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ID #SA1231782
FOR SALE
£3,000
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Pair Barbedienne Bronze and Ormolu Candelabra C.1880
Webberley Antiques
for sale €3,510     $3,810
£3,000
Webberley Antiques

Webberley Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2008
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Pair Barbedienne Bronze and Ormolu Candelabra C.1880

19th century
Description

The tripartite feet with leafy gilded shoulders rising to meet winged bronze panthers, beautifully modelled and with rich dark brown patina. Their heads rest on substantial clawed paws set on gilded roundels. The chased ormolu column rises from a water lily flower and has finely engraved leaves whose very tips curl outwards. These leaves are set with small trumpet shaped flowers, and interspersed with rising stamen. This design is repeated to the outer surface of each sconce.

.

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.

.

.

Dimensions are:

.

Maximum width is 9.5 inches

.

Maximum height is 24.5 inches

.

For metric please multiply by 2.5

Declaration

Webberley Antiques has dated this French Ormolu Bronze Candelabra to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1231782
Dealers Notes

I describe and photograph my pieces accurately and with the aim that on arrival each will exceed your expectations.

I operate a full refund guarantee and am always happy to give free, honest and friendly advice.

Description
The tripartite feet with leafy gilded shoulders rising to meet winged bronze panthers, beautifully modelled and with rich dark brown patina. Their heads rest on substantial clawed paws set on gilded roundels.
“
The chased ormolu column rises from a water lily flower and has finely engraved leaves whose very tips curl outwards.
Webberley Antiques

These leaves are set with small trumpet shaped flowers, and interspersed with rising stamen. This design is repeated to the outer surface of each sconce.

fig 1. A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains.
fig 1. 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.

fig 2. A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains.
fig 2. Pair Barbedienne Bronze and Ormolu Candelabra C.1880

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.

fig 3. A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains.
fig 3. Pair Barbedienne Bronze and Ormolu Candelabra C.1880

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.

Dimensions are:

Maximum width is 9.5 inches

Maximum height is 24.5 inches

For metric please multiply by 2.5

Date of Manufacture

Webberley Antiques has dated this French Ormolu Bronze Candelabra to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1231782
Webberley Antiques
Webberley Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2008

Specialists in 18th century and earlier furniture for more than 45 years

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Webberley Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains.
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Archive I A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains.

Pair Barbedienne Bronze and Ormolu Candelabra C.1880

Archive II A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View II
Archive III A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View III
Archive IV A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View IV
Archive V A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View V
Archive VI A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View VI
Archive VII A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View IX
Archive X A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View X
Archive XI A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View XI
Archive XII A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains. View XII
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Webberley Antiques

Webberley Antiques
Telephone 07765 233266
Location
East Sussex
United Kingdom

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Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/webberley
Verified Since Nov 2008
Items For Sale 79
Items Sold 421
Webberley Antiques
Webberley Antiques
Verified Since Nov 2008
View Dealer Info
Location: East Sussex, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/webberley
Verified
Nov 2008
For Sale
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A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains.
Pair Barbedienne Bronze and Ormolu Candelabra c.1880
Ref: SA1231782
A pair of late nineteenth-century French ormolu and patinated bronze multi-light candelabra topped with crane figures and hung with small gilt chains.
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FAQs

During the nineteenth century, French foundries produced decorative candelabra featuring cast bronze and ormolu mounts inspired by classical, Rococo, and East Asian motifs. Master founders cast multi-light table candelabra to serve as functional lighting and as central decorative elements for dining tables, mantels, and sideboards.

Ormolu candelabra combine cast bronze components with mercury-gilded brass or bronze elements, known as ormolu or gilt bronze. Founders used the lost-wax or sand-casting methods to create detailed figures, column shafts, and candle branches, often combining dark patinated bronze with bright fire-gilded accents.

Authentic nineteenth-century pieces feature sharp, hand-chased details in the metalwork, heavy solid bronze casting, and threaded iron rod assemblies visible underneath the base. Stamped foundry marks, maker signatures, or serial numbers cast into the bronze base also help verify production origin.

Position a pair symmetrically on a dining sideboard, entryway console, or fireplace mantel to create visual structure. Combining patinated bronze lighting with contemporary art or clean-lined furniture offers a balanced contrast between historical craftsmanship and modern design.

Dust metal surfaces regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a soft-bristled brush to prevent buildup in detailed carving. Avoid abrasive polishes, liquid cleaners, or chemical solvents, as these strip original dark patination and damage historic mercury gilding.
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