Ferdinand Barbedienne French Grand Tour Bronze Paschal Column, circa 1870

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Ferdinand Barbedienne, French Grand Tour Bronze Paschal Column, circa 1870

A finely cast 19th-century French Grand Tour bronze architectural model … Read more Ferdinand Barbedienne, French Grand Tour Bronze Paschal Column, circa 1870

A finely cast 19th-century French Grand Tour bronze architectural model by Ferdinand Barbedienne of Paris, based upon the form and ornamentation of an Italian Renaissance Paschal column or ecclesiastical candelabrum. The bronze is signed “F. BARBEDIENNE” around the upper section of the shaft, identifying its production by one of France’s most important 19th-century art foundries.

The tall, tapering column is divided into architectural registers by raised ornamental collars decorated with Renaissance scrollwork, masks, foliage, and shield-form devices. Slender vertical channels and finely incised decoration articulate the shaft. Above is an elaborate architectural capital enriched with acanthus leaves and scrolling volutes, surmounted by a domed finial and spherical knop.

The square architectural pedestal is particularly detailed. Its four sides are framed by classical moldings, suspended garlands, laurel swags, relief emblems, and tablet-form reserves. The principal reliefs appear to reference the traditional symbols of the Four Evangelists: the winged lion of Saint Mark, the ox of Saint Luke, the eagle of Saint John, and the angel or winged figure associated with Saint Matthew. Together, these Christian symbols support the identification of the model as an interpretation of a Renaissance Paschal candlestick or ceremonial church column.

The Barbedienne foundry was celebrated for producing meticulously scaled bronze reductions of important European sculpture, historic monuments, and decorative arts. This scholarly cabinet bronze reflects the 19th-century interest in Renaissance ecclesiastical metalwork and Grand Tour collecting.

The bronze retains a deep brown-black patina with naturally rubbed highlights and minor surface wear consistent with age. It is securely attached to a later clear Lucite base, measuring 3 inches square, which provides stability and a clean contemporary presentation.

Dimensions: 9.5 in. high overall × 3 in. wide × 3 in. deep at the later Lucite base. See less