141 - BARBEDIENNE (1810–1892), after
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Estimate €8,000 - €12,000

Description

BARBEDIENNE (1810–1892), after A pair of patinated bronze statues depicting a Japanese couple resting on plinths adorned with elephant-head feet, Greek fret friezes and openwork cartouches, based on a drawing by Edouard Lièvre. They are dressed in kimonos; the woman holds a parasol in her left hand and a closed fan in her right. The man holds an open fan in his right hand. Paris. Late 19th century. Circa 1880. H_61 cm This pair of statues, attributed to Ferdinand Barbedienne, is based on a design by Édouard Lièvre and characterised by the artist’s distinctive ornamental repertoire (feet shaped like elephant heads – *Connaissance des Arts*, no. 228, ‘Édouard Lièvre’, Paris, 2004, pp. 28, 31 and 34) is similar to another pair in gilded bronze sold at Christie’s New York on 4–5 March 2014, lot 252, for €17,500. Comparative work: - Christie’s New York auction, 4–5 March 2014, Lot 252. Édouard Lièvre (1828–1886) Born in Nancy, Lièvre trained in painting under the French Academician Thomas Couture before turning his hand to the creation of decorative art objects. His first major work that can be dated with certainty is the large ‘Persian vase’ designed for Christofle in 1874; this was exhibited by the firm at the Paris Exhibitions of 1878, as well as in 1889 and 1900. Lièvre also worked for the renowned bronze castor Ferdinand Barbedienne. Among his prestigious clients were the actress Sarah Bernhardt, the courtesan Louise-Emilie Valtesse de la Bigne, and Albert Vieillard, director of the Bordeaux ceramics factory and an early and fervent enthusiast of Japonism. The set of furniture designed for Vieillard included the ‘Cabinet Japonais’, now held at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris (inventory no. OAO 555). Following Lièvre’s death, his estate was dispersed at two auctions in 1887 and 1890. These sales were hailed by the press: ‘It has been a long time since art lovers have had the opportunity to see at auction a collection as remarkable as the work of the recently deceased master. His creations will go down in history…’ (see *Connaissance des Arts*, no. 228, ‘An Inspired Designer’ by Roberto Polo, p. 8). It is believed that the bulk of the collection (his drawings, sketches and the associated reproduction rights) was acquired by George and Henri Pannier, owners of the prestigious boutique ‘L’Escalier de Cristal’. The Pannier brothers produced modified versions of Lièvre’s designs, notably seven variations on Vieillard’s ‘Cabinet Japonais’; one of these was sold to Grand Duke Vladimir of Russia and is now in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. Expert: Stéphane PEPE - Expert: PEPE Stephane

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About the sale Collection of the Château de Villebourgeon & others

Auction location

Auction time 10/04/2026 at 2:00 PM

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141 - BARBEDIENNE (1810–1892), after See original version (French)

141 - BARBEDIENNE (1810–1892), after
See original version (French)