Makers & Retailers - Ferdinand Levillain

Ferdinand Levillain

Ferdinand Levillain (1837-1905) 

was a French sculptor and medallist renowned for his contributions to decorative arts during the 19th century. His works are characterised by their classical inspiration, often drawing from themes of antiquity, mythology, and allegory. Levillain specialised in creating bas-reliefs, medals, plaques, and other ornamental objects, often collaborating with prominent artisans and manufacturers of his time. Levillain studied under the sculptor François Jouffroy (1806-1882) before making his debut in 1861 at the French Artists Salon where he continued to exhibit throughout his career until 1903. At the 1867 Universal Exhibition in Paris, he was praised for a Neo-Greek style bronze cup he made for the firm Blot and Drouard.

Portrait of Ferdinand Levillain

From 1871 Levillain partnered with Frances most prolific founder Ferdinand Barbedienne who started to exhibit various objects on Levillain’s stands in the Neo-Greek style such as lamps and candelabras. Levillain was overwhelmingly triumphant at the 1878 Universal Exhibition in Paris, where he was unanimously awarded the gold medal for his creations in the Classical style. The famous bronze caster Servant (1828-c.1890) declared in the report of the jury for Artistic Bronzes that the work of Levillain “chased like the finest jewels and so diverse and pure of form, are of the highest degree of perfection”. After receiving a first class medal at the 1884 Salon for a cup entitled “The Elements, the Months and the Seasons”, Levillain was awarded the Silver medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle and was made Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor) in 1892 by the French state.