What characterises French Neoclassical bronze sculptures of the late 19th century?

Late 19th-century French bronze sculptures frequently reproduced classical mythological themes, characterised by dramatic movement, detailed anatomical rendering, and historical accuracy inspired by earlier 18th-century originals.

How were 19th-century French bronze sculptures constructed?

These sculptures were typically cast using the lost-wax or sand-casting methods, followed by hand-chasing to refine details and the application of chemical patinas to achieve specific tones ranging from light brown to dark green.

How can one identify an authentic Barbedienne foundry bronze?

Authentic Barbedienne castings usually feature a clear foundry signature stamped or incised into the bronze base, often accompanied by the Achille Collas mechanical reduction seal.

How can a classical bronze sculpture be styled in a contemporary interior?

A classical bronze sculpture functions as a focal point when positioned on a minimalist sideboard, a marble mantelpiece, or within a dark wood bookcase to add historical contrast.

What is the correct way to clean and preserve an antique bronze sculpture?

Regular dusting with a soft, dry microfibre cloth is recommended, while periodic application of clear microcrystalline wax protects the original patina from moisture and atmospheric pollutants.

for sale €3,978 $4,318

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Bronze Male Figure

French Classical Sculpture

Barbedienne Bronze Sculpture

Id #SA1230182

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Large Late 19th Century Bronze Figure of ‘Hippomenes’ Signed 'Barbedienne' After the Original by Coustou

Name: Large Late 19th Century Bronze Figure of ‘Hippomenes’ Signed 'Barbedienne' After the Original by Coustou
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1230182
Price: 3400 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A large late 19th century bronze figure of ‘Hippomenes’ signed ‘F.Barbedienne, Fondeur’ after an original sculpture by Guillaume Coustou the Elder.

This bronze figure depicts Hippomenes (or Milanion) poised to throw an apple, dressed in short Dorian chiton (tunic) with sandals on his feet leading down to circular naturalistic base with foundry mark and signed ‘F.Barbedienne, Fondeur’, supported on square polished slate pedestal base with brass moulding below.

In Greek mythology ‘Hippomene’ or Milanion fell in love with the huntress Atalanta: Atalanta said she would marry the man that could outrun her, anyone that went past her she would spear - in a race Hippomenes was given three golden apples by Aphrodite and when he dropped them they were picked up by Atalanta and they later married.

This figure is after an original sculpture by Guillaume Coustou the Elder, a French sculptor who sculpted for Louis XIV and Louis XV, Coustou was commissioned in 1714 to produce this figure to complement another figure, Atalanta, and both were placed near the carp pools at the Royal residence Chateau de Marly, later moved to The Louvre in Paris, France.

This bronze is a reduction cast by the famous Parisian foundry F. Barbedienne, founded in 1838, and bears their signature and also the Collas reduction stamp.

The Barbedienne foundry was set up in 1838 by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Achille Collas, Collas invented a machine to create smaller bronze figures from statues of Greek & Roman origin in particular. The foundry produced many fine pieces over the years and worked closely with many artists, two of the most famous being Barye and Rodin.

This bronze figure is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home.

Size:

Height: 26'' / 66cm

Width: 19'' / 48cm

Depth: 11'' / 28cm

Slate base: 11'' x 11'' / 28cm x 28cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

66cm (25.98")

Width

48cm (18.90")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this Antique Bronze Hippomenes Sculpture to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1230182

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1183

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

A large late 19th century bronze figure of ‘Hippomenes’ signed ‘F.Barbedienne, Fondeur’ after an original sculpture by Guillaume Coustou the Elder.

This bronze figure depicts Hippomenes (or Milanion) poised to throw an apple, dressed in short Dorian chiton (tunic) with sandals on his feet leading down to circular naturalistic base with foundry mark and signed ‘F.Barbedienne, Fondeur’, supported on square polished slate pedestal base with brass moulding below.

fig 1. A late 19th-century patinated bronze figure of Hippomenes in dynamic athletic posture mounted on a dark stepped plinth. — fig 1. Large Late 19th Century Bronze Figure of ‘Hippomenes’ Signed 'Barbedienne' After the Original by Coustou

In Greek mythology ‘Hippomene’ or Milanion fell in love with the huntress Atalanta: Atalanta said she would marry the man that could outrun her, anyone that went past her she would spear - in a race Hippomenes was given three golden apples by Aphrodite and when he dropped them they were picked up by Atalanta and they later married.

fig 2. A late 19th-century patinated bronze figure of Hippomenes in dynamic athletic posture mounted on a dark stepped plinth. — fig 2. Large Late 19th Century Bronze Figure of ‘Hippomenes’ Signed 'Barbedienne' After the Original by Coustou

This figure is after an original sculpture by Guillaume Coustou the Elder, a French sculptor who sculpted for Louis XIV and Louis XV, Coustou was commissioned in 1714 to produce this figure to complement another figure, Atalanta, and both were placed near the carp pools at the Royal residence Chateau de Marly, later moved to The Louvre in Paris, France.

fig 3. A late 19th-century patinated bronze figure of Hippomenes in dynamic athletic posture mounted on a dark stepped plinth. — fig 3. Large Late 19th Century Bronze Figure of ‘Hippomenes’ Signed 'Barbedienne' After the Original by Coustou

This bronze is a reduction cast by the famous Parisian foundry F. Barbedienne, founded in 1838, and bears their signature and also the Collas reduction stamp.

“

The Barbedienne foundry was set up in 1838 by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Achille Collas, Collas invented a machine to create smaller bronze figures from statues of Greek & Roman origin in particular.

LVS Decorative Arts

The foundry produced many fine pieces over the years and worked closely with many artists, two of the most famous being Barye and Rodin.