Exceptional and rare gilt bronze chandelier by F. Barbedienne. Signed. H. 34 inches. Dia. 24 inches. Very good condition.

The F. Barbedienne foundry was started in Paris in 1838 by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Achille Collas, who was the inventor of a machine that would mechanically reduce statues. They at first produced bronze reductions of antique sculptures of Greek and Roman origin. Their first contract to produce bronzes modeled by a living artist was made in 1843 when they arranged to produce the works of Francois Rude....Achille Collas died in 1859 leaving Ferdinand Barbedienne as the sole owner of the foundry which by that time had grown to employ over 300 workers at their workshop located at 63 Rue de Lancry in Paris....Ferdinand Barbedienne died on March 21, 1891 and was mourned by many in the world of sculpture. It was said that he strove to the highest quality in his castings. [Wikipedia]