FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE (1810-1892). Venus de Milo.

Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892), Venus de Milo, bronze, 19th century, signed 'F. Barbedienne Fondeur' and with the foundry stamp 'Reduction mecanique A. Collas', height approx. 31 cm

Ferdinand Barbedienne joined forces in 1838 with the mechanic Achille Collas, who had developed the 'machine á reduction' (Reducteur for short) in 1837. With this device, three-dimensional objects of any size — reduced or enlarged — could be reproduced. Together, they ran one of the most important bronze foundries in France and produced smaller casts of numerous famous ancient sculptures. In addition, you also had most contemporary artists under contract.