Henry Dasson (1825-1896) Refined Pendulum

Elegant clock from the Napoleon III period signed Henry Dasson (1825-1896) presenting a rich ornamentation in finely chiseled and gilded bronze by one of the greatest bronziers, cabinetmakers and watchmakers in Paris in the 19th century, H. Dasson is known for his luxurious furniture reconnecting with neoclassical art, in the Almanach du commerce of 1858 he was first listed as a watchmaker and then as a bronzier in 1865, during the Universal Exhibition of 1878 he presented furniture that made his immense worldwide reputation. Much more than an instrument for measuring time, this clock is also a masterful sculpture, a tribute to the art of the Louis XVI period featuring an allegorical figure of Psyche and Cupid united by garlands of flowers and flanked an Athenian perfume burner decorated with ram's heads, the whole rests on elegant lion claw feet supporting a structure in turquin blue marble sculpted in a curved shape from which rises a Carrara marble bollard or features an enamelled dial surrounded by a frieze painted in Sèvres blue and embellished with delicately openworked 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. Henry Dasson (1825-1896) was one of the most famous Parisian bronze cabinetmakers, his business was located at 106 rue Vieille-du-Temple in Paris. Unlike other cabinetmakers of that time, Dasson began his career as a bronze sculptor, and for this reason by the quality of the carving of his bronzes, he specialized mainly in the production of Louis XVI style furniture and adorned them with the most beautiful ornaments in gilded bronze. In 1871 he purchased the flourishing business and remaining stock of Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen, who had established a reputation for high-quality furniture. Dasson had learned his skills as an engraver with Winckelsen. At the Paris Universal Exhibitions of 1878 and 1889, Dasson exhibited a number of style pieces as well as 18th century pieces he had modified to his own design. Items on display in 1878 included a table made entirely of 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 at this time held a sale of his designs, records of this sale showed that Paul Sormani, Joseph Emmanuel Zweiner, Maison Millet and Beurdeley acquired certain designs from Dasson. Jonathan Meyer illustrates a number of exceptional objects exhibited by Dasson in 1889 in his book on major exhibitions. Bibliography of manufacturers: Camille Mestdagh, Pierre Lévolus (2010): French Art Furnishings: 1850-1900, Editions de l'Amateur. Ledoux-Lebard, Denise (1984), Cabinetmakers of the 19th century; 146-151. 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, Editions de l'Amateur, (Paris), 2010