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.
An Exceptional Suite of Champleve Enamel Ormolu Candelabra by Sevin, Barbedienne
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Illuminating Heritage: An Important "Exhibition" Suite of Four Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis-Constant Sevin Champlevé Enamel and Ormolu Eight-Light Candelabra/Lamps This monumenta...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
An Exceptional Pair of Champleve Enamel Ormolu Candelabra by Sevin & Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
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...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Two Orientalist Patinated and Gilt Bronze Figural Torchères by Barbedienne
By Émile Guillemin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Émile Coriolan Hippolyte Guillemin, the famous French sculptor, designed these exquisite bronze figural torchères in circa 1880. Guillemin was an accomplished artist, who regularly exhibited at the Salon in Paris from the 1870s-1890s. Indeed, Guillemin showcased the original models for these candelabra at the Salon of 1872 to great acclaim. Guillemin’s designs were realised in bronze by the famous metalworker and foundry owner, Ferdinand Barbedienne. The Barbedienne factory was of the leading producers of artistic bronzes in the 19th century. The firm enjoyed great success, winning multiple awards at the major International Exhibitions of the period. The torchères are signed, ‘Ele Guillemin’ and stamped, ‘F. Barbedienne. Fondeur’, with an ‘A. Collas’ reduction stamp. Described in Barbedienne’s catalogue of 1886 as ‘Deux Femmes, Indienne et Persane’, these torchères take the form of an Indian and Persian woman. Each figure holds a five-light candelabrum above her head, composed of scrolled branches, wide gadrooned drip-pans, and foliate urn-shaped capitals. The Persian woman wears loose trousers, with a small top and short jacket. The Indian woman is dressed in a knotted skirt...
Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Renaissance St. Ormolu Candelabras
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. ormolu six arm candelabras signed F. Barbedienne. Each candelabra is raised by a triangular base with concave ...
Ormolu
French bronze candlesticks by Ferdinand Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
French Bronze Candlesticks by Ferdinand Barbedienne This pair of French bronze candlesticks by Ferdinand Barbedienne, in the Louis XIV style, feature a figurative composition. Each c...
Bronze
Pair of Patinated Bronze Seven-Light Candelabra by Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of neoclassical style gilt and patinated bronze seven light candelabras by FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE Original condition this pair was never touch.
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Pair of Late 19th Century Napoleon III Candelabra by Levillian and Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Ferdinand Levillain
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
Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Marble Four-Light C
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Very Fine Pair of Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Marble Four-Light Candelabra By Henry Cahieux (d. 1854), Cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne Last Quarter of the 19th Century ...
Bronze
Pair Of French 19th Century Louis XV St. Cloisonné And Ormolu Candelabras
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
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 ...
Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century French Gilt & Patinated Bronze Candelabras by Ferdinand Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Pair of 19th Century French Neoclassical Gilt & Patinated Bronze Candelabras by Ferdinand Barbedienne This magnificent pair of French Neoclassical-style eight-light candelabras, attr...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Fine Louis VX Style Rouge Marble Centerpiece and Candelabra Set by F.Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in New York, NY
Comprised of a jardiniere centerpiece and a pair of nine arm candelabras in rouge marble. The jardinere features gadrooned gilt bronze mounts with elaborate foliate scroll forms and ...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Japanese-style Candlesticks by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Edouard Lievre.
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Edouard Lievre
Located in MOUGINS, FR
Exceptional pair of candlesticks with ovoid body and domed belly in chiseled bronze with brown patina on which a dragon coils, resting on tripod bases with 3 stylized elephant heads ...
Bronze
Pair of Patinated Bronze Nine-Light Candelabra by Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine pair of neoclassical style gilt and patinated bronze nine-light candelabra by Ferdinand Barbedienne, French, Circa 1870.
Bronze
Gilt Bronze and Hardstone Inlay Napoleon III Period Clock Set by Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and hardstone inlay Napoleon III period clock set by Barbedienne French, 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 50cm, width 23cm, depth 16c...
Stone, Ormolu, 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
19th Century French Pair of Candelabra by Ferdinand Barbedienne, circa 1870
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
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...
Marble, Bronze
$21,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Doré Bronze Mtd Rouge Marble 9-Arm Candelabras, Signed by Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic pair of Louis XVI style doré bronze mounted rouge marble 9-arm candelabras with doré Bronze Hercules Masks and doré bronze swirling S-style...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Renaissance Style Nine-Arm Candelabras
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A superb quality and impressive large scale pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. Rouge Griotte and ormolu nine arm candelabras, signed F. Barbedienne. Each is raised by a square Rouge Griotte marble base with an ormolu ‘C’ scrolled support in a lion paw design amidst scrolled acanthus leaves. Above is an ormolu laurel band below the fluted marble pedestal...
Marble, Ormolu
$627Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 15.36 in Dm 0.4 in
Magnificent Pair of Double Patina Bronze Candlesticks Signed Barbedienne 19th C.
Located in CRÉTEIL, FR
Magnificent pair of gilded and silvered bronze candlesticks. They are signed under one of the "Barbedienne" legs Period : 19th century Circa Period: 1880 Dimensions: H38.5cm The feet, in silvered bronze, represent a lion's head and paw, a distinctive ornament with connotation of victory. The knot, the bell and the terrace are in gilded bronze with acanthus leaf motifs. The acanthus is the symbol of control and overcoming the trials...
Bronze
$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
$3,450 / set
H 20 in W 9 in D 5 in
19th Century Pair of Gilded & Patinated Bronze Two Light Candelabra
Located in Hudson, NY
This lovely pair of candelabra, crafted in both gilded and patinated bronze, are 19th century French. Cast as female figures in Egyptian headdress and classical robes standing upon R...
Marble, Bronze
$3,275 / set
H 21 in W 16 in D 8 in
Pair Of French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Floral Seven-Light Candelabra
Located in Norwood, NJ
A fine pair of antique French Napoleon III gilt bronze seven-light candelabra, exquisitely cast in the form of abundant flowering lily bouquets. Rising from classical urns adorned wi...
Bronze
$10,218 / set
H 18.51 in W 4.73 in D 0.99 in
Four Antique Bronze Plaques Depicting Water-Nymphs, by Ferdinand Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Four antique bronze plaques depicting water-nymphs, by Ferdinand Barbedienne French, 19th century. Measures: Height 47cm, width 12cm, depth 2.5cm Finely cast in relief from patinated bronze with parcel gilt patina, these French 19th Century panels each depict a Classical female water-nymph. The relief structure and design is after four panels from the important marble fountain from the Renaissance period in Paris called the Fontaine des Innocents. This was created by the French sculptor Jean Goujon...
Bronze
$3,500 / set
H 32.5 in W 14.5 in D 11.5 in
Pair Exotic French 19th Century Figural Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large and finest quality exotic orientalist motif French 19th century figural gilt and patinated bronze Candelabras on original marble bases.
Bronze
$6,131
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
Neo-Grec Gilt and Patinated Bronze Tazza, Cast by Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Levillain, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
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...
Bronze
Antique Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Sevin and Barbedienne
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
This ormolu clock is an exemplary work by the famous French 19th century metalworker and foundry-owner, Ferdiand Barbedienne. Working with a design made by the acclaimed onamentalist, Louis-Constant...
Ormolu, Bronze
Pair of Regency Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Candlesticks
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each patinated bronze classically draped female figure supporting an acanthus-cast nozzle above a leaftip drip pan and tasseled cushion, raised on a circular base cast with palmettes.
Bronze
$15,000 / set
H 25 in Dm 8.5 in
Pair of Late 19th Century Napoleon III Candelabra by Levillian and Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Ferdinand Levillain
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
$16,350 / set
H 22.45 in W 6.7 in D 5.91 in
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 of 19th Century, French Iron Candelabra
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Pair of 19th century, French iron candelabra.
Iron
19th Century Pair of Porcelain Birds in Ormolu Candelabra
By Edmé Samson
Located in Basildon, GB
19th Century Pair of Porcelain Birds in Ormolu Candelabra arbour set, 20cm overall height Crossed swords mark to rear of base of each porcelai...
Ormolu
$14,800 / set
H 9.5 in Dm 5.75 in
Pair of F. Barbedienne Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Vases w/ Griffin Heads, Paris
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century, Napoleon III, French F. Barbedienne Signed Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Tri-Footed Vases, with Mythical Beast/Dragon Heads Each vase is formed with a flared t...
Bronze, Enamel
Sold
H 25 in W 12 in D 8 in
Ferdinand Barbedienne, Museum Quality French Ormolu Champleve Enamel Clock Set
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A Museum Quality French Ormolu Champleve Enamel three-piece Clock Set Garniture. Comprising of a clock and a pair of Candelabra, with the highest quality Fren...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Barbedienne Gilt Bronze Candelabra
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in New Orleans, LA
This rare and dramatic pair of Napoleon III gilt bronze candelabra were expertly cast and designed by the celebrated French bronzeur Ferdinand B...
Bronze
Barbedienne Bronze Neoclassical Candelabra
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in New Orleans, LA
A rare and dramatic pair of Napoleon III bronze ormolu candelabra expertly cast and designed by the celebrated French bronzeur Ferdinand Barbedienne, who established the famous Frenc...
Bronze, Ormolu