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.
Monumental greek Bronze Sculpture of Aphrodite (Venus), Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant and monumental bronze sculpture depicting Aphrodite, known to the Romans as Venus, inspired by the celebrated classical representations of the goddess adjusting her sandal or...
Bronze
Large Decorative 19th Century Sculpture
Located in Madrid, ES
Large decorative 19th century sculpture Large decorative 19th century sculpture. In very good condition with no repairs. Measurements: 50x37x25 cm
Terracotta
Diana de Gabios marble sculpture 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
It is the sculpture of a woman covered with a draped chiton, probably representing the goddess Artemis and traditionally attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles. Found in the ancient t...
Marble
Amazing Bronze sculpture of Venus Callipygia, circa 20th century H: 160cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Amazing Bronze sculpture of Venus Callipygia, circa 20th century This statue depicts Venus Callipygia, a well-known classical subject depicting Aphrodite lifting her robe to admire ...
Bronze
19th Century Bronze from Moulin
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century bronze from Moulin Elegant 19th century bronze signed by the author. In Patinated bronze and simulation of porphyry. Measures: 50 x 35 x 16 cm Good condition.
Bronze
Pair of Roman Sculptures Early 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Roman manufacture of the 18th century. Pair of sculptures in burnished and gilded metal. Measures: Height 40 cm. Marble base. Good conditions.
Marble, Metal
Late 19th Century French Sculpture of Diana di Gabii
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French patinated bronze figure of Diana di Gabii, late 19th century.
Bronze
Antique Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Diana by Ferdinand Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Antique Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Diana by Ferdinand Barbedienne French, late 19th Century Dimensions: Height 60cm, width 22cm, depth 22cm This...
Bronze
Mid-19th Century Bronze Sculpture by Ferdinand Barbedienne from France
Located in Dallas, TX
This bronze sculpture origins from France, circa 1850. Signed by Ferdinand Barbedienne. Ferdinand Barbedienne is born on 6 August 1810. He was a French metalworker and manufacture...
Bronze
French Bronze Figures Allégorie du Printemps Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Newark, England
OPPOSING PAIR OF BRONZE FIGURES Form our Bronze Sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer this French opposing pair of Bronze Figures Allégorie du Printemps by Ferdinand Barb...
Bronze
Diana of Gabies. Bronze, marble. Raingo Frères, France, 19th century
By Raingo Frères
Located in Madrid, ES
Diana of Gabies. Bronze, marble. Raingo Frères, France, circa the second half of the 19th century. Signed at the base. Bronze figure on a stone base depicting a lady wearing sand...
Bronze, Other
Diane of Vesailles, Bronze
Located in Altrincham, GB
Cast Bronze of Diane do Gabries the Hunter, also known as Diane of Vesailles, Goddess/Wife of Artemis, after the Roman Marble Statue in the Louvre, Paris.
Bronze
