Henry Dasson (1825-1896) Large Gilt Bronze Clock

Beautiful clock signed Henry Dasson (1825-1896) presenting a rich ornamentation in finely chiseled and gilded bronze depicting an allegorical figure of Psyche and Cupid, warmed by an Athenian incense burner decorated with ram's heads, the whole rests on elegant lion claw feet supporting a structure in sculpted blue turquin marble of curved shape from which rises a Carrara marble terminal or inscribed an enameled dial surrounded by a frieze painted in Sèvres blue, animated by delicately openworked caduceus hands. Good general condition, beautiful gilding, movement to be revised (missing the key). Dimensions: 42 cm high x 37 cm long X 15.5 cm deep.

Renowned cabinetmaker Henry Dasson first made a name for himself as a clockmaker specializing in the manufacture of clocks and as a bronzier. Dating from the mid-19th century, this clock from a private collection combines the craftsman's two favorite fields. He mainly found his inspiration in the Louis XVI style. His work was quickly noticed, as evidenced by the report of the 1878 Universal Exhibition, the first in which he participated: "A newcomer to the industrial career, Henry Dasson quickly created for himself, through the perfection of his works, a very high position which we warmly applaud." Awarded a gold medal, he notably presented a replica of the famous Louis XV cylinder desk, acquired for 90,000 francs by the extremely wealthy Scottish Lady Ashburton, daughter of the 1st Duke of Bassano. Henry Dasson, however, remains a bronzier at heart. His letter addressed in 1881 to the chairman of the board of directors of the Central Union of Fine Arts Applied to Industry proves it: "I could only imperfectly figure in the wood division, being much more of a bronze maker than a furniture maker, because I only make them on the condition that the bronzes that decorate represent the greater part of their value." Combining the excellence of his craftsmanship with the preciousness of his materials, his creations are always sought after. Henry Dasson was one of the most famous Parisian bronze cabinetmakers, his business was located at 106 rue Vieille-du-Temple in Paris. In 1871, he purchased the thriving business and the remaining stock from Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen, who had built a reputation for high-quality furniture. Dasson had learned his trade as a chaser with Winckelsen. At the Paris Expositions Universelles of 1878 and 1889, Dasson exhibited a number of period pieces as well as 18th-century pieces that he had modified to his own design. The objects exhibited in 1878 included a table entirely in gilt bronze, purchased by Lord Dudley, and his copy of the famous King's Desk, sold at the same exhibition to Lady Ashburton. Dasson ceased production in 1894 and held a sale of his designs at that time; records of this sale showed that Paul Sormani, Joseph Emmanuel Zweiner, Maison Millet, and Beurdeley acquired some of Dasson's designs and models. Jonathan Meyer illustrates a number of exceptional objects exhibited by Dasson in 1889 in his book on the great exhibitions. Bibliography of makers: Camille Mestdagh, Pierre Lécoules (2010): L'Ameublement d'art français: 1850-1900, Editions de l'Amateur. Ledoux-Lebard, Denise (1984), Cabinetmakers of the 19th Century; 146 to 151. Meyer, Jonathan (2006), Great Exhibitions - London, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, 1851-1900, Antique Collectors' Club, Woodbridge; p. 269, please. H7, H8, H10: p. 270, pl, H12, Éditions de l'Amateur, (Paris), 2010