Exemplary Pair Barbedienne Bronze and Ormolu Candelabra c. 1880

The textured dark patinated bronze is interspersed with gilded forms and each of the arms of the candelabra is draped with original chains. The centre surmounted by a rising crane standing on a tortoise, its wings outstretched and one foot raised about to fly. This motif was widely used by Antoine Louis Barye (b. 1795 d.1875). A famous French artist and sculptor and anamalier, he was called ‘the Michelangelo of the menagerie’. He began his career as a goldsmith and in c. 1810 was understudy to the goldsmith to Napoleon Bonaparte. His work was widely acclaimed and he exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1850 and there is a public square in Paris dedicated to him. In 1848 he was forced to declare bankruptcy. In 1876 what remained of Barye’s inventory, 125 models, were sold to Ferdinand Barbedienne’s foundry and were offered in the Barbedienne catalogue in various sizes. These bronzes were of exceptional quality and included a number of storks on tortoise in various poses, including recorded examples in this form.

Similar examples to this true pair can be found, stamped Barbedienne, on line and at eye watering prices. This pair are not stamped but are attributed to Barbedienne due to their exceptional quality, detailing and weight. They are engraved on all surfaces, even below the arms and in areas not easily viewed.

I have no doubt these are from the Barbedienne foundry and they are of exceptionally fine quality, beautifully cast and engraved and heavy pair of large five light candelabra which will literally and figuratively light up the room.