen to this day. The Thiébaut Frères foundry also cast Gloria Victis bronzes for the cities of Niort (requested 1881) Bordeaux (requested 1883), Châlons-sur-Marne (today, Châlons-en-Champagne; requested 1890), and Cholet (requested 1901). In 1905, the Danish brewer and art collector Carl Jacobsen was permitted to have an exact cast made of the original sculpture in Paris, on condition that the base was made 2 cm lower and bore the inscription “Original tilhører Paris By” (The original belongs to the City of Paris). It too was cast by the Thiébaut Frères foundry. Gloria Victis was one of Jacobsen’s most important and his last acquisition. Today it has been returned to its original position in the Winter Garden at Glyptoteket, Copenhagen, Denmark. The full-size plaster was shown again at the Paris Expositon universelle of 1878 alongside a bronze reduction by Barbedienne. By this time Antonin Mercié had entered into a commercial edition contract with the Ferdinand Babedienne foundry to produce bronze reductions of Gloria Victis, his most famous work. Gloria Victis is first recorded to have been produced in three sizes and by 1886 Barbedienne’s ‘Catalogue des Bronzes D’Art’ lists six sizes measuring 3/5, 9/20, 7/20, 3/10, 6/25 and 2/10, of the original. These reductions were produced by an invention of Barbedienne’s business partner Achille Collas. The Collas reducing machine was a type of complex mechanical pantograph lathe that enabled sculpture to be mathematically measured and transcribed to scale, in the round, thus making a reduced size plaster from which a bronze could be cast. Mercié's modern sculpture had become an instant classic, even receiving an entry in the Nouveau Larousse Illustré. The success of the group undoubtedly lay in the fact that it was admired not just on an aesthetic level, but also on a patriotic level, particularly in its commemoration of heroism in defeat. Immediately ‘Gloria Victis’ was recognised as a national artwork, capable of arousing patriotism and casts were ordered from Barbedienne as local memorials commemorating the war’s dead for cities across France. ‘Gloria Victis’ was considered so much a part of France’s national identity that for the 1900 Paris Exhibition, Ferdinand Barbedienne’s nephew Gustave Leblanc, loaned a bronze example to feature as part of l’Exposition centennale de l’art français. Literature: For an interesting account of the process of creating a reduction in bronze of the Gloria Victis by Barbedienne and illustrations of the casting and finishing of the bronze see: 'Ferdinand Barbedienne': Theodore Child; Harper's new monthly magazine, Volume 73, Issue 436, September 1886. ‘Contemporary French Sculptors’: The Century, Volume 33, Issue 3, Jan 1887. ‘Modern French Sculpture’: Harper's new monthly magazine, Volume 76, Issue 452, January 1888. S, Lami, ‘Dictionnaire des sculpteurs de l'Ecole française au dix-neuvième siècle’, Tome III. G.-M., Paris, 1914, p. 432. Peter Fusco and H.W. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin: French Nineteenth Century Sculpture from North...

Pair of 19th century/2nd Empire bronze decorative amphorae by Ferdinand Barbedienne By: Ferdinand Barbedienne Material: bronze, metal, copper Technique: forged, gilt, metalwork, mol...

An exceptional French patinated realistic miniature bronze bust of Jesus Christ, 1858 Signed: J CLESINGER. 1858 and F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR, wi...

Antique patinated bronze and onyx mantel clock by Mercié and Barbedienne French, Late 19th Century Height 113cm, width 58cm, depth 40cm Two renowned French makers, Antonin Mercié (...

A Champlevé Enamel and Gilt-Bronze Mounted Jardinière by Ferdinand Barbedienne, the design attributed to Louis-Constant Sévin. This fine jardinière is decorated all over with foliate...

A very nice clock in bronze made by F.BARBEDIENNE louis XVI style of very high quality the dial of the clock is in enamel, and its remarkably executed by one the best bronziers of ...

Let me say that I feel this is the most amazing clock I have seen in over 30 years. The clock case is signed Barbedienne Paris. The clock works are signed with a medallion from Japy ...

After Michelangelo Laurent de' Medici, spectacular red marble inkwell surmounted by a sculpture and three bronze cups with brown patina. Signed F Barbedienne founder, Collas Paris me...

Antique 19th century French pair of bronze and marble candelabras. These exceptional candelabras are by the renowned metalworker Ferdinand Barbedienne, made from rouge griotte marble...

A fine pair of 19th-century Bronze and Gilt Classical Vases By Ferdinand Barbedienne 1810-1892. Each is unique with male nude figures in classical Greek poses playing music and ad...

A Pair of Gilt-Bronze And Rouge Griotte Marble Vases and Covers. By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Paris. Designed in the Neo-Grec style these elegant vases stand atop Rouge Griotte marb...

A Fantastic 19th century French Islamic/Orientalist Style Champleve Enamel Vase and Underplate, Signed F. Barbedienne. The wide-mouthed vase terminates down a narrowing body and is m...

