A Pair of French Gilt-Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Twin-Handled Vases, by Ferdinand Barbedienne, Third Quarter, 19th Century

These vases are the result of the collaboration between two leading Parisian Craftsmen: Louis Constant Sévin, drawer and designer, and Ferdinand Barbedienne, bronze maker and founder of the famous 19th century foundry. These vases are the same as a model presented on the Barbedienne's stand during the International Exhibition of London in 1862. 

Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) established his Parisian foundry in 1839 and quickly became one of the most active and distinguished French bronziers of the 19th century. In addition to bronze réductions originating from Barbedienne's previous partnership with Achille Collas, the firm also produced decorative objects in styles reflecting the various exotic and revival trends popular at the time, as is evident in the present lot elegantly rendered in the Greek revival and renaissance manner. After Barbedienne's death the business was taken over by his nephew, Leblanc-Barbedienne, and continued until 1953.

Louis-Constant Sévin (1821-1888), favored sculptor and designer of the Barbedienne workshop, collaborated with the master from 1855 for a period of thirty-three years.