Henry Dasson (1825-1896), Louis XV Style Bureau Plat, 1882

Henry Dasson (1825-1896)
Louis XV Style Bureau Plat
Satin Veneer, Gilt Bronze, and Leather
19th Century
1882
Signed and dated on the mold: Henry Dasson 1882
Stamped under the back rail: HENRY DASSON 1882

Impressive Louis XV style bureau plat in satin veneer, decorated with chased and gilt bronze, the rectangular fretwork top covered in leather, the slightly raised apron opening with three drawers framed with acanthus leaves, the curved legs topped with shells and foliage leaves, stamped HENRY DASSON under the back rail and dated 1882, and engraved Henry Dasson 1882 on the mold.

Henri Dasson here masterfully reproduces the model of the famous desk known as the "Abbé Terray's bureau." The desk it is inspired by was made around 1760 by Nicolas Pierre Séverin, whose stamp it bears. This desk has been housed in the Louvre Museum since 1924 (inv. OA 7805). Séverin is primarily known for his restoration of Boulle marquetry, but his own creations, primarily Louis XV, should not be overlooked. Abbé Terray's desk is undoubtedly his masterpiece. The present desk features elements dear to Séverin: the strong fretwork of the top, the harmonious movement of the apron, and the skillful curve of the legs, highlighted by scrolling foliage. Regarding the veneer, Henry Dasson preferred satinwood to Séverin's rosewood, which has a more uniform grain that streamlines the desk's lines.

Henri Dasson acquired his business on rue Vieille-du-Temple in 1871 and specialized in high-quality copies of famous furniture from the previous century, as highlighted in a report from 1878: "A newcomer to the industrial career, Henri Dasson has quickly created for himself through the perfection of his works a very high position which we warmly applaud." Like the Louis XV desk made by Oeben and Riesener, Dasson chose here to reproduce the desk that belonged to Abbé Terray, the last Comptroller General of Finances of Louis XV, who participated in the dismissal of Choiseul.