As part of a recent antique appraisal we prepared for a Toronto area client, we were pleased to inspect and appraise this wonderful pair of antique bronze candelabra.
The pair were executed in bronze and marble by the highly sought-after Barbadienne foundry in France circa 1860-1870. The ovoid bodies with raised depictions of swallows flying above a rich foliate setting, each mounted with doré gilt. Six branch candle holders surmounting stylized rope handles, the finials in the form of herons with spread wings, on a carved, stepped marble plinth upon gilt ormolu feet. With an overall height of 29½", this impressive and rare matching pair are in immaculate condition. They feature both the foundry signature as well as the signature of the artist/designer Henry Cahieux (1825-1854).
Antique Appraisal
The Barbadienne Bronze Foundry, a revered name in the world of bronze casting, has a rich history of craftsmanship and artistic achievement. Based in Paris, France, it became famous for its exceptional quality in producing bronze sculptures, artistic objects, and industrial castings. The foundry’s legacy spans over a century, and its works have contributed significantly to the development of French artistic and industrial practices. Understanding the Barbadienne Bronze Foundry requires an exploration of its origins, the artistic movements it influenced, its notable commissions, and its lasting impact on the world of sculpture and bronze casting.
Origins and History
The Barbadienne Bronze Foundry was established in 1820 by Jean-Baptiste Barbadienne. Jean-Baptiste, a skilled and visionary artist, sought to create a workshop that would specialize in high-quality bronze casting. The foundry quickly gained a reputation for producing works of exceptional detail and artistic integrity. Under his leadership, the foundry attracted some of the most prominent artists and sculptors of the time, as well as wealthy patrons and art collectors who appreciated the technical and aesthetic qualities of the works produced.
The foundry's location in Paris positioned it at the heart of French artistic and cultural life, allowing it to thrive during a period when France was a global center of art, philosophy, and intellectual thought. The Barbadienne Foundry became one of the most respected bronze casting houses of the 19th century, competing with other prominent foundries such as the Thiébaut Foundry and the Valsuani Foundry.
Techniques and Innovations
Barbadienne's success can largely be attributed to the advanced techniques it employed. The foundry was at the forefront of developments in the art of bronze casting, incorporating cutting-edge technology and methods that were highly innovative for the time. One of the key techniques it mastered was the use of the cire perdue (lost wax) method, which allowed for the casting of intricate and detailed designs. This technique involves creating a model in wax, which is then coated in a layer of clay or plaster. Once the mold has hardened, the wax is melted away, leaving a hollow cavity into which molten bronze is poured.
The foundry's ability to create large-scale sculptures with precision and intricate details made it a preferred choice for artists and sculptors. In addition to this method, Barbadienne also refined the process of sand casting and developed a range of alloys to achieve different colorations and finishes for its works. The versatility of these techniques enabled the foundry to produce everything from small decorative objects to monumental public sculptures.
Artistic Movements and Collaborations
Throughout its history, the Barbadienne Foundry was intimately connected to a range of artistic movements, most notably Neoclassicism and later, Romanticism. Many of the artists and sculptors who worked with Barbadienne were prominent figures within these movements, including names like Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Auguste Rodin, and Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse.
In the Neoclassical period, Barbadienne worked closely with sculptors to cast works that celebrated ancient Greek and Roman art and ideals. These pieces often featured heroic figures, allegorical subjects, and mythological themes. As Romanticism took hold in the 19th century, the foundry shifted to casting works that focused more on dramatic expression and emotional depth. The use of dynamic poses and expressive features became increasingly important, and the foundry continued to push the boundaries of bronze casting by embracing these evolving trends.
Barbadienne's collaboration with these artists ensured that the foundry was always at the cutting edge of the artistic movements of the day. Many of the most famous works of these artists were brought to life in bronze by Barbadienne, allowing for the preservation and dissemination of these masterpieces in public spaces, galleries, and private collections worldwide.
Notable Works and Commissions
Some of the most famous works created at the Barbadienne Bronze Foundry include monumental sculptures, decorative items, and prestigious commissions from royal and governmental institutions. Barbadienne’s work with French royalty and government commissions helped solidify its reputation as a premier foundry. One of the foundry’s most famous collaborations was with the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. Barbadienne cast his monumental statue La Danse, which is part of the facade of the Paris Opera House, a piece that exemplifies the foundry’s skill in translating fluid and expressive movement into durable bronze.
Another notable commission was the casting of large-scale historical monuments, such as the equestrian statues and allegorical works that adorned public squares and parks across France. The foundry also produced intricate and decorative objects, including chandeliers, candelabras, and clocks, many of which were commissioned by the French aristocracy and wealthy patrons.
In addition to artistic sculptures, the foundry produced industrial items such as medallions, trophies, and awards. These commissions were often used for state functions, official ceremonies, and international exhibitions. Barbadienne’s work at the 1855 and 1867 Universal Expositions in Paris earned it widespread acclaim, further solidifying its international reputation.
Legacy and Influence
The Barbadienne Bronze Foundry’s influence can be seen in its continued impact on the world of sculpture and bronze casting. Its works are held in major public collections around the world, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the Louvre, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The foundry’s commitment to artistic excellence set a standard for bronze casting that is still respected today.
The Barbadienne legacy also lives on in the forms and aesthetics of modern bronze casting. The techniques developed at the foundry influenced generations of artists and craftsmen, from the art deco sculptures of the early 20th century to contemporary installations and public monuments. Its collaboration with some of the most important sculptors of the 19th century ensured that the foundry’s innovations in technique and artistry would shape the future of sculpture.
Though the original Barbadienne foundry no longer exists as it once did, its reputation and works continue to be a testament to the skill, artistry, and innovation that defined the French tradition of bronze casting. The foundry's contribution to the evolution of sculpture and its technical advancements remains a key chapter in the history of French art and craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The Barbadienne Bronze Foundry stands as a monumental symbol of artistic innovation and craftsmanship. From its inception in 1820 to its peak in the 19th century, the foundry played a pivotal role in shaping the course of bronze casting and sculpture in France and beyond. Through collaborations with prominent artists and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technical and artistic possibilities, Barbadienne left an indelible mark on the history of art and sculpture. Today, the foundry’s legacy lives on through its works, which continue to inspire and awe art lovers, historians, and collectors around the world.
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