A pair of French gilt and patinated bronze twin handled vases Napoleon III, circa 1870, signed F. Levillain and F. Barbedienne

with the body cast in bas relief with a scene of two young men playing music and of a couple in a ritual offering, on a square plinth base, signed F. Levillain and F. Barbedienne

These vases have marks and scratches consistent with age and use and wear to gilding.
"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."

Ferdinand Levillain (1837-1905), sculptor and medal engraver, exhibited at the Salon between 1861 and 1903. He worked closely with the foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne for whom he created several bronze models inspired by the Antique.

Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) was a prolific Parisian bronze founder in the second half of the 19^th century. He set up the F.Barbedienne foundry in 1838 in partnership with Achille Collas, who had invented a machine that could mechanically reproduce sculptures in reduced sizes.They started with the production of reductions of Classical sculptures but soon were contracting living artists - like David D'Angers, Jean-Baptiste Clesinger, Antoine Louis Barye, Ferdinand Levillain and Henry Cahieux - to create original models. The foundry had, at a point, over 300 workers. Barbedienne died in 1892 but the foundry continued until closing its doors in 1951.