Henry DASSON (1825-1896) France/ Paris, c. 1880, high quality bronze shafts, gilded and richly decorated in the form of angels, leaves, branches and a pair of doves, each designed for three candles, signed and dated on the side Henry DASSON 1880, 71 x 25 x 27 cm, beautiful well-kept original condition. (MIN)

Lit.:
Daniel Alcouffe, "Les bronzes d ameublement du Louvre" (2004);
pp. 166, 167. Pierre Verlet, "Les bronzes dorees francais du XVIII siecle" (1987) pp. 378-381. The model of these appliques was made by sculptor Jean Haure. In 1787, Marie Antoinette ordered 4 (two-armed) pairs, for the Palais de Saint Cloud. Pierre Francois Faucheres made them and delivered them in 1788. Other (three-armed) variants were supplied, amongst others, for the rooms of Louis XVI. A set of 4 appliques is located in the Elysée Palace. The Wallace Collection and the Getty Museum in Malibu own further examples. This model of appliques is among the most important works of French gilt bronze art. Several replicas were made, especially in the 19th century. One of them (unsigned) was part of the Isaac de Camondo Collection and is now preserved in the Louvre. Henry DASSON (1825-1896) began his career as a founder and chaser of bronze watch cases, becoming an early producer of gilt bronze objects of his time. Only Alfred Beurdeley and Francois Linke were able to achieve a comparable quality in the 19th century. In 1871, he took over the workshop from Charles Guillaume Wickelsen, the most famous cabinet-maker of the Napoleon III era. This also made him one of the most exclusive suppliers in the furniture industry. His works are represented in the most prominent collections and museums. His studio closed in 1894.