An exceptional French patinated realistic miniature bronze bust of Jesus Christ, 1858 Signed: J CLESINGER. 1858 and F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR, wi...

Antoine-Louis Barye (French, 1795-1875). ‘Éléphant du Sénégal’ (‘Senegalese Elephant’). Patinated bronze. Cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, Paris, from the model by Antoine-Louis B...

An exceptional French patinated realistic bronze bust of Jesus Christ, circa 1858 Signed: J CLESINGER. & F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR, with the Reduction Me...

A highly attractive pair of late 19th century gilt bronze twin handled vases. The handles in the form of twisted vines and the vases decorated with butterflies and birds with snails ...

Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Vase, C. 1870 In the Islamic / Alhambra taste. The two handled vase in Alhambra form, enameled in rich yellow throughout ...

Ferdinand Barbedienne, An Exquisite Suite of Three French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres / Garniture C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. Comprising of t...

Large Louis XV style Rococo ormolu three-piece clock set by Barbedienne French, late 19th century Clock: height 58cm, width 51cm, depth 19cm Candelabra: height 75cm, width 35cm, d...

Important neo-Greek vase in the shape of an Amphora, made in two patina bronze. The body is decorated with a rich continuous frieze in bas-relief presenting a procession of characters carrying their offerings to the temple, underlined by a decoration of theatrical masks among olive trees. The 's'-scroll handles decorated with grape vines, resting only on the shoulder of the vase, are supported by a ram’s head. Numerous palmettes and friezes adorn the whole. Resting on a molded marble circular base. Biography Ferdinand Levillain (Paris, 1837-1905) studied under the sculptor Jouffroy (1806-1882), before making his debut in 1861 at the French Artists Salon where he continued to exhibit until 1903. At the 1867 Universal Exhibition in Paris, he was praised for a Neo-Greek style bronze cup he made for the firm Blot and Drouard. He was not to become really famous, however, until 1871 thanks to his association with the great bronze founder Ferdinand Barbedienne, who began to exhibit Neo-Greek style lamps...

Louis XVI style ormolu and rouge griotte marble clock set French, 1867 Clock: height 67cm, width 46cm, depth 28cm Candelabra: height 81cm...

A Verona red marble remarkable inkwell, pure Empire style representing a gilded bronze of the bust of Antinous as Dioniso. Empire style, Generous size, excellent state of preservatio...

A Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Five-Light Candelabra Cast by Barbedienne after the Models by Alexandre Falguière and Paul Dubois. Signed ‘FALGUIERE’ and ‘P. DUBOIS’ ...

A pair of bronze and black marble cups, signed on the terrace F. Barbedienne, late 19th century H: 19 cm, D: 32 cm ref 3295

A rare and large pair of neo-grec gilt and patinated bronze amphora vases. Designed by Ferdinand Levillain and cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne. Signed ‘F. Levillain’ and ‘F. Barbedienne’. These spectacular floor-standing Neo-Grec vases...

An exceptional Chinese carved coral tree branch with monkeys and squirrels, Qing dynasty. Very finely carved. With original wooden base. Coral: 6.5? h...

Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...

The model of these Etruscan Amphoras has been exposed at the 1878 Paris Universal Exhibition. Each with a waisted neck raised with bearded satyr ma...

This Magnificent Pair of six arm neo-classical Candelabra represents some of the finest craftsmanships of the Time. Produced in Paris by one of the finest bronziers Ferdinand Barbe...

Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...

A lovely quality late 19th century gilt bronze and crystal centerpiece by Barbedienne Ferdinand Barbedienne The wonderful floral etched crystal vase inserted...

Large French patinated bronze sculpture of David by Mercié and Barbedienne French, circa 1878 Measures: Height 77cm, width 36cm, depth 27cm...

A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XV st. ormolu wall mounted clock and barometer signed by Barbedienne. Each is set in...

A Neo-Grec gilt and patinated bronze Tazza, designed by Ferdinand Levillain and cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne. Marked 'F. Levillain' to the decoration and stamped 'F. Barbedienne' to the underside. This rare tazza is a fine example of the collaboration between the gifted designer Ferdinand Levillain and the highly acclaimed bronzier Ferdinand Barbedienne. It is decorated with a bas-relief in the 'Neo-Grec' or ‘Pompeian’ style with classical figures herding animals...

Signed F. Barbedienne on the mount. Charming pair of small curved-shaped vases in patinated and gilded bronze and polychrome cloisonné enamel decorated with flowers and birds. With ...

A Large and Exceptional Late 19th Century Patinated Bronze Figural Group Entitled “Quand Meme” by Mercié and Barbedienne on Pedestal Marius-Jean-Antonin Me...

A fine pair of neoclassical style gilt and patinated bronze seven light candelabras by FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE Original condition this pair was never touch.

Pair of Greek style vases made two patina bronze. Each, designed in the shape of a tripod amphora adorned with Hercules heads, is decorated in low-relief...

Set of four spelter plaques by Ferdinand Barbedienne French, late 19th century Measures: Height 45cm, width 12cm, depth 0.5 cm This set of four pla...