Ferdinand Barbedienne

FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE (France, 1810-1892), late 19th century, after models of STANILAS LEVILLAIN (Le Havre, 1774-Timor, 1801).
Cup.
Bronze.
Signed and numbered on the base.
Measurements: 37.5 cm (diameter); 57 cm (length).

Cup with wide and low body with the head of Medusa depicted in relief. The handles are embellished with fighting wild beasts and floral garlands. This is a piece by Ferdinand Barbedienne inspired by models of Stanilas Levillain, an ornamental artist, sculptor and medallist who was inspired by ancient scenes and models. Ferdinand Barbedienne was a French cabinetmaker and bronze artist, exponent of the Second Empire style. He worked for several sculptors, such as Antoine-Louis Barye. In 1839 he became associated with Achille Collas, with whom he set up a bronze factory in Paris, which had up to three hundred workers. In addition to bronze objects, they produced furniture and silver pieces, in an eclectic style ranging from neo-Renaissance to neo-Louis XVI. In 1850 he was commissioned to furnish the Hôtel de Ville in Paris. In 1851 he participated in the Great Exhibition in London with an ebony and bronze bookcase based on models by Ghiberti and Michelangelo. He was also present at the Universal Exhibition of 1862 with a bronze vase with champagne enamels, now in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In the 1880s he turned his production towards oriental influences, mainly Chinese and Japanese. In 1863 he received the Legion of Honor with the rank of knight, which was elevated to the rank of officer in 1867 and commander in 1874.