An antique Ferdinand Barbedienne bust of a lady in patinated bronze on a fine ormolu mounted and reeded black marble base. This large bust of a lady is of fine quality and shows off the skill of Barbedienne as the pre eminent French fondeur of the second half of the 19th century. Her hair is high, the detail and quality of the casting is second to none. Every detail is fine and clear. To the back of the bust is found the full Barbedienne signature together with the Collas reduction stamp. The bust stands on a superb ormolu mounted and reeded black marble base. The F. Barbedienne foundry was started in Paris in 1838 by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Achille Collas, who had invented a machine that mechanically reduced statues. Achille Collas died in 1859 leaving Ferdinand Barbedienne as the sole owner of the foundry, the workshop was at 63 Rue de Lancry in Paris. Barbedienne died in 1891. France circa 1880. 26.5 inches high by 10.25 inches diameter 9 66.25 cms by 25.625 cms).