Ferdinand Barbedienne 1810-1892 A large pair of gilt-bronze mounted onyx amphora vases Paris, third quarter 19th century

each with the engraved signature F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR

Overall in good condition and grand presentation. Minor chips to edges of onyx parts. The onyx vases were made in three sections. The bronze has been recently cleaned. Both engravings of the F. Barbedienne signature show discoloration to the surround gold. Two flowers decorating the side of the scrolled foot are later replacements.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Having established one of France's most important foundries in 1839, Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) excelled at the masterly art of reproducing both French and Italian Renaissance sculpture. Working for many years in collaboration with the inventor Achille Collas, Barbedienne produced bronze réductions of sculptures from the Antique using a pioneering technique which allowed him to reduce works of art to any size using a simple mathematical calculation. However, the diversity of his production was even more substantial, as his entry to the 1867 Paris Exhibition clearly testifies."BARBEDIENNE F. 30 Boulevard Poissonnière, Paris - Artistic bronzes; mantelpiece sets; chandeliers; statues; groups; artistic furniture; articles in sculptured wood and marble; articles in chased silver and repoussé gold; cloisonné enamels."

The high regard to which Barbedienne was undeniably held was formally recognized in 1850 when he was commissioned to furnish the Paris Town Hall. He received the médaille d'honeur for his efforts, presented to him at the Paris World Exhibition in 1855. A decade after this award, he was made the President of the Reunion of Bronze Makers, a post he held until 1885 and a testament to the lifelong dedication he contributed to his craft.