A pair of French gilded and patinated bronze candelabra cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne after the models by Alexandre Falguiere and Paul Dubois late 19th century

each in the form of a standing neo-classical female figure in drapery holding aloft five scrolled candlearms, four of the arms terminating in a dolphin head with a central raised nozzle, each signed F Barbedienne, Fondeur and Falguiere and P . Dubois respectively

Sold Christies, London, 19th March 2009, lot 25.

In overall good condition. Some very minor rubbing to bronze in places. There is some minor surface dirt which can easily be cleaned off. The gilt-bronze bobèches are a bit dirty and would benefit from a clean according to taste with one missing which can easily be replaced.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This attractive pair of candelabra are reductions of those exhibited by Barbedienne at the 1867 Exposition Universelle and which then were in the Château de Compiègne as part of the refurbishment works by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.

FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE (1810-1892)
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 reductions of sculptures from the Antique using a pioneering technique which allowed him to reduce works of art to an arbitrary 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 in which Barbedienne was undeniably held was formally recognised 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